TARLAC CITY, Tarlac (December 3, 2024) — The Tarlac Heritage Foundation (THF) has announced the winners of this year’s Belenismo sa Tarlac, an annual competition that showcases the creativity and artistry of Tarlaqueños in crafting nativity scenes.
This year marks the 17th anniversary of the event, featuring 62 stunning entries under various categories: Grand Municipal, Community, Monumental, Church, and Grand Non-Municipal.
Dr. Isa Cojuangco Suntay, co-founder of THF, highlighted the tradition’s deeper significance.
“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,” Suntay said.
Philippine National Police Chief PGen. Rommel Marbil joined Suntay in awarding this year’s winners.
Winners by Category
Grand Municipal Category:
1st Place – Municipality of Moncada
2nd Place – City Government of Tarlac, Municipality of San Manuel, Municipality of Capas
3rd Place – Municipalities of San Clemente and Ramos
Grand Non-Municipal Category:
1st Place – Armed Forces of the Philippines Belen
2nd Place – SM Primeholdings Inc.
3rd Place – Robinsons Land Corporation
Monumental Category:
1st Place – The Armor Division Belen and CYG 2 Belen
2nd Place – Tarlac Medical Center and TARELCO I
3rd Place – Kamnar Café
Church Category:
1st Place – San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish 2
2nd Place (Tie) – Iglesia Independiente-Mission of Saint Francis of Assisi, St. John Nepomucene Parish, and Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Dapdap
3rd Place – St. Antoninus Pura Tarlac, Iglesia Filipina Independiente-Parokya ni San Juan Nepomuceno, and St. Michael the Archangel Parish Bamban
Community Category:
1st Place – Jollibee Highway, McDonald’s Luisita, Villa Luisa Resort, and Barangay Balingcanaway Community
2nd Place – Barangay Camangaan East, San Francisco West, San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish 3, McDonald’s Romulo, and Atrium de Tarlac
3rd Place – Kai’s Fitness Gym and Kr8tive Garage Printing Services Snowflakes
Suntay emphasized that these artistic displays, open to the public, are located in various buildings, churches, communities, and establishments throughout Tarlac province.
Accredited by the Department of Tourism, Belenismo sa Tarlac is a proud member of the Federación Española de Belenistas, further solidifying its reputation as a significant cultural event.
