2 Decemberfest
events bindCotabateños as one
For
us Cotabateños, we celebrate the month of December doably --- Shariff Kabunsuan
Day every 19th and Christmas Day every 25th. Both believers of Islam and
Christianity partake of these significant events. Both dates have historical
and cultural significance affecting people’s lives.
It was Shariff Kabunsuan who implanted
Islam in Mindanao, in south of the Philippines, and with it the way of life
among followers of the faith. Corollary, Christmas Day reminds the Christians
of the birth of Jesus Christ, who in Islam, is also a Prophet. Historically,
Christ founded Catholicism. Both events reaffirm one’s faith. The two imprint
one common message --- LOVE for one another in peace and unity… Hence, the call
of one carol song: “Good tidings we bring for you and for me…”
The two historical and cultural events
bind Cotabateños together in festive manner as we share pleasantries with each
other. The fluvial parade along Rio Grande de Mindanao reminisces the arrival of
ShariffKabunsuan when his sail anchored at the mouth of the river while the
night-lighted “belen” in the homes and public places depicts the “manger” where
Christ was laid upon birth by the Blessed Virgin Mary, who is also recognized
in Islam. Shariff Kabunsuan and Jesus Christ, in modern parlance, are both
“high celebrities.”
We have to comprehend that Islam and
Christianity know not religious and cultural discrimination but respect on
one’s faith or belief. Through the years, both Muslims and Christians in our
region have co-existed with each other and we mean to further strengthen this
bond for the sake of peace and development as we are both stakeholders in the
advancement of our city, our region, and our country altogether.
May these two commemorative events
further bind us toward lasting co-existence where love and peace always
reverberate in our lives and come together for a dialogue if ever destructive
difference(s) arise.Sociologically, when diverse cultures meet, there is always
cultural borrowing, those that can blend with one’s distinct culture… there is
even religious conversion when two cultures meet. Cultural borrowing somehow in
the long process lead to one distinct culture --- oneness as a people.
Let us be reminded of these two
celebrative events that we, Cotabateños, are always one as a people in this
part of the country. Happy feast days on these double affairs as we reaffirm
our togetherness in peace, unity, and cultural understanding.
