Resty Datu and his "Belenismo sa Tarlac" Masterpiece

The Philippines has one of the longest holiday seasons in the world, starting in September and ending around January 9. Christmas plays, parties, decorations are in full swing throughout these months. There are nine night Masses known as simbang gabi leading up to Christmas Day and in Tarlac Province, there is the Belenismo sa Tarlac.

What is Belenismo sa Tarlac?

Belenismo sa Tarlac or the art of making Belen, started in 2007 by the Tarlac Heritage Foundation, is a prestigious showcase of the many ways and interpretations of the Nativity of Christ right at the heart of the Belen-making capital of the Philippines. The Tarlac Heritage Foundation led by Doña Isabel Cojuangco Suntay and her daughter Dr. Isa Cojuangco Suntay were responsible for igniting the art and passion of the Tarlaqueños into this age-old tradition that has launched Tarlac province to be the Belen Capital of the Philippines. 

Who is Resty Datu?

Resty Datu or better known as "Sir Dats" is a history teacher with a passion for creating masterpieces mostly from recycled materials. Sir Dats is currently based in Bamban, Tarlac. His innate creativity and masterful techniques have catapulted him to the front ranks of Belenismo sa Tarlac designers.

Here are some of his creations.

A humble piece of work of Sir Dats which is made up entirely of recyclable materials such as plastic spoons and bottles, paper plates and egg trays. This was the official entry of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Dapdap, Bamban, Tarlac for the 2017 Belenismo sa Tarlac. This piece was adjudged as one of the top 3 winners in church category.

This was the entry of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Dapdap, Bamban, Tarlac for the 2016 Belenismo sa Tarlac. The materials used in this belen is entirely local - dried leaves of jackfruits, ferns and oliva (palm plant), coconut shell, driftwoods and baging (vines). Such materials were abundant in the community so are easy to get to be used as ornaments for the belen. This masterpiece was featured in different magazines nationwide.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte personally awarded the plaques and checks to the winners of the competitions. This masterpiece of Sir Dats, fortunately, won 3rd place.

This diorama is a first place winner in the 2012 Belenismo sa Tarlac. The masterpiece was made from a miniature of cave, coconut tree and traditional agricultural equipment that signifies the way of life of Bamban community in Tarlac Province. Palm leaves, twigs of mahogany tree, baging, flowers of amarillo, fruit of nganga and narra were the materials that give beauty with this belen, all but dried for decoration.

He was invited to compete as well in the Pahiyas Festival last May 15, 2017, and his obra was posted in Inquirer.net. It was made mostly with palay stalks, colored native abaniko(native hand-held fan) and the product which the festival is known for, kiping (rice wafers).

The Pahiyas Festival, originally known as the Feast of San Isidro, showcases houses decorated with colorful "kiping" accented with farm produce such as rice, fruits, plants, and vegetables as a way of thanksgiving for the bountiful harvests. Officially, it is known as the Lucban San Isidro Pahiyas Festival and celebrated only for a day, every May 15 of each year.

Sir Dats is also expert in creating parade floats, wedding stage design, and debut stage decorations. 

You can contact him at his cell phone number, 0910 8127161.