TARLAKENYO (Nov. 8, 2025) – The province of Tarlac has once again transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland of faith and creativity as the 18th Belenismo sa Tarlac officially opened on November 4, cementing its title as the “Belen Capital of the Philippines.”
The annual festival, a highly anticipated event in the Department of Tourism’s calendar, saw the lighting of 52 giant nativity scenes, or Belen, each one a unique testament to the artistry and resourcefulness of the Tarlaqueños. This year’s entries, crafted from recycled and indigenous materials, line the streets, casting a glow that signals the start of the Filipino Christmas season.
Now on its 18th year since its inception in 2007, Belenismo has grown from a small community event into a grand provincial celebration. The competition features five categories: Community, Monumental, Grand Municipal, Church, and Grand Non-Municipal, with participants ranging from local government units and schools to businesses, churches, and private homes.
Dr. Isa Suntay, Co-Founder of the Tarlac Heritage Foundation, which organizes the event alongside the San Miguel Corporation, expressed her gratitude for the widespread support.
“Started in 2007, so this is our 18th year. Maraming salamat sa suporta ninyo,” Dr. Suntay said. “Nababalita sa buong mundo ang Belenismo nang dahil sa pagtangkilik ng media dito sa lalawigan ng Tarlac.”
She emphasized the core message of the festival: “Sa belenismo po, isinasalarawan namin ang artistry ng bawat Tarlaqueño, ang diwa ng Pasko… at ang kahalagahan ng simpleng kapanganakan ni Kristo sa sabsaban. Yan po ang diwa ng belenismo.”
Among the notable participants this year is the municipality of Bamban. Mayor Jose Salting Jr. shared his joy in finally joining the celebration. “Natupad na rin ang pangarap ng isang bayan ng Bamban na magkaka-belenismo,” he stated, promising to strengthen their participation in the years to come. Their vibrant Belen features two birds, symbolizing the town’s resilience through recent challenges.
A major highlight and a Hall of Fame awardee in the Grand Non-Municipal category is the entry from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Inspired by a whimsical hobbit house paired with a bell tower, the design captures the attention of all visitors.
Master Sergeant Arci Bulacan of the AFP Northern Luzon Command explained the symbolism: the bell tower represents the integrity and sovereignty upheld by Filipino soldiers. He shared that the entry was crafted to offer both inspiration and visual delight to the public.
Organizers hope that, as Dr. Suntay put it, “Sa gitna ng pagsubok at unos, nawa’y magsilbing liwanag at inspirasyon ang Belenismo para sa bawat Pilipinong patuloy na lumalaban at bumabangon.”
As the lights of these 52 Belen continue to shine across Tarlac, they do more than just decorate the province. They illuminate a rich cultural heritage, a deep-seated faith, and the timeless message of hope and rebirth—the true emblems of a Filipino Christmas.
