Muslim Nobility, Foreign Dignitaries Celebrate Eid’l Fitr at SM City North EDSA

Members of Muslim Nobility, members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, celebrities, and corporate executives recently gathered together to celebrate the Eid’l Fitr Festival at The Block, SM City North EDSA.

The Festival of the Breaking of the Fast or popularly known as 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 tenth month of the Islamic calendar. More than that, it is 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 SM together with 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.

Senator Koko Pimentel led the guests of honor along with Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita Deles, Commission on Higher Education Chairperson Dr. Patricia Licuanan, NCMF Secretary and Chief Executive officer Mehol Sadain, DOT USEC Hon. Danilo Corpuz, and DSWD USEC Parisya Taradji. They all participated in the ceremonial Striking of the Gong along with Former Senator and MKFI Chair Santanina Rasul.

Mallgoers had the rare opportunity to get a glimse of members of Muslim nobility with the presence of Bai Aminah Razziah Tamano Lucman, granddaughter of Princess Tarhata Lucman of the Royal Maranao House; Datu Reza Sinsuat, grandson of Datu Bla Sinsuat, of The Royal Maguindanao House, and Dayang Dayang Hadji Rosalyn Rose Bahjin-Swadjaan representing the Patikul line of succession to the Sultanate of Sulu. The said Nobilities participated in the Habi at Hiyas ng mga Dayang-Dayang at Bai, a historical Presentation of Formal and Traditional Attires.

With Eid’l Fitr as a worldwide celebration, members of the diplomatic corps also graced the event: HE Bangladesh Ambassador John Gomes, HE 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.

Also present were National Artist for Sculpture and Visual Arts Abdul Mari Imao, former Prime Minister Cesar Virata, former Senator Nene Pimentel, NCMF Secretary and Chief Executive officer Hon. Mehol Sadain, and PCID Director Amina Rasul.

Internationally acclaimed and Multi-Awarded Director Brillante Mendoza also attended the event. His film Thy Womb, which already won numerous awards and worldwide recognition, was shot in Mindanao and it captured the life of the people there in a beautiful and colorful Tawi-Tawi village.

SM Executives led by Vice President for Marketing Millie Dizon, AVP for Marketing Ruby Reyes, AVP for Operations Arch. Renee Bacani. AVP for Leasing Winnie Oliver and SM City North EDSA Mall Manager Hershe Angeles welcomed them.

During the Eid’l Fitr festival, The Block SM City at 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 attires by Pitoy Moreno and Patis Tesoro also showcased the cultural heritage of Muslim Filipinos.

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