Bulacan’s San Jose del Monte, one of the fast-growing cities in Luzon, yesterday earned international recognition for setting a new Guinness Book of World record for the largest number of living figures in a Nativity scene.
A total 2,101 individuals dressed and made up for Nativity scene roles converged at Altraza Spine Road, Barangay Tungkong Mangga to set the new world record.
The Yuletide season event’s record of participants nearly doubled the three-year record of 1,254 individuals set by the Caine Town Council and bible Society in Calne, Wilshire, England on December 3, 2016.
The record of the number of participants for each role is not yet available as of press time.
The office of SJDM Rep. Florida Robes disclosed that the eclipse of the previous record was declared by Swapnil Dangarikar, official adjudicator of the Guinness Book of World Records.
He made the official announcement after the staging of the birth of Jesus Christ was made.
The nativity scene consisted of Mary, Joseph, Jesus, wise men, shepherds, angels, and livestock.
The event was spearheaded by the SJDM local government under Mayor Arthur Robes.
Rep. Florida “Rida” P. Robes expressed elation over the setting of the new world record saying it is a testament of the unity and commitment of the people of SJDM to achieve a feat for the city.
“It took us around six months to prepare for this event. The process was so tedious because the Guinness Book of World Records had strict requirements. But with the perseverance of our people, we made it and we are very happy,” Robes said.
Robes and her husband also participated in the Nativity scene as shepherds who came to honor the birth of Jesus Christ.
She added that the Nativity scene was chosen because of the innate religiosity of the people of SJDM.
The administration lawmaker stressed that this is also based on the Apostolic Letter of Pope Francis encouraging
Catholics to display the nativity scene in their homes and in other public places.
“We felt that we were being blessed because a few days ago, Pope Francis said in his apostolic letter that putting up a Nativity scene before Christmas is a reminder to stop and remember what Christmas is really about and to prepare one’s heart like a manger for the coming of Christ,” she said in a press statement.
For his part, Mayor Robes aired hopes that the event will inspire his constituents to put the essence of Christmas in the forefront of the celebrations.
“We can achieve much more if we are united and we hope that this Nativity scene reminds us the true reason of the season as we face hand in hand life’s challenges. This is the best Christmas gift we have received as a city,” the city executive stated in a separate press statement.
