The Joy Of Belenismo

Joy is discovering over and over that God is always with us!

This is the message I received while viewing the magnificent Belenismo 2022, a yearly tradition that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, solemnized in the province of Tarlac. Hailed as the Belen Capital of the Philippines, Tarlac takes pride in creating beautiful belens or nativity scenes to show reverence to the Holy family. The blessed tradition now on its 15th year is carried on by the people of Tarlac out of gratitude to God for the many years He has protected them from the spirit of darkness and despair. He never ceased to show them the light of His love.

Listening to the stories recounted by Dr. Isa Cojuangco Suntay, and her beloved mother Isabel Cojuangco Suntay, the tandem who passionately founded the Belenismo tradition through Tarlac Heritage Foundation, revealed God’s loving miracles through the years. The province was constantly ravaged by natural calamities yet they always survive, receiving God’s graces to miraculously recover and thrive. Their faith in a God who constantly saves them remains unwavering.

Visiting the Belenismo with my sisters is one Advent tradition we always look forward to year after year since 2007. It is a time to pay homage to the infant Jesus, the savior of our World, His Mother Mary who teaches us to say Yes to God and always obey her son, and St. Joseph, the role model of fathers in leading their families to heaven. It is our special time to bond, get away from the noise of the city, take time to gaze with awe and wonder at the 50 creches joyfully put together by each community. We share insights, prayerful reflections while hugging each other, staring up at the lights, in front of the nativity scenes dwelling in the spirit of Christmas.

Thirty-one finalists from 51 entries made of indigenous and recycled materials received recognition from the Tarlac Heritage Foundation. First place winners in the different categories are: Municipalities of Anao, San Clemente, Capas, and Moncada for the Grand Municipal Category; Armed Force of the Philippines and Crescendo for the Grand Non-Municipal Category; Karin De Reah, Baluyut Family, and Armor belens for the Monumental Category; St. Catherine of Alexandria, San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish, and Sto. Niño Parish for Church Category; Taguiporo Giants Association, Alagang I.N.A. for the Community Category.

Among this year’s winners were two standouts, which tugged at our hearts for the messages they conveyed and the interactive features that allowed the children to enjoy the belen. It became a memorable part of their lives making Christmas something to look forward to.

THE ARMOR DIVISION CONFECTIONERY BELEN

This belen is titled “Remembering God’s love at Christmas.” We learned from Isa that the legend of the candy cane shaped in the form of the letter J serves as a reminder of what CHRISTmas is all about – Jesus! In the 18th century when public display of Christianity was banned, a candy maker prayed for a CHRISTMAS gift that could communicate the meaning of CHRISTmas—hence he made the candy cane.

Jesus is the shepherd to his followers therefore the J-shaped candy cane also symbolizes his staff. 

Jesus being our rock, the candy maker chose rock candy. The red stripes symbolize the crucifixion and the blood he shed out of his extravagant love for his children.

THE AFP BELEN

The Armed Forces of the Philippines Belen depicts Christmas through the eyes of a child. It aims to inspire the youth of our generation to pray, hope and dream with God. To learn to reach out, to love like Christ and acknowledge Him with a grateful heart.

This 2022 is an extraordinary year for all of us. We have so much reason to celebrate this advent season with greater joy and thanksgiving. Our fervent prayers have been answered. We are able to rise above the years of pandemic, feel the abundance of love and ever merciful presence of God in our lives.

(The Belenismo sa Tarlac runs until Jan. 6. For more information, please visit their Facebook Page at facebook.com/BelenismoSaTarlac.)