The Tarlac Heritage Foundation (THF) conferred this year’s winners of Belenismo sa Tarlac under the Grand Municipal, Community, Monumental, Church, and Grand Non-Municipal categories.
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.
THF Co-founder Dr. Isa Cojuangco Suntay 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 Philippine National Police Chief PGen. 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.
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 Francisco 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. (CLJD/TJBM, PIA Region 3- Tarlac)