URI-Arbeitskreis aus den Philippinen

DVD über christlich-muslimische Zusammenarbeit
Peacemakers' Circle launches Muslim-Christian documentary DVD

Typhoon "Florita" was no obstacle for more than 150 guests who braved the rains and flash floods last July 12, 2006 in order to attend the launching of "In the Light of the Crescent Moon"-the much-awaited 40-minute DVD-documentary of The Peacemakers' Circle. The event was organized in partnership with the Office on Muslim Affairs (OMA-NCR).

Despite announcements of the suspension of classes in schools and universities, as well as the closing of government offices in the metropolis, the conference hall of the Balay Kalinaw (House of Peace) in the University of the Philippines, overflowed with an audience -composed of Muslims and Christians- eager to witness the launching of the video. The program was graced by the presence of distinguished representatives from several embassies and international agencies, namely: the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the British and the Australian Embassy, the Asia Foundation, Asia Society Philippine Foundation, Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), and USAID. There were also representatives from several distinguished institutions, such as: AIM Policy Center, Miriam Center for Peace Education, Ateneo Loyola School of Theology, St. Paul University, and some government agencies like the Department of Foreign Affairs, Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), Commission on Elections (COMELEC), and even the Philippine National Police (PNP).
As guests were welcomed by colorfully sequenced-banners and intricately-designed wood carvings, they were also entertained by live Filipino Islamic music played by a traditional ensemble of gongs and drums.

The program started with prayers led by an Imam for Muslims and a Catholic priest for Christians. This was followed by warm welcoming remarks by Peacemakers' Circle OIC and URI Southeast Asia-Pacific Regional Coordinator, Shakuntala Vaswani; Peacemakers' trustee, Fr. Lenny Mercado, SVD; and OMA-NCR Regional Director, Datu Mohammad Tanggote.

Before the video presentation, Ms. Marites Africa gave an introduction to the video by sharing the rationale behind the project and the challenges in the production process. Peacemakers' trustee and Muslim scholar, Alim Said Basher, then gave an orientation to the meaning and origin of the crescent moon as a symbol of Islam. This was followed by the showing of the documentary video.

Afterwards, a commentary was heard from Mrs. Yasmin Nuño-wife of Engr. Ibrahim Nuño, one of the main sponsors of the project. Also asked to speak was Comm. Ide Tillah of NICCOM. This was followed by an open forum wherein we heard comments from PNP Chief Supt. Gen. Sukarno Ikbala and some Christians and other Muslims. The program was concluded by Dr. Jo Kashim, Peacemakers' trustee, who gave a synthesis on the afternoon's presentation.

Save for some technical difficulties during the program, it was a successful and eventful launching. So much so, that during the following weekend, two major newspapers-The Philippine Daily Inquirer and The Philippine Star-had written front-page articles on the Peacemakers' Circle bringing to the fore the issues of Muslim-Christian affairs in Metro Manila.

Through this video The Peacemakers' Circle hopes to promote greater awareness of the need for Muslim-Christian relationship-building in our part of the country. We extend our profound gratitude and appreciation to the sponsors and agencies who contributed to the project. We could not have done it without the following: Engr. & Mrs. Ibrahim Nuño, Mr. & Mrs. Armando Chua, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Vaswani, Mr. Michael Lim, Mr. Nicolo Africa, The Asia Foundation, Ortigas & Company, and OMA-NCR. We also thank all those who came to the launching and have donated to the Peacemakers' Circle.

In the Light of the Crescent Moon DVD-documentary is available at the Peacemakers' Interfaith Dialogue Center. You can get a copy with every minimum contribution of Php 200.00 to the funds of the Muslim-Christian relationship-building projects.

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