For the very first time since it started in 2005, the afternoon sun smiled on the opening day of the third “PASKUHAN SA SARIAYA (BELEN FESTIVAL)” last Saturday, December 15, 2007. Since its inception by the Sariaya Tourism Council (STC) two Christmases ago, it has brought a different kind of cheer in the acknowledged face of the town, the Rizal Park, which was turned into a wonderful attraction not only for the locals but the wandering visitors and passing motorists as well. While heralding the true spirit of Christmas through the Nativity Scene, the life – size Belens made of indigenous materials effectively showcased the inherent artistic gifts and resourcefulness of the townspeople.

True to its dream of extending the Sariayahin Christmas cheer into our neighboring communities as well, the STC for this year opened the Belen – making contest to other towns in the province like Dolores, San Antonio, Tiaong, Candelaria, Pagbilao, Lucban, and the cities of Tayabas and Lucena. Three of them namely Pagbilao, Candelaria and Dolores sent entry forms but it is only Pagbilao, represented by the “Silangang Nayon Park and Restaurant, which was able to make it to the Belen – making competitions. The official entries according to the draw lots method done last December 11, 2007 were as follows:

1. CONCEPCION IBABA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
2. ANGKAN NG BRUNIO
3. TRIPLE – G BALUBAL
4. CANDELARIA ( was not able to send an entry )
5. QUEJANO’S BOUTIQUE
6. JC FARMS CONCEPCION PALASAN
7. SILANGANG NAYON PARK AND RESTAURANT
8. DOLORES ( was not able to send an entry )
9. CRISTINA’S GOWNS SHOP

The program started at 3:30 in the afternoon with a Doxology dance number by two female students of the St. Joseph’s Academy, followed by the Philippine National Anthem interpretative dance of the Canda National High School Cultural Group. The Lupang Hinirang was then played by the Dream Band under the supervision of Band Master Mr. Dick Maranan. Thereafter, the cutting of the ceremonial ribbon was performed by STC Vice President Benjamin Lozano who represented Mayor Rosauro V. Masilang, together with Pagbilao Tourism Officer Mr. Sonny Ayapana. STC President Rev. Fr. Andrew S. Hernandez then blessed the participating Belens individually and gave the inspirational talk.

The next number would have been a contemporary Christmas – inspired medley of dances by the cute, graceful and agile little girls from the Sariaya East Central School (SECS) in their Santa – inspired costumes, if not for their CD’s incompatibility with the CD Player, so the multi – awarded SECS Rondalla in their cute purple costumes were made to perform first. Program Emcee Mr. Ricardo M. Sumague then read the criteria for judging the Belens and then, introduced the three judges namely, the young freelance Interior Designer, teacher and contributor Ms. Nicola Berbano of Fairview Quezon City, Southern Luzon State University Instructor as well as erstwhile Product Designer and Design Trainor Ms. Ma. Teresita P. Hutalla of Lucban, Quezon, and Tayabas City Tourism, Culture and Arts Officer Mr. Gener Buncayo Abordo. Earlier, co emcee Miss Tabernilla of Canda National High School traced the beginnings of the Paskuhan Sa Sariaya.

A slight drizzle fell but such did not deter the SECS dancing angels from doing their gracefully choreographed number courtesy of their good mentor Mr. Benilda Obordo – Quejano, who even kindly, went back home just to get her very own CD Player for the purpose. A refreshment of sandwiches and soft drinks were handed to all the performers right after their respective numbers.

Thereafter, the judging started and people milled around the beautifully – lit Belens throughout the important proceedings, some doing their very own judging themselves. After doing their tasks, the three judges did their tabulations and deliberations at the Sariaya Tourism Council “Pundohan” , a tent put up near the flagpole and the Belen entry of Concepcion Palasan Elementary School, at the southern half of the venue. The results were then immediately sealed in their respective envelopes, and put away to be opened for the awarding of winners on the night of December 23, 2007, as was done for the past two years. Only the judges know who will win the respective First ( P50, 000 ), Second ( P30, 000 ), Third ( P20, 000 ) and Consolation prizes. They were then served delicious “Hotia” and Empanada of Treat Haus along Calle Mabini, with soft drinks and bottled water rounding up the hearty snacks. It was their very first palate encounter with the “Hotia”, accordingly, an original noodle recipe of the proprietor Mrs. Ofelia Emralino – de Villa. Doing their respective photography care of their very own cameras and cell phone snapshots, they then had their souvenir photos taken with the STC members, having the beautiful artistic Belens as appropriate backdrop.

The center of the park was an almost enchanting place, with small capiz - style lanterns hanging from the trees, while sunflower – like lights cling to their trunks, just as rice lights glowed in the manicured shrubbery. Across the street, the 1748 church shone creamy white, with light bulbs defining its outlines against the night sky, just as they likewise glowed in the gnarled leafy branches of the remaining half of the once great Acacia tree. The big fountain in the patio spurted illumined water up into the dark heavens as a Christmas tree of newly – sprouted coconut seedlings nearby caught the eye with running lights. From the portico of the church convent now known as the parish Residential Museum gleamed Christmas lanterns, while Christmas carols blared from the speakers atop the church belfry, enticing people to attend the first of the nine day 7 pm mass as a prelude to the traditional “Misa de Gallo”on the following pre dawn of December 16th. Truly and indeed… “PASKO NA TALAGA SA SARIAYA!”