SM joins Belenismo sa Tarlac
Sshowcases M City Tarlac’s entry to this year’s Belenismo not only a display that pleases the eyes, but a centerpiece that refreshes one’s spirituality.
Taking inspiration from the church—the house of God—the Belen sits on a backdrop of stained glass, reminiscent of the devotion we have as we submit in prayer before the Almighty. The multi-colored panels, 16 feet to 20 feet in height, refract light adding a whole new dimension to the display.
Sourced from discarded stained glass windows of different churches in Luzon, the colorful backdrop was carefully put together. Augmenting some panels and mending broken ones, the Belen made use of one of Tarlac’s main produce— sugar. The melted-thenhardened crystals resulted to faux glass panels.
The Holy Family, the Three Kings, and the angel were swathed in textured fabrics, which added to the appeal of the display. Noteworthy is the sinamay fabric—an indigenous material made from abaca—that was used in the sacred characters’ clothes. The three characters, Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus, were brought to life through robotics, thus, gives life to the display.
Every aspect of the centerpiece was well-thought off. The base of the platform on which the display sits upon was made of more than 3,000 recycled glass bottles, which reflect off the light from the stained glass panels. This artistic alignment of the elements would symbolize the Almighty’s grace casting colors on His creations so that they may shine as a testimony to His greatness.
The platform was wrapped with hundreds green flowers handcrafted from the collected 10,000 pieces of green plastic bottles through the Trash to Cash initiative of the mall. These recycled pieces symbolize the simplicity and humility of Christ when He was born. Green is one of the colors of Divinity—healing, restoration, new beginnings, prosperity, and the Throne Room. The Belen also displays four translations of the “Prayer before the Belen” in English, Filipino, Kapampangan, and Ilocano.
The 32-foot Belen is a grand showcase of the versatility of indigenous materials as well as recycled ones. It is also the tangible testimony of the hard work invested by 30 artistic hands and minds who worked together for a month to deliver this holiday display.
The Belen is open for viewing and photo sessions from November 5, 2018 until the Epiphany of 2019. Through SM City Tarlac’s Belen, may the real spirit of Christmas reign in both spirit and deed of every Tarlaqueño.