Robes offers win to Pope Francis, who turned 83 on Dec. 17

MANILA, Philippines–The city of San Jose del Monte (SJDM) in Bulacan has bagged the Guinness World Record for “The Most Number of Living Figures in a Nativity Scene” after 2,101 residents joined the December 20 staging of a living Nativity scene.

They broke the December 2016 record held by the Calne Town Council and Bible Society in Calne, Wiltshire, United Kingdom with 1,254 participants.

“It’s just one of the ways for SJDM communities to come together and celebrate their collective faith,” SJDM Rep. Florida “Rida” Robes said.

With the victory, the congresswoman emphasized the importance of interfaith unity: “This is also our way of reaching out to people of other faiths. Through this, we can show them that we just want to reach out and connect with our fellow Filipinos as we highlight the spirit of giving and selflessness this season.”

Robes also offered the city’s win to Pope Francis, who turned 83 years old on December 17. “We greet our Pope a happy birthday and we wish everyone else a most blessed and prosperous year ahead,” she said.

This marks the city’s second Guinness World Record after they took the “Largest Lantern Parade in the World” record in September 2017 with 14,173 participants.