September 10th, 2013 — Muslim nobility, members of the diplomatic corps and other VIPs gathered to celebrate Eid’l Fitr recently at SM North Edsa, Quezon City.

Also known as Festival of the “Breaking of the Fast,” Eid’l Fitr is an important religious holiday worldwide that marks the end of the holy month of fasting or Ramadan. It 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,” explained Bai Aminah Razziah Tamano Lucman, granddaughter of Princess Tarhata Lucman of the Royal Maranao House.

Regarded as a springboard to build a better understanding and appreciation among Filipinos of ethnic, racial and religious diversity in the country, the event was held in cooperation with the Magbasa Kita Foundation Inc. and SM, with the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, and the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos.

Senator Koko Pimentel, along with Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita Deles, Commission on Higher Education Chair Dr. Patricia Licuanan, Tourism Undersecretary Danilo Corpuz and Social Welfare Undersecretary Parisya Taradji, took part in the ceremonial striking of the gong.

Internationally acclaimed filmmaker Brillante “Dante” Mendoza was on hand for a screening of his award-winning film “Thy Womb,” the story of a Badjao midwife (played by Nora Aunor) set in a Tawi-Tawi village.

SM executives, led by vice president for marketing Millie Dizon, AVP for marketing Ruby Reyes, AVP for operations Renee Bacani, AVP for leasing Winnie Oliver, and SM City North Edsa mall manager Hershe Angeles welcomed the distinguished invitees, dahlings.

The Block in SM City was transformed into a Salam Village, giving shoppers a glimpse of the Muslim lifestyle. Products from Islamic states, represented by their embassies in Manille, as well as those from Mindanao provinces, were a big hit among shoppers.

Cultural performances, exhibits of traditional Muslim attires by Pitoy Moreno and Patis Tesoro, showcased the cultural heritage of Muslim Filipinos. That drew loud applause from the viewers, dahlings.