10/11/2023
B A N N A W A G
Every sunset brings the promise of a new dawn.
And at every breaking of dawn, a light shall illuminate towards a new story.
A story of happiness, a story of a new beginning, a story of hope.
This Belen that stands erect before you is your story. More than the amazement
brought by its grandiosity, by standing here and knowing what it symbolizes, you will
have a profound feeling of connection.
The official entry of the Municipality of Ramos to the 2023 Belenismo sa Tarlac -
Grand Municipal Category is inspired by the time of the day that marks the
beginning of twilight before sunrise - Dawn in English; Bukang-liwayway in Filipino;
and in our dialect, Ilokano - Bannawag. The theme of this belen is very timely and
truly relevant to all of us who, amidst the intricate course of our lives, endeavor not
to lose passion for renewal, transformation, improvement,
and most importantly, hope.
The RISING SUN (back drop) - “But for you who fear My name, the sun of
righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip about
like calves from the stall” - Malachi 4:2.
Who is referred as the Sun of righteousness is the Son of righteousness, our Savior,
Jesus Christ. As we all anticipate each new day that is coming in our lives, we also
wait for His coming. To shed us light and to give us hope. The rising sun - burning like
an oven, when all the arrogant and evil doers will be stubble. A sign that says that
the day that is coming shall set them ablaze, says the Lord of hosts, that will leave
them neither root nor branch. It’s a picture of judgment coming upon all those who
have sinned against God and not trusted in the salvation of God.
This symbol reminds and leads us of four things: That We Will Be Healed,
That We Should Trust in Jesus, To Pray For the Salvation of Others, and To Praise
Jesus.
All who turn from sin and trust in Christ now know Jesus as their righteousness
before God. We anticipate the day when we will fully and finally experience healing
in His wings. All of our pains, soon, will be healed. We just have to trust in Him.
As we heal, we learn to pray for the salvation of others and give praise to Him.
We just have to wait for the rising of the Sun of Righteousness, the Son of
Righteousness.
The HAND OF GOD (centerpiece) - “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only
Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” - John 3:16
This symbol shows us the core of Christianity: that God loved the world enough to
come as Jesus, and to die for us, so that anyone
who trusts in Him will be saved from sin.
The NINE (9) RAYS OF THE SUN - Represent the 9 Barangays of our humble town:
Coral-Iloco, Guiteb, Pance, Poblacion Center, Poblacion North, Poblacion South,
San Juan, San Raymundo, and Toledo. Carrying the hopes of receiving His blessings
through His Son, as one Municipality, we all come together as one in faith.
Praying for a more progressive government that will serve its people –
the Ramosenians.
The FOUR (4) ILOKANO WORDS: NAMNAMA (Hope), AYAT (Love), RAGSAK (Joy),
and KAPPIA (Peace) - “…Just then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the
glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to
them, “Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be
for all the people: Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is
Christ the Lord!” -Luke 2:9-11
It is during this time of the year that as we prepare ourselves for the birth of Jesus,
we also remember the importance of these words.
As we gaze upon the Belen, remember this:
Oftentimes, our troublesome life leads us to moments of despair,
and that we only wait for a new dawn light to end this darkness.
God promised us of new beginnings, new hope.
A fresh start in hope of getting health, wealth, prosperity and peace.
As we anticipate for this, may we put our faith that the bannawag we so prepare
ourselves for, is our hope, and this is His coming.
The coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Ni CRISTO iti BANNAWAG tayo.
Vamos a Belen, Vamos a Ramos!
Naragsac a Pascua!
The main materials that the creative hands behind the construction of this Belen
used: bamboo, old plastic bottles, bottle crowns (tanzan), weaved banig strips, jute
sacks, jute strings, and abaniko salakot.
Concept and ideas of; Rhenz A. Macaraeg and Noelson Valdez