Unity Iftar Celebration at PH Consulate in New York Highlights Diversity of Culture
Guests partake of Maranao and Iranun dishes during the Iftar reception or breaking of the fast. (Lambert Parong/FAPCNY Photo)
NEW YORK 15 June 2019 – In solidarity with the Filipino-American Muslim community in the United States northeast, the Philippine Consulate General in New York together with the Kinding Sindaw Melayu Heritage hosts the Unity Iftar Celebration on 16 May 2019 at the Philippine Center New York.
In his welcome remarks, Consul Ricarte Abejuela III said that the unity Iftar celebration recognizes that the Philippines is a society composed of many peoples and many beliefs. He added that “faith is intertwined with Filipino practice and tradition” and “Filipino Muslim culture is one of the distinguishable cornerstones of Philippine culture and society.”
Cohn Reznick Managing Director Sedic Ampanas, whose parents are from the Iranon and Maguindanaon ethnic groups, shared the religious and cultural significance of Ramadan. He imparted that fasting during the Holy Month of Ramadan teaches a person discipline, spiritual self-purification, and obedience to God. He said that Iftars also draw family and friends together and share the food with the community, a tradition most Filipinos are accustomed to.
The Iftar celebration was highlighted by the interfaith prayers, with sisters Farah and Tisha Dianalan reciting verses from the Quran, Rev. Fr. Roy Regaspi praying for peace and unity, and Mr. Sedic Ampanas, leading the Adhan and Magrib prayers.
Guests were treated to a spread of Filipino dishes, such as the Maranao’s piaparan and Iranun’s sinisa to name a few, and the traditional Iftar staples, dates and fruits. END
Consul Ricarte Abejuela III welcomes guests to the Unity Iftar Celebration. (New York PCG photo)
Sedic Ampanas shares religious and cultural significance of Ramadan during the Unity Iftar Celebration. (Lambert Parong/FAPCNY Photo)
Reverend Father Roy Regaspi prays for peace and unity during the Iftar celebrations. (New York PCG photo)
For more information, visit www.newyorkpcg.dfa.gov.ph, www.newyorkpcg.org or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinNY/.