The spirit of Bethlehem reawakens with 1000 belens

(From left) Ar. Eli Aguilar, who created the museum; Gigi Carlos, owner of the collection; and Fr. Vic de Jesus, SJ

In 1952, a young girl fell in love with a plastic belen from the Catholic Trade School in Tayuman.

For her, the belen symbolized the essence of Christmas—humility, sweet child, visitors one would not expect at the birth of a king, all wrapped in a cocoon of love. Her first belen kindled a lifelong passion that has since snowballed into an epic collection now on display at Riverbanks in Marikina City. Here, more than 1,000 belens are housed in a massive hall, filling the heart of anyone who sees them with peace and joy.

Visiting this collection is a beautiful way to imbibe the essence of Christmas and introduce the family and children to the meaning of Jesus’ birth

Gigi Abaya-Carlos said her passion for collecting belens was prompted by the Holy Spirit. That is believable, as, while everybody else fills their homes with garlands, parols, lights and Santa Claus, Carlos festoons hers with Nativity scenes. She believes belens embody the true spirit of Christmas—a humble manger on one solemn night, with a precious family.

Carlos’ collection came from virtually every corner of the world, with belens made from a medley of materials—expected and unusual. The exquisite collection ranges from Lladro and Swarowski sets to genuinely Filipino belens of coconut husks and river stones. Her travels often ended with a new belen in her suitcase. Many were also gifts, gestures of friendship and love.

Carlos’ collection came from virtually every corner of the world, with the belens made from a medley of materials

A breathtaking melange

Essentially, the exhibit showcases varied interpretations of the manger in a breathtaking melange of different cultures, countries, and creative styles. Also on exhibit are paintings, mostly of Madonna and Child themes, including works by the late former president Corazon Aquino, and painter-teacher Fernando Sena.

Over the years, Carlos’ collection began taking over her entire home. And so for many friends, family members, and guests, visiting the Carlos home every Christmas eventually became a tradition. The rooftop belen, the 6-foot figurines in the garden, and the miniature collections scattered all over the house all essayed the true meaning of Christmas.

In 2013, Riverbanks offered Carlos a space where she can share her collection with the public. She jumped at the opportunity. This was probably what the Holy Spirit wanted of her––to share the true magic of that silent night. It was then that the belen collection found a new home.

The museum was created by Ar. Eli Aguilar in such a way that it can pay tribute to the immense collection, entitled “Spirit of Bethlehem”, ensuring that each piece was displayed prominently. It, however, had to be closed during the last two years because of the pandemic.

A reopening Fortunately this year, Carlos’ “Spirit of Bethlehem” opened its doors to the public once again. Just as the belen represents family, the Carloses feel that the exhibit is also an invite to their family and home. These are the same belens they were surrounded with growing up. The very first plastic belen is also on display, in a place of honor.

The exhibit, which officially reopened on Nov. 27, can be viewed from Friday to Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visiting this collection is a beautiful way to imbibe the essence of Christmas and introduce the family and children to the meaning of Jesus’ birth. A trip to the museum after mass at Riverbanks will add to a meaningful family Sunday outing. After all, Christmas is really about family.