Members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, prominent members of the Muslim community, and corporate executives recently gathered to celebrate Eid’l Fitr Festival recently at Samsung Hall, SM Aura Premier.
Hosted by the Department of Foreign Affairs Office of Middle East and African Affairs (OMEAA) in partnership with SM, and the Magbasa Kita Foundation, Inc. (MKFI), the festival shared a better understanding and appreciation of Muslim culture among Filipinos of ethnic, racial and religious diversity in the country.
Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay, Jr. graced the event, sharing a special Eid’l Fitr message from President Rodrigo Duterte who hoped that “all the members of the Muslim Filipino communities unite with other Filipinos to achieve lasting peace, political stability, economic growth and development.”
Earlier, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held with DFA Office of Middle East and African Affairs Assistant Secretary Hjayceelyn Quintana, NCMF Secretary Yasmin Busran Lao and MKFI Chairman and former Senator Santanina Rasul.
Members of the Diplomatic Corps from Middle East and African Countries led by the Dean of Islamic Ambassadors to the Philippines, Her Excellency Malai Hajah Halimah Malai Yussof, Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam graced the event, as did their counterparts from North America, Europe and Asia.
The works of National Artist Abdulmari Imao and his son Toym Imao were also showcased at the event. Cultural performances mirroring the traditional Muslim culture through dance and music by DFA’s very own Ang Klung Ensemble and the renowned Ramon Obusan Folkloric Groups were also a big hit among the audience.
Resident Embassies from Muslim countries Kuwait, Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Oman also displayed mini-exhibits for this occasion, providing the international context of the global Muslim community.
Eid’l Fitr, also known as the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast, is an important celebration for Muslims worldwide. It marks the end of the month-long fast during Ramadan and marks the beginning of the month Shawwal. During Eid, families and friends reunite to celebrate and offer thanksgiving to Allah. Eid’l Fitr has been proclaimed a national holiday in the Philippines since 2002 to foster peace and goodwill between major religions in the Philippines.
The Eid’l Fitr Festival is one of the many exciting cultural events at SM Aura Premier.