October 12, 2007

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/64202/Filipino-Muslims-in-Saudi-celebrate-Eidl-fitr


Filipino Muslims in Saudi celebrate Eid'l fitr
10/12/2007 02:19 PM

JEDDAH - Muslims around the world celebrate today the Eid Al-Fitr or the celebration of breaking the fast, marking the end of Ramadan.Eid Al-Fitr falls on the first day of Shawwal, the month which follows Ramadan in the Islamic calendar.


It is a time to give to charity, and to celebrate with family and friends the completion of a month of blessings and joy. It also signals the start of a week long vacation to all private companies. And Filipinos are taking this opportunity to make sure they spend a fruitful vacation.


Bong Bonagua, who works as a cook at the US consulate in Jeddah, said he and his friends would spend four days of their vacation in Jordan. "We will rest and enjoy that historical place," he said.MJ Fabicon, who owns a catering business and a canteen in one of the Philippine schools here, organized a beach clean- up in Jeddah’s southern coastline.


The activity has been an annual tradition.Other Philippine schools would be very busy during the whole week of the Eid holidays for the first Philippine National Olympic in Jeddah running from October 13 to 17 with participants from all Philippine schools in the kingdom.According to Mrs. Ofelia Laguardia, principal of the Philippine Sunrise International School who initiated the event, said the project was organized in order to foster unity among the Philippine Schools all over the Kingdom.


Laguardia lamented that the Philippine schools in Alkhobar would not be able to join because they have their own Olympics.Others like Lina Dime, who is working in Elmagraphy Hospital, prefer to stay home with their families to rest. As Eid Al Fitr starts today (Oct. 12), celebrations will last for three days.


Muslims visit family members, enjoy special meals together and wear new clothes. Children receive gifts of money from their relatives and they get to enjoy amusement rides set up on the streets, and watch fireworks at night. - Ronaldo Concha, GMANews.TV