MEDIUM RARE 

When Dr. Isa Cojuangco Suntay and her mom and namesake, Isabel Cojuangco Suntay, declare the Belenismo season open in Tarlac, that’s the signal for the spirit of Christmas to descend not only on Tarlac but also the rest of our provinces. Belenismo, mismo!

The Belenismo tradition began in 2007 and since then has become a national obsession of sorts, but nobody does it better than the Suntays’ Tarlac Heritage Foundation. Not only have they had plenty of practice, but the celebration just grows bigger and more colorful each year – 62 entries this year. My only regret is that we outsiders and tourists have to wait ‘til sunset and nightfall before we can appreciate the full glory of the nativity scene, when its artistic, modernday replicas are lighted up in their full multicolored glory.

The “belen” – from Bethlehem, where the Baby Jesus was born in a stable under the light of a star – is the best and most fitting symbol of Christmas, not the festively decorated tree with its ornaments, because, what is Christmas without Christ? From another practical, modern point of view, Belenismo is relevant because it advocates the use of recycled and recyclable materials, from throw-away plastic spoons and forks to cola crowns and empty bottles to what-have-you, just ask the junk shop owner.

“Belen” also happens to be a girl’s name, and I have at least one friend by that name. Not only is she a friend, we go back centuries as classmates in the university where every Christmas, a huge “belen” is installed on the football field right outside the chapel amid music, pomp and some pageantry.

As it happens, Belen L. Pacheco happens to be the most religious of my friends. She belongs to a group of volunteers who help the poor and teach the faith to their children, among other services. A couple weeks ago, Belen and her husband Ber celebrated their golden wedding anniversary.

Going back to Belenismo, the prizes for the best showcases just keep growing, and according to Dr. Isa, whenever there’s a tie, the two winners don’t split the cash prize; instead, the full prize is given to each of them.   

It shouldn’t be long before Belenismo becomes a national tourism attraction, mismo!