2025 Panunuluyan – FCC Frankfurt

Panunuluyan is a beloved Filipino Christmas tradition, a street play or procession reenacting Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging in Bethlehem before Jesus’ birth, often performed on Christmas Eve, involving singing, house-to-house visits where they’re “rejected” until finding a “stable,” symbolizing the need to make room for Jesus in our hearts and embodying hospitality and faith.

They knock on doors, asking for shelter, but are turned away by homeowners (sometimes actors) who say they have no room, reflecting the biblical story.

The “panunuluyan” teaches themes of perseverance, humility, charity, and the importance of welcoming Jesus, ending at the church altar or a designated nativity scene (Belen) where the Nativity is celebrated.

In this year’s play, Jenrick played the role of Joseph, QB as Mary, Baby Jesus as Cark (the son of Ray-An who also played the role of the inn keeper together with Bacs and Jocs.

The angel is played by Louella, the daughter of the narrator, Lala. The three kings were David, Robert and Al.

The play was directed by the couple Mike and Ivy Marasigan.