15 January 2014 - The Philippine Embassy in Italy was awarded the Special Prize for the Foreign Nativity Scene Category at the recently concluded 38th Edition of the International Exhibition “100 Presepi.” The winning entry, which was created by Mr. Albert L. Dancel, was donated by the Tarlac Heritage Foundation headed by Ms. Isabel Cojuangco-Suntay. The Philippine entry was given the following description by the esteemed judges of the competition:

“The Nativity scene is developed in a magic, imaginary setting, made of lights and colors that recall the different souls of this people: the truly indigenous one, the one connected with the colonization, and the one belonging to the aristocracy.

The finely worked varnished bamboo gives a magnificent aura to the scene through the reflection of the lights.

Each detail, from the textile to the furniture, reveals a deep knowledge of the folkloristic art and culture.”

The Philippine belen was exhibited along with around 100 presepi or crèches at the prestigious Santa Maria del Popolo from November 28, 2013 to January 6, 2014 organized by the Office of the President of the Italian Republic, Italian Episcopal Conference, Italian Senate and Chamber of Deputies Ministry of National Heritage and Culture and Roma Capitale. END