Young Christians join Muslim Ramadan Iftar, signs cross during food thanksgiving prayer

COTABATO CITY -- It was a rare moment of sharing a dinner with brother and sister Christians during the breaking of fast (Iftar) for Muslim youth observing the month-long Ramadan.At one moment, a young pal gestures a sign of a cross for Christian prayers while Muslims fellows open hands solemnly praying as they thanked for the graces they are about to partake.The atmosphere shows no reservation, division or hesitations. Everyone treats like brothers and sisters, open to promising opportunity, all willing to exist in a pluralistic society.The gathering is a culmination of event after the daylong caravan of Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) that aims to raise awareness among Filipino Youth on the importance of community service and civic engagement. The message really is to gather the Christians and Muslims on interfaith Iftar and the purpose is to engage both religions and let them feel the meaning of fasting with Muslim youth during the holy month,” said Abdul Alongan, a Muslim alumni of Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program from this city who happened to visit and study short live in United States. We are showing our support here, though we are not in the same religion but we all want the same thing and vision that is why at all cost we are united to work together and make a better world,” said Zuein Guantero, a Christian YES fellow who travelled several hours from Mindanao’s northern city of Cagayan.Citing negative perceptions from outside views about Muslims in Mindanao, from recent conflicts and biases amid issues tainting Muslim views on terrorism and kidnappings, he hoped of bringing a positive outlook to the negative regard in the island. For me as a youth and person living here, we want to focus on rebranding from the stereotyping, I am willing to work for change for a better place and make positive change,” Guantero said.Ryan Bradeen of the Cultural Affairs of United States embassy in Manila who shepherd the group of YSEALI said the idea is to bring the youth community on Ramadhan tradition and Islamic faith.
(This is) to witness Ramadan tradition that emphasizes equality, entertainment, compassion, sharing and service the community,” he said.The core values of the youth exchange program was to promote young generations to act as responsible global citizens working for peace and understanding in a diverse world and seeks to affirm faith in the dignity and worth of every human being of all nations and cultures without distinction as to race, sex, language, religion and social status.It is also an intercultural learning opportunities for growing number of young people, families and inclusive community of global citizens determined to build bridges between cultures. (Ferdinandh Cabrera)