PANIQUI, TARLAC—Arnold “Apple” Ballesca beamed proudly as a stream of people came out on Saturday to watch the giant “belen” (Nativity scene) that he helped build on the front lawn of the town hall here. In Anao town, for instance, the giant belen showed Baby Jesus lying on giant petals of ylang-ylang in a dome-shaped farmhouse. In Tarlac City, Mayor Maria Cristina Angeles decided to use water lilies, which abound in the city, for its belen. Showcasing Tarlac residents’ artistry and creativity should not make people forget the spiritual nature of the Nativity, said Tarlac Bishop Enrique Macaraeg. “The Nativity scene should remind Christians of the Holy Family and strengthen their faith in God,” he said.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer November 13, 2016 18:35 UTC