The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), together with the revered Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group (ROFG), presents the annual Vamos a Belén with Linang at Tanghal and a Pastores Dance Competition, this December 19 to 20, 2025, 3:00 PM, respectively, at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Blackbox Theater).
Bearing the theme “Sama-samang Paggunita at Pagdiriwang”, this year’s Vamos a Belén continues to bring the Filipino audience closer to one of the nation’s most treasured yet often overlooked Christmas traditions: the Pastores.
The Pastores, rooted in Spanish and Filipino Catholic influences, dramatize the shepherds’ admiration for the Infant Jesus in Bethlehem. Often performed during the days leading up to Christmas or Christmas Eve, a group of singers and dancers dressed as herders knock on doors and offer devotion through music.
Spreading holiday cheer while nurturing art appreciation
This December 19, Vamos a Belén: Linang at Tanghal brings the traditional Pastores to life through a series of lectures and live performances by the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group. Participants will gain insights from Mr. Aquino C. Irasga Jr. on the history and regional adaptations of Pastores, explore the rich evolution of Pastores music with Ms. Mariefrance V. Ballester, and learn key elements of staging Pastores from Mr. Jhunnard Jhordan S. Cruz.
The ROFG will also treat the participants of the lecture series to special performances showcasing various interpretations of Pastores from across the Philippines. The program concludes with a Q&A session with all the speakers, providing a chance for participants to engage directly and deepen their understanding of this cherished Filipino tradition.
Spotlighting a Christmas tradition through a joyful folk-dance competition
In its fifth offering, Vamos A Belén hosts another Pastores Dance Competition on December 20. Serving as a platform for historical authenticity and artistic expression, the competition centers on the choreographic interpretation based on National Artist for Dance, Ramon A. Obusan’s documented material.
This year, the Vamos a Belén: Pastores Dance Competition proudly presents 12 talented dance groups from across the Philippines, each showcasing their own creative interpretation of the beloved Pastores Talisay of Camarines Norte:
- Sinagtala Performing Arts Group – Brgy. Minuyan Proper, CSJDm, Bulacan
- MaPe (Marikina’s Performing Group) – San Roque, Marikina City
- Hiyas ng Sining Folkloric Dance Troupe – Hulong Duhat, Malabon City
- SAMBIT Alumni Association – CBSUA Calabanga
- Indak Guiguintenyo Folkloric Group – Guiguinto, Bulacan
- Catanauan Community Dance Troupe – Catanauan, Quezon Province
- Tatak Kulturang CamNorteño – Camarines Norte
- Kalakbay Dance Ministry – Libmanan, Camarines Sur
- Mahidaiton Dance Troupe – Cadiz City, Negros Occidental
- Karilagan Dance Troupe – Calauag, Quezon
- Hiyas Kalilayan Cultural Group – Lucena City, Quezon Province
- PFDS – Quezon Province Chapter – Quezon Province
With colorful costumes, lanterns, tambourines, and papier-mâché horses, the participants will bring the Pastores Talisay tradition vividly to life. The winners of the competition will receive cash prizes and plaques, and all other participants will be given certificates of participation.
Keeping true to CCP’s commitment to distribute and cultivate Philippine arts and culture, Vamos a Belén: Sama-samang Paggunita at Pagdiriwang breathes new life into the Pastores tradition. The competition transforms into an avenue for cultural education as it taps into performance art’s power to foster warmth and camaraderie.
The lecture series Vamos A Belén: Linang at Tanghal is slated for December 19, while the Pastores Dance Competition is on December 20. Both will take place at 3:00 PM at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Blackbox Theater). The competition is open and free to the public. A livestream will also be available to watch via the CCP and ROFG’s official Facebook pages.
For the latest news on CCP events, workshops, and performances, check out its official website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph). You may also follow its social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for live updates.
