Finding Jesus in 42 belens in Tarlac

“Giving, loving and sharing define what Christmas is for all of us in Christendom. This is the message of love that engulfs every belen on display in the province of Tarlac today,” says Dr. Isa Cojuangco Suntay, a proud Tarlaqueño and originator of the annual belen-making tradition called the Belenismo.

The significance of this event is recognized by many who have participated in the past eight years since it began. Communities make time to reflect and bond together to produce their own belens thus igniting the deep spirit of Christmas. Natural materials indigenous to their area as well as recyclables are used to create a Holy Family scene.

The purpose of the Belenismo is simple yet powerful. Isa’s personal advocacy is to encourage and inspire all families to come together in prayer. For this reason, my sisters Christine, Yvonne and I look forward to this meaningful tradition. We call it our Advent pilgrimage since each belen is a unique prayer straight from the hearts of those who created them.

This year’s panel of judges had a hard time picking out their favored ones from 42 entries. Here are the top nine belens with relevant messages to ponder on.

1. The AFP Belen. As the nation’s protector of our sovereign territory, the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Camp General Servillano Aquino took on a new role as environmental and ecological warriors. In the middle of their belen in Tarlac City lies a giant pearl. The men and women who made this belen wish to remind us that the quality of our lives depends on how we take care of our environment. This is their prayerful message to help protect God’s creation.

2. The San Clemente Belen. This belen reflects peace amidst diversity. Since peace is something the world aspires for, the municipality of San Clemente staged a belen to remind people that the key to attaining peace is humility, understanding and respect. May their prayers to build a better, more peaceful world overflowing with love, forgiveness and compassion be answered.

3. Alice de Vera’s Belen sa Bukid. Here is a refreshing arrangement created by a team of household staff, gardeners and security guards under the supervision of Ramon Manebo with Alice de Vera, a resident of the town of Victoria, using grass, vegetables, plants and lights to show us that the spirit of Christmas is everywhere!

4. The St. Francis of Assisi Parish Belen. This crèche is inspired by the Arc de Triomphe and produced by the convent staff using flour cloth, rattan, dried guava tree branches, under the watchful eye of Fr. Christopher Lozano. “It is a symbol of security and triumph built by our solid faith in the Lord, our protector,” said Fr. Lozano.

5. The Sto. Cristo Parish Belen. The focal point of this belen designed by Rev. Father Jonathan Ovivir is the Holy Family. The Child Jesus and His parents are welcoming us into their family with great joy. The mood is festive; the colors are bright. All details are symbols of life as the parishioners believe that God is the source of all life.

6. Rizzel Ann Lanoria’s Belen by the Stream. Rizzel Ann Lanoria, a resident of Pura, declares through this belen, “We are one Christian family and we yearn for peace and unity. We believe that all Christians including our Muslim brothers and sisters are one family in the loving eyes of God.” The entire Lanoria clan gathered empty soft-drink cans, bottles, dried leaves and bamboo to produce a unique belen.

7. The St. Joseph’s Parish Belen. This belen, created by altar servers and lay faithful, brings the message inspired by Luke 2:10. “The angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds and said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, I am here to give you good news, great joy for all the people. Today a Savior has been born to you. Glory to God in the highest and Peace on earth to those whom God loves’.”

8. Nay’s House Belen. Nay’s House Belen. Ima Ninay Baron is proud of her family led by daughter Josephine Baron Sawit who runs a restaurant named after Ninay that serves the most delicious dishes that patrons keep coming back for in Tarlac City. The ambience of this ancestral house is most welcoming, too. “Our belen message is inspired by our mother who inculcated a deep love for family. It is our hope that everyone who comes to Nay’s House and views our belen will realize that the backbone of our society rests in the strength and preservation of the family! May the humble birth of Jesus remain in our hearts, minds and deeds not just at Christmas but all year through just as our Ima taught her children and grandchildren,” says Josephine.

9. Samahan sa Pura Belen. Farming is the main livelihood of the people of Pura. This is why they chose to use corn, bamboo and rice sacks to make their belen. This entry depicts the story of a young couple, traveling on a kalesa from out of town and seeking shelter, who was attracted to this belen. They got down on their knees and after praying felt a great calmness surround them so they chose to settle down in Pura. No doubt it was the loving presence of our Lord Jesus that they felt.

Congratulations to the Belenismo participants in Tarlac. A blessed Christmas to everyone!

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