The scene of Bethlehem is a profound reminder of how Christ chose to be born in poverty and in simplicity. The message of hope which the Belen Museum brings resonates with many people around the world. The Christmas season is celebrated in different ways around the world.
First Belen of Mrs. Gigi Carlos purchased during her high school days in a Catholic Store in Tayuman.
The museum was opened in November 2006 by Mayor Ma. Lourdes C. Fernando aimed to deliver the message of hope the Christ Child brings and our mission in fulfilling our role in this world.
“The mystery of Bethlehem reveals itself in our spirits, becoming more fascinating the more we advance on the path of life, and the more we realize the magnitude of the mission we need to accomplish in this world, be it humble or noble, arduous or thankless.” …. Ma. Lourdes C. Fernando, Mayor, City of Marikina
Mrs. Carmen “Gigi” Carlos, a retired businesswoman and owner of the Belen collection housed in the museum, was requested by Mayor Fernando to lend her Belen collection for exhibit throughout the year. Since the high school days of Mrs. Carlos, her compassionate heart would bring her and some friends to PGH Children’s Ward where they would sing carols and give gifts to the sick children. She started her collection in 1950 showing it only to some relatives and friends.
In 1987, she opened her collection to other guests and would have an Open House in her home from November until March. Her collection of over a hundred belens is made from various materials such as Philippine wood sculptured in Paete, Laguna and in Angono, Baguio silver and filigree, Baguio pine needles, Mt. Pinatubo ash, fiberglass, bamboo, riverstones, jute, Bulacan leather, Angono crochet, Romblon marble stones, resin, clay, ceramics, paper mache, tin and wax. Seen also in her collection are nativity scenes in plates, tapestry, water globes, mother of pearl, canvasses of oil and watercolor.
The Belen
In 1562 the Jesuits put up a crib in Prague which is considered the first crib of the modern kind. The tradition was brought into Spain from Naples during the reign of Charles III of Spain.
Representations of the Nativity go back centuries before St. Francis. Although he did not originate the idea, “it was St. Francis who took old customs and old traditions and handed them on to an expectant world, renewed and bearing the stamp of his genius”. St. Francis popularized the nativity scene. From Italy, the idea spread north across the Alps, moved throughout nearby areas of Europe, and finally came to the United States with German settlers.
A nativity scene, Belen in Spanish, refers to any depiction of the birth or birthplace of Jesus. The Holy Family - Baby Jesus in a manger, St. Joseph and Mother Mary in a barn (or cave) intended to accommodate farm animals. The scene sometimes includes the Magi or Three Wise Men bearing gifts (Gaspar-frankincense, Melchor-gold and Balthazar-myrrh), shepherds and sheep, angels, and the Star of Bethlehem
The Collection: Christmas Around the World back to top
Christmas is the annual celebration of Jesus’ birth. People throughout the world gather around the manger at Christmas time to celebrate the birth of Christ and the message of hope the Christ Child brings. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only son to save us …”
The museum showcases Christ’s birth through different interpretations of his nativity from the Philippines and around the world… Bethlehem, Peru, Russia, Spain, Germany, Africa, Italy, Vietnam, Alaska and more.
In the Philippines Christmas Day is ushered in by the nine-day dawn masses that start on Dec. 16. Known as the Misa de Gallo (Rooster's Mass) in the traditional Spanish, or more popularly known in Tagalog as the Simbang Gabi. Filipino homes and buildings are adorned with beautiful star lanterns, called parol (Span. farol, meaning lantern or lamp). These lanterns represent the Star of Bethlehem that guided the Magi, also known as the Three Wise Men or Three Kings.
Interesting to see in the collection is a Philippine wooden belen from Paete, Laguna. The Belen reveals Filipino culture. Mary is wearing a baro’t saya, Joseph in barong tagalog, the Three Kings represent Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao regions, one is wearing a salakot, the other wearing a G-string Igorot attire. Around them are farm animals, a tindera (seller), and a magsasaka (farmer).
Another Philippine Belen made of bamboo shows St. Joseph in camisa de chino, Mother Mary in baro’t saya, the Three kings as farmers riding on carabaos.
In Bethlehem Christian homes are marked by a cross painted over the door and each home displays a homemade manger scene. A star is set up on a pole in the village square.
Nativity scenes are a strong feature of South American Christmas. In regions with large numbers of Native American descendants, such as Peru, the figures are often hand-carved in a centuries-old style
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In Russia, the tradition of celebrating Christmas has been revived since 1992, after decades of suppression by the communist government. It is centered on the Christmas Eve "Holy Supper", which consists of twelve servings, one to honor each of Jesus' apostles.
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In Germany, Christmas traditions vary by region. In Denmark, Christmas is celebrated on December 24. Swedish Christmas celebrations begin with the first of Advent.
In Spain, people sing and dance in the streets after midnight mass. Most homes and churches display a Nativity scene.
The Christmas season is celebrated in different ways around the world.
Hours 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday - Sunday
Lunch Break 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Closed on Holidays
Admission P30.00 per person
Location V. Gomez Street ,
Barangay Sta. Elena,
Marikina City
Tours and Group Visits For information on special tours and group visits, please call Marikina Cultural, Tourism, Trade and Investment Promotions Office (MCTTIPO) at (632) 646-2360 loc 207/208; (632) 646-3787 (telefax) or email us at : invest@marikina.gov.ph
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