As early as September, Filipinos anticipate and prepare for the arrival of Christmas.
In Tarlac, a tradition known as “Belenismo sa Tarlac” unites the province in creating nativity scenes that symbolize both the season and the faith of the residents.
This year, as the Belenismo reached its eighteenth year, an unexpected event occurred.
Super Typhoon Uwan struck Tarlac, destroying some of the entries.
Unfazed, participants rebuilt the damaged displays with renewed spirit, proof that with hope and determination, anything is possible.
Symbol of Hope
By November, each belen and their story finally came alive as the festivities started.
Tarlac Heritage Foundation co-founder Isa Cojuangco Suntay shared that this edition reflected hope and unity, proving no storm could stop Tarlaqueños from honoring the birth of Jesus Christ.
She added that its essence is not only for the province but throughout the country.
“Ang belenismo ay nagiging tulay upang tayo ay magkaisa bilang isang bayan habang pinapanday ang isang progresibo at nagkakaisang Pilipinas (Belenismo served as a bridge that united us while shaping a progressive and united Philippines),” Suntay said.
Picture of Hope
Standing out among all the entries with their fascinating belens, cheerful presentations, and unique stories and artistry, a total of 29 finalists vied for the top prizes.
In the Grand Municipal category, the municipalities of Pura and Moncada clinched first place. The towns of Bamban and Ramos came in second, while Mayantoc celebrated as the third placer.
Meanwhile, the Hall of Famer Armed Forces of the Philippines remained undefeated in the Grand Non-Municipal category. Joining them was SM Prime Holdings Incorporated, which was awarded second place.
It was also a win for Jollibee Tarlac Highway, Villa Ma. Luisa Palm Garden Resort, and San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish as they received the first place award in the Community category.
Jollibee Paniqui, Villa Vyan Resort, and Kr8tive Garage Printing took the second place, while McDonald’s Highway, Almaville Subdivision, McDonald’s Romulo, Tarlac Agricultural University, McDonald’s Luisita, Barangay San Francisco West, and Barangay San Julian were announced as the third placers.
For the Monumental category, CYG2 and the Armor Division of the Philippine Army won first place, followed by the Tarlac Medical Center in second, and McDonald’s Motorway and McDonald’s Gerona in third.
Lastly, San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish, Sto. Niño Parish Bamban, St. John Nepomucene Parish, and St. Michael the Archangel Bamban all celebrated their wins in the Church category.
Dome of Hope
This year’s edition of Belenismo speaks more about the idea of growing hope despite uncertainties.
SM Prime Holdings Incorporated wowed the judges and spectators as they presented their Belenismo piece known as the Dome of Hope.
Rising 32 feet wide, the bamboo dome, crafted from indigenous and repurposed material, glows warmly evoking the tender embrace of a mother.
An embrace that feels nurturing, protective, and filled with light, like an encouragement to continue hoping that somewhere in dark, challenging times, a ray of light will soon emerge.
The structure also embodied craftsmanship and care for the environment as they utilized bamboo draped in fabric made from recycled materials to build the dome.
The story, the message, the materials, and the dome itself reflected how SM Prime Holdings Incorporated embodies faith, unity, and the warmth of the Christmas season.
This year’s belen entries showcased different stories, styles, and materials, made by people of different groups yet one thing ties them all together. It is the strong hope each of them carries.
Some were beginners, while others faced challenges, like the devastation of a typhoon. Still, none gave up. Because within them burns a hope that goes beyond winning or being part of the Belenismo tradition. It is a hope to bring joy, warmth, and the true spirit of Christmas to their communities through their belens. (CLJD/AJRR, PIA Region 3-Tarlac)
