For billions around the world, Christmas is a time of love and good will. It is a time when families come together, reflecting on the year that’s passed, while preparing for the one yet to come.
In the Philippines, the scenario is made complicated by the country being made up of 7,107 islands, with at least as many viewpoints and beliefs. For this year’s holiday season, the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals, Kapatiran National Women’s Peace Table, and Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas teamed with the nation’s premier advertising agency, TBWA\Santiago Mangada Puno, to deliver a unique message of hope.
See the video here:
The online film features hijab-clad Maranao performers of different backgrounds and religious beliefs, joining as one to perform a rendition of “Oh Holy Night” in their native tongue. As the song is sung, it is revealed that a number of the performers narrowly escaped execution at the hands of extremist rebels thanks to the extraordinary actions of Datu Norodin Alonto Lucman.
Through the heroic actions of Lucman and others like him, 64 Christian survivors were able to survive the traumatic events of May 2017. For this year’s holiday season, many of those survivors have joined with their Muslim brothers and sisters to share their thanks and hopes for unity through a timeless song of peace.
As our nation prepares for 2018, may Filipinos of all beliefs and walks of life be united in the dream of a day we need not live in fear, and when such messages will no longer be necessary.
ADVT