Yes, you read it right. It's a CHRISTMAS party celebrated by MUSLIM and CHRISTIAN adult and youth members of these unique grassroots family of organizations (there's three of them-- as indicated in the invitation).
For several years we tried to formally call it a YEAR-ENDER get-together, because being interfaith means being careful (with words and actions) not to brush over on anyone's sensitivities. But however discreetly we have chosen the title for the event, the lay person (the Muslims included) cannot help but simply refer to it for what it practically is-- a Christmas party. And the Muslim members themselves don't mind calling it that at all.
On December 11, 2010 (Saturday) it was my first time to attend the "Christmas party" of the Muslim-Christian community of Brgy. 188, Phase 12, Tala, Caloocan, ever since The Peacemakers' Circle started its work there in 2003. When they officially registered at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as the Muslim-Christian Peacemakers Association, Inc. their membership then was only around 30. Now a second batch of around 20 members have also already registered to the SEC, and are now called the United Muslim-Christian Peacemakers Association, Inc. (Why they had to register separately? It's a requirement so that they can avail of the Self-Employment Livelihood Assistance Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.)
Seven years later their third (and probably their most precious) organization was born: the Muslim-Christian YOUTHS for Peace and Development. Now for the first time also the Muslim-Christian year-ender (or should i just say Christmas) party of Tala was hosted and enlivened by these youths!
It was indeed awe-inspiring to witness these youths in action as they emceed, presented dance numbers, and even led in feeding all members and guests in the gathering. The adult members were so relaxed and laid back as they watched their soon-to-be successors take the lead.
The youths prepared (and practiced for so many nights) several entertainment numbers for the program-- a folk dance from the Christian lowland culture, a traditional dance of the Muslim tribe, and a modern hiphop dance to complete their range of genre. Of course, the adults did not want to be left behind so they also presented an Igorot-inspired (indigenous highland) dance, as well as a Curacha dance number.
And what is a Christmas party if not with.."EXCHANGE GIFTS"?! Aside from the food, what really completed the gathering was the gift-giving.
They asked only those who are interested to join the "exchange-gifts" to bring a gift to giveaway, so that, in turn, they receive one by drawing a random number. The exchanging for the adult members were separate from that of the youths.It was an overwhelmingly heartwarming feeling to watch this remarkable grassroots community come together in a celebration of giving-- not minding the religious label of the occasion-- but only grasping the very essence of it.
When one of the Muslim leaders handed me a present (lovingly wrapped in Christmas paper) and said it was for me, from him, it was then that it hit me...Now this is what I call INTERFAITH!
There I was in a middle of an actual interfaith dialogue-- not of a theological discourse, but a Dialogue of Life. An Interfaith Dialogue of Life where the spirit of Joy, the spirit of Giving, the spirit of Oneness, was celebrated above and beyond religious, cultural, or socio-economic boundaries.
It was truly an affirmation that harmony and unity amidst diversity is possible and it is already being LIVED in this humble community in Tala.Towards the end, the members-- youths and adults, Muslims and Christians-- started to dance as their joy and excitement could not be contained. They were so happy simply to be gathered together-- all three sub-organizations-- as one big happy family.
If not for viels and kupyas, they would no longer be distinguishable because of what they wore: a present in their arms, a smile on their faces, and the warmth of giving in their hearts.I cannot wait to attend their Eid-ul Fitr' celebration...
