The Eid al-Fitr Festival at Samsung Hall in SM Aura Premier fostered a better understanding and appreciation of Muslim culture. It was hosted by the Department of Foreign Affairs Office of Middle East and African Affairs with SM and Magbassa Kita Foundation, Inc. (MKFI).
Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. read the special Eid al-Fitr message of President Duterte who expressed hope that “all the members of the Muslim Filipino communities unite with other Filipinos to achieve lasting peace, political stability, economic growth and development.”
The event started with a ribbon-snipping ceremony with Foreign Assistant Secretary for Middle East and African Affairs Hjayceelyn Quintana, National Commission on Muslim Filipinos Secretary Yasmin Busran Lao, and MKFI chair and former Sen. Santanina Rasul sharing the honors.
Malai Hajah Halimah Malai Yussof, Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam and dean of the Islamic diplomatic corps, graced the event.
Works of National Artist for the Visual Arts Abdulmari Imao and his son Toym Imao were showcased. Cultural performances mirroring traditional Muslim culture were performed by Ramon Obusan Folkloric Groups and DFA’s own Ang Klung Ensemble, palangga.
Diplomatic missions from Muslim countries such as Kuwait, Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Oman mounted exhibits that showed the global presence of Muslims.
Eid al-Fitr also known as the “Festival of the Breaking of the Fast,” is an important celebration for Muslims worldwide. Families and guests reunite to celebrate and offer thanksgiving to Allah.
Eid al-Fitr has been proclaimed a national holiday in the Philippines since 2002 to foster peace and goodwill between major religions in the Philippines.
Swarovski
Swarovski launched its new crystal edition, Lion Akili, at Rustan’s Shangri-La Plaza.
Majestic, athletic and powerful, the pieces create a heartwarming animal family scene with the Lion Akili, Lion Mother and Lion Cub.
Designed by Heinz Tabertshofer, the line represents the unbreakable bond of family and love inspired by nature’s most majestic creature, the lion.
“Akili” is a Swahili word which means “intelligent” and “wise,” characteristics that perfectly represent this noble animal.
Lion Akili stands proudly protecting his family, sporting a magnificent mane that exudes a special radiance from the gorgeous precision-cut crystal.
Swarovski ambassador Alexander Swarovski jetted into town for the event to share with the guests the inspiration behind this year’s iconic crystal creation. Host was my palangga, Tessa Prieto-Valdes.
Alexander Swarovski raised a toast with Rustan’s chair emeritus Ambassador Bienvenido Tantoco Sr., Maritess Tantoco Enriquez and Paolo Tantoco to commemorate the wonderful partnership between Swarovski and Rustan’s.
Swarovski is available at Rustan’s in Makati, Shangri-La Plaza, Alabang and Cebu.
Sinag Maynila
Several prominent people graced the opening of the Sinag Maynila Film Festival at Samsung Hall in SM Aura Premier.
A joint project of Solar Entertainment, Centerstage Productions, SM and Samsung, the festival sought to inspire, educate, and enlighten the viewing public. It was on its second year of providing independent filmmakers a new platform to showcase their stories.
“Sinag Maynila features five films that reflect Filipino culture, while presenting social issues deserving of discussion among audiences here and abroa,” said Millie Dizon of SM.
Competition entries were “Dyamper” by Mes de Guzman, “Expressway” by Ato Bautista, “Lila” by Gino M. Santos, “Mrs.” by Adolf Alix Jr., and “T.P.O.” by Jay Altarejos.
Highlight was the ceremonial striking of the gong by festival director Brillante Mendoza and Sinag Maynila founder and CEO Wilson Tieng, who later led the toast.
Sinag Maynila introduced this year two new categories—Short Film Category and Samsung Cinefone.
Short-film jurors were multi-awarded filmmakers José Javier Reyes, Mark Meily and Raymond Red.
Correction
In the Sept. 16 column on the birthday bash of Pie Alvarez, the name of Jess Marwell was misspelled. It should have been Jess Maxwell. My apologies.