Eid’l Fitr 2013 at The Block

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

The Festival of the Breaking of the Fast, or Eid’l Fitr, is a worldwide celebration that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It is an important event that usually falls on the first day of Shawwal, the 10th 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, giving gifts and alms, and feast together.

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 festival, The Block SM City North EDSA was transformed into a Salam village, giving shoppers a rare glimpse into the Muslim lifestyle. Products from Islamic states, represented by their embassies in Manila, as well as those from Mindanao provinces, were a big hit among shoppers. 

Cultural performances, as well as exhibits of traditional Muslim attire by Pitoy Moreno and Patis Tesoro, also showcased the cultural heritage of Muslim Filipinos. 

The highlight of celebrations was Habi at Hiyas ng mga Dayang-Dayang at Bai, a historical presentation of formal and traditional attire by the nobility of the sultanates of Sulu-Maguindanao and Lanao represented by Aminah Razziah Tamano Lucman of Maranao, Reza Sinsuat of Maguindanao, and Rosalyn Rose Bahjin-Swadjaan of the Tausug.

A fashion show of Muslim attire by prince of beads Amir Sali, multi-awarded Filipino fashion designer Cora DJ Manimbo, and world- class designer Len Cabili complemented by the Filigree jewelry of Oskar Atendido was a hit among mall goers.

Sen. Koko Pimentel led the guests of honor along with Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles, Commission on Higher Education chair Patricia Licuanan, NCMF Secretary and CEO Mehol Sadain, Tourism Undersecretary Danilo Corpuz and DSWD Undersecretary Parisya Taradji. They all participated in the ceremonial striking of the gong with former senator and MKFI chair Santanina Rasul.

Also in attendance were Bangladesh Ambassador John Gomes, Pakistan Ambassador Mohsin Razi, Malaysian embassy’s first secretary Raveendran Nair, Iran embassy acting cultural counselor Seyed Ahmad Mousavi, and The Asia Foundation country representative to Philippines and Pacific Island Nations Steven Rood.

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