Editorial

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.