Belenismo Belen 3: Tarlac SSS Office

The Social Security Service (SSS) Tarlac City Branch hoisted its 7-character Nativitiy scene. Compared to the other two featured belens of Nay's Haus and Diwa ng Tarlac, this one is composed of the main nativity characters with the main colors of colors of Chrismas. Yet, in another showing of innovation and ingeniuty, the belen is made up of collage that made the figures quite distorted. At the first glance, it seems that Joseph, Mary, 3 kings and the angel are all headless. A close look will reveal that the faceless heads are somewhat inclined backwards. There might be some significance for the design but I leave that the expert interpreters.

The main belen is surrounded by the official red Belenismo tarpaulin on the left, yellow lanterns on the top and an inscription entitled "Prayer to the Belen" on the right. The stage is covered with blue and red clothes that appears to be a Philppine flag. For me, the Tarlac SSS Belen strays away from the traditional belen design norms and created its own distinct and creative rendition.

My rating: 8.5/10. Unconventional, full of symbols and gleeful