Traversing the province of Tarlac during the Yuletide season, you will most likely see a Christmas Nativity Scene displayed in various public places such as the Municipal Hall of Capas, or Tarlac City Hall. You can also see these beautiful works of art in some private institutions in Tarlac.

These wonderful displays are called Belens, and you are inside the Belen Capital of the Philippines.

Why so? Well, Tarlac has great artisans who create masterpieces that illuminate the province during Christmas time, reminding us that it is the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ that we celebrate this festive holiday.

This time-honored tradition of putting up displays of the Nativity Scene is due to the Belenismo sa Tarlac, an annual belen-making competition. This competition showcases the tradition, talent and artistry of the people of Tarlac through their own interpretation of the birth of Jesus Christ.

Belenismo sa Tarlac was launched by Isabel Cojuangco-Suntay, sister of former Ambassador Eduardo Cojuangco Jr., to transform the province into the Belén Capital of the Philippines.

The Belen Festival began in September 2007, with the first Belen-making workshop conducted on 16 December 2007.

Organizers have intended the festival to become an annual event in the province. Senator Loren Legarda led the awarding of the first Belen-making competition where Tarlac PNP Office Belen, built by at least 24 policemen, won the first prize.

Belenismo in Spanish means the art of making Belén, a representation of the Nativity scene in which the Holy Family (Joseph, Mary and the infant Jesus) is visited by the three wise men who came to the manger through the guidance of a star.

Tarlac Heritage Foundation

To ensure that the Belenismo sa Tarlac would continue to flourish, the Tarlac Heritage Foundation (THF) Inc. was tasked to organize the event. Led by co-founder Dr. Isa Cojuangco Suntay, THF has ensured that the event is held this 2024.

The THF is a SEC-registered non-stock, non-profit corporation that was formed on 20 June 2008 by a group of incorporators who were interested in the collection, preservation, and conservation of the heritage resources of the Province of Tarlac.

Suntay said, “The Belenismo sa Tarlac is an annual competition on belen-making that highlights the tradition, artistry and talent of Tarlaqueños in designing and building their unique interpretation of the nativity scene.”

She stressed that it symbolizes unity, creativity and love to those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.

“This year, we celebrate the 17th anniversary of Belenismo sa Tarlac featuring its 62 entries. The art of making belen does not only value craftsmanship, it is also a religious emblem that reflects our goal to foster peace and unity despite our differences,” she said.

For this year, Suntay was joined by PNP Chief Police Gen. Rommel Marbil in awarding the winners of the belen-making competition.

The Municipality of Moncada topped the Grand Municipal Category while the City Government of Tarlac, Municipality of San Manuel and Municipality of Capas shared the second spot. In third place were the municipalities of San Clemente and Ramos.

Under the Grand Non-Municipal Category, the Armed Forces of the Philippines Belen emerged in first place while SM Primeholdings Inc. and Robinsons Land Corporation settled in second and third place, respectively.

For the Monumental Category, The Armor Division Belen and CYG 2 Belen were hailed as first placers; followed by Tarlac Medical Center and TARELCO I in second; and Kamnar Cafe in third spot.

First place

The San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish 2 landed in first place under the Church category, while the second place was a three-way tie among Iglesia Independiente- Mission of Saint Francis of Assisi, St. John Nepomucene Parish, and Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Dapdap. The St. Antoninus Pura Tarlac, Iglesia Filipina Independiente- Parokya ni San Juan Nepomuceno, and St. Michael the Archangel Parish Bamban claimed the third spot.

Lastly, Jollibee Highway, McDonald’s Luisita, Villa Luisa Resort and Barangay Balingcanaway Community bagged the first place under the Community category; trailing behind were Barangay Camangaan East, San Francisc West, San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish 3, McDonald’s Romulo, and Atrium de Tarlac in second place; while Kai’s Fitness Gym and Kr8tive Garage Printing Services Snowflakes joined the roster as third placers.

Suntay said that these Christmas attractions are open to the public, and can be seen in buildings, churches, communities and establishments in the entire province.

Accredited by the Department of Tourism, the Belenismo sa Tarlac is a member of the Federation Española de Belenistas.

Tarlac will always be the Belen Capital of the Philippines, and will continue to do so to remind us that the birth of Jesus Christ is the real reason why we Filipinos celebrate the season.