The 2019 UA&P Belens - Universitas

The annual Belen-making competition of UA&P is now on its 11^thyear, and the academic and administrative units have proven once more that their creativity never runs dry, what with the record-breaking 18 Belens on display! So drop by UA&P until January 6, 2020 and pick your personal favorites. Who knows? You might get some inspiration from these Belens to try in your own Nativity scene display at home.

This year’s competition centers on the following theme (as interpreted by each unit in the message displays beside each Belen):

Masdan natin ang sinag ng tala

Sa tapat ng belen

Bayan ng ating Birheng dangal

At sumilang doon ang sanggol na mahal

Mananakop ng buong katauhan.”

(ref. Diwa ng Pasko by the University of the Philippines Madrigal Singers)

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES (1st place*)

Portrayed in the upper half of a rhombus stack of hollow tubes are scenes depicting the birth of Jesus Christ. The lower half depicts how people can bring the message of Christ’s love to other people.

SCHOOL OF SCIENCES AND ENGINEERING (2nd place)

The SSE Belen makes use of an optical illusion known as catoptric or mirror anamorphosis, where a cylindrical mirror is used to reconstruct the distorted image depicted on a two-dimensional plane. “What was once a convoluted scenery in the world takes on a new shape and is transformed into a wonderful reality when pondered in the light of the Divine presence,” says SSE.

CHAPLAINCY (3rd place)

The “Light” star symbolizes the great light that illuminates our lives: Christ. The “Hope” star “keeps us striding toward difficult but possible goods”. The “Wisdom” star reminds us to ask for the gift “to direct our intellect and see the will of God in every decisions in our life.” The “Unity” star represents Unitas, the University motto, which reminds us of our desire to achieve unity of life. The “Dreams” star represents the dreams of the University for the next 50 years of UA&P.

SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS

SEC encourages us not to lose hope, even if the forces of darkness seem to overpower us. The Star of Bethlehem will lead us to the Messiah, the source of eternal light and salvation.

The issues mankind face are depicted in the tumbler pillars.

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

“By putting ourselves in the scene of His birth,” SED explains, “we aspire to commemorate this holy event and make it completely present in our lives. By viewing our humble depiction of the Lord’s nativity scene, we pray that His kingdom may truly penetrate our miserable hearts.”

SCHOOL OF LAW AND GOVERNANCE

“Gamit ang kawayan, palay, at anahaw,” says SLG, “ang pagsasalarawang ito ang pagkilala namin sa saya at pag-asang dala ng Kapanganakan ng ating Poong Maykapal, kasama si San Jose at ang ating Mahal na Ina.”

SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT

SMN compares the Star of Bethlehem to a lighthouse, which gives hope to storm-ravaged ships. “Like a lighthouse that is on day-in and day-out,” they said, “may we be reminded that CHRIST too is always ON, 24/7.”

ASSETS AND FACILITIES MANAGEMENT GROUP

AFM tells us to follow the star in order to find Jesus. “There with Him, we find joy and love, which we must spread this Christmas.”

CENTER FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS

The CSA Belen invites us to “’contemplate the star’ in our daily lives by doing random acts of kindness and bringing hope to others.”

CENTER FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

The CSR Belen shows “a Christmas centered not just on the human species, but on every living being on the surface of our only home – the Planet Earth.” The four sections of their Belen represent four of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals: poverty, development, ocean, and forest.

EXECUTIVE OFFICE, DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, and CORPORATE PLANNING AND REVIEW UNIT

The star lights each Filipino home as they prepare once again for the birth of the Savior. “In the background is the quiet, unassuming, but constant presence of Our Lady, who mantle affords us with divine protection.”

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND REPORTING GROUP

FMR invites us to rejoice in the birth of Jesus.

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT OFFICE

“Ang tunay na diwa ng Pasko ay ang pag-alaala sa pagdating at pagsilang ni HesuKristo. Ang pagsasabuhay ng diwa ng Pasko ang nagbibigay ng tunay na pag-ibig, kagalakan, at makbuluhang kulay ng buhay.”

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES OFFICE

Three panels showing unity in different contexts (Christmas Eve feast, relief efforts, and the UA&P community) rotate around the Holy Family. “This depicts the idea that when Christ is at the center of what we do, much good can be accomplished.”

UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

“The map of the Philippines represents the unity of the Filipino people in celebrating the Spirit of Christmas despite cultural differences, political beliefs, conflicts, environmental issues, and economic challenges.”

OFFICE OF ALUMNI AFFAIRS

The three houses represent the major islands of the Philippines. Mama Mary leads our beloved country to the Savior of the world.

REGISTRAR’S OFFICE and QUALITY ASSURANCE OFFICE

“Ang sinag ng tala ay liwanag na nagpapaalala sa buong katauhan kung gaano tayo kamahal ni Hesus at ang tangi nating alay ay ang pagkakaroon natin ng busilak na puso at kalooban.” The Belen includes a depiction of the Eucharistic Procession in UA&P grounds.

RESERVATIONS, HOUSEKEEPING & CONCESSIONAIRES

RHC made use of corn husks—an inexpensive, versatile, and interesting craft material—in giving shape to the essential Belen figures. “Christmas is a season of enjoying the simple things that make life beautiful,” RHC says.

Mother to all these Belen entries, however, is the 15-foot Nativity scene at the Sancta Maria Stella Orientis Oratory put up on December 7 by the same group of people, led by former UA&P president Dr. Jose Maria Mariano, who have been furnishing the oratory with a Belen for 16 years now.