Mallgoers get a glimpse of Muslim life

MANILA, Philippines - Mallgoers at The Block, SM City North EDSA had the rare opportunity to get a glimpse of Muslim life and celebrations during the recent Eid’l Fitr Festival. 

Eid’l Fitr, the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast, marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. This important event usually falls on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar. It’s a time of joy, forgiving and thanksgiving among Muslims as they take the occasion to strengthen ties with family and friends, give gifts and alms, and feast together. Here in our country, Republic Act No. 9177 declared Eid’l Fitr a national holiday.

Spearheaded by the Magbassa Kita Foundation, Inc. (MKFI) and the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy (PCID) together with the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), the holding of festivities in Manila is an excellent springboard to build a better understanding and appreciation among Filipinos of ethnic, racial, and religious diversity in the country.

During the three-day festivities, the Atrium of The Block was transformed into a Muslim cultural village with exhibits and performances, bringing mallgoers closer to the rich cultural heritage of Muslims in the Philippines. This lays strong foundations for stronger social, economic, and cultural partnerships and creates a positive environment of mutual trust and confidence between Muslims and non-Muslims. Celebrating the festival on a national scale can also attract tourists from Islamic countries, who go on vacation during the Eid’l Fitr.

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile was the guest of honor. In his speech, he revealed his long experience working with Muslim Filipinos, which he says came full circle when he welcomed Moulay-Idriss Rhounimi, a Muslim from Morocco, to his family when he married his granddaughter Kara.

Also present were Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles, NCMF executive director and wife of ARMM OIC Governor Mujiv Hataman Sitti Djalia Hataman, MMDA GM Usec Corazon Jimenez, MKFI chair Santanina Rasul, and PCID president Amina Rasul-Bernardo.

Members of the diplomatic corps included British Ambassador Stephen Lillie, Pakistan Ambassador Mohsin Razi, and Indonesian Ambassador Yohanes Kristiarto Legowo, as well as the Malaysian Embassy’s First Secretary Raveendran Nair and Assistant Administrative Officer Michael Tan.

SM executives were led by by VP for marketing Millie Dizon, regional operations manager Renee Bacani, AVP for marketing Ruby Reyes, and SM City North EDSA mall manager Hershe Angeles.

Mallgoers learned the many facets of Muslim life in the Peace or Salam Villages, as well as How Islam Came to the Philippines, in an exhibit curated by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.

They also came to appreciate the diversity of the rich cultural heritage of Muslim Filipinos through works of art by the first and only Muslim National Artist for Visual Arts, Abdulmari Imao, as well as daily cultural performances from PLM Hiyas ng Maynilad Dance Company, Alun-Alun Dance Circle, Indonesian Cultural Performers, Karyala Cutural Dance Troupe, and Kontra Gapi.

Products from Islamic states, represented by their embassies in Manila and ARMM DOT, were also a big hit among shoppers.

The Eid’l Fitr Festival is one of the many exciting cultural events at SM City North EDSA.