Find the best belens in Tarlac

MANILA, Philippines - The best belens (créches or nativity scenes) in the province of Tarlac will be revealed on Saturday, Nov. 28 during the awards night of the 8th Belenismo sa Tarlac – The Art of Making Belen competition organized by the Tarlac Heritage Foundation.

Founder Isa Cojuangco-Suntay together with media personalities and guest judges recently toured different Tarlac municipalities to personally see the marvelous and uniquely themed belens that made it to the finals. A total of 27 belens were chosen as finalists out of 42 entries and these will be judged in four categories – community, monumental, church and grand. The belens are made mostly of recycled materials in order to create awareness on recycling and saving the environment to build a sustainable future.

“Belenismo helps Tarlaqueños and visitors reflect on the birth of Jesus through prayers. It also motivates Tarlaqueños from all walks of life towards the spirit of bayanihan and finding the strength to build beautiful belens to celebrate the Christmas season even if Typhoon Lando struck the province recently,” said Suntay. “I invite everyone to come and visit Tarlac, especially at night, and witness the beautiful belens handcrafted by Tarlaqueños all over the province.” The belens will be on display until Jan. 6, 2016.

Belenismo sa Tarlac is a yearly province-wide competition that started in 2007. These beautiful and unique belens adorn the streets, malls, plaza, churches and establishments in the different municipalities of the province. The belens are best viewed at night when their bright and colorful lights are lit. Belenismo sa Tarlac preserves the art of traditional belen-making during Christmastime while promoting Tarlac City as one of the best tourist destinations in the country and the “Belen Capital of the Philippines.”