LOOK: Belen Entry of AFP NOLCOM Symbolized "In Peace of Marawi City"

A sterling component of Belenismo sa Tarlac is the fact it showed the artistic genius of the Filipinos regardless of their social status.

#TTKK Featured Blog by: Ma. Era Cecilia Nunag

Photo by: Mheiy Velasquez Sotrina

ONE of the prominent symbols in celebrating Christmas in the Philippines is the Belen, the Nativity Scene. Derived from the Spanish name for Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, the Belen has been carrying the message of love, mercy and humility of Christ to Filipinos.

However, the parol (lantern), the Belen has become a permanent fixture in homes, churches, schools and even office buildings during the Christmas season.

Tarlac has become the “Belen Capital of the Philippines,” mainly from the efforts of the mother-and-daughter tandem of Doña Isabel Cojuangco and Dr. Isabel Cojuangco-Suntay, chairman of the Tarlac Heritage Foundation.

Although its a competition to showcase the different designs of the Belen, the atmosphere is friendly and vibrant as Tarlaqueños join to promote the spirit of Christmas and build up Tarlac’s stature as a place with rich historical heritage.

The Belen-making competition, which started in 2007, is one of the major festival of Tarlac. This year’s edition has hundred plus entries from 17 different areas of the province.

One of the highlights of the competition was the touring of the judges accompanied by the media, soldiers and the Tarlac Heritage Foundation officials. The judges went to see all the entries and they all concurred that the participants put their best foot forward to create a good first impression.

Moreover, the entry of AFP-Nolcom, called "In Peace of Marawi City", has attracted a lot of visitors both local and foreign for its magnificent design.

This stuff of "Marawi City" made by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (Northern Luzon Command) was featured in GMA News on November, 6 2017. Back to back Grand Champion for past 3 years for (Non-Municipal Category).

Look the details here: