Sowing Peace in Manila and keeping hope alive

January 25, 009

Dear Peacemakers and friends,

Greetings of peace and love from Manila!

In the face of the continuing threat to the peace and wellbeing of the suffering people of Mindanao (Philippines) and Gaza we, members of the Sowing Peace network in Metro Manila, turned to one another for support and encouragement. It is easy to lose heart in the midst of the prevailing violence everywhere. Our efforts at peacebuilding seem puny and effete and our words, no matter how forceful and compelling in their condemnation of the violence, seem to only exacerbate our feelings of helplessness and frustration at not being able to stop the war and end the killings.

In the midst of all these, we have taken recourse to returning to our selves to seek and find that which we have in our power to harness—our human spirit and our capacity to build relationships. So, while holding images of the maimed, dead and dying in our hearts, we stepped-up our efforts to build--and to keep on building--relations hips in places near and dear to us.

Last Thursday, in the midst of the heat and the din of the mid-day traffic, twenty-four Muslims and Christians (of various denominations) successfully completed the last of the 12-session series of workshops on *GRASSROOTS LEADERSHIP TRAINING ON MUSLIM-CHRISTIAN DIALOGUE* in Quiapo (that they started in June 2008). This was a capacity-building program that our Peacemakers' Circle CC designed and launched in partnership with the *Australian
Embassy's Strengthening Grassroots Interfaith Dialogue and Understanding
(SGIDU) program*.

The workshop was held at the Golden Mosque compound in the heart of Quiapo, Manila. Quiapo is one of the four grassroots Muslim-Christian communities that the Peacemakers' Circle CC is currently serving under the mantle of the *URI Moral Imagination Program* and in keeping with the spirit of the *URI Preamble, Purpose & Principles (PPP)*. The other communities are Tala in Caloocan City, Maharlika Village in Taguig City, and Salam Compound in Culiat, Quezon City. Metro Manila is composed of 14 cities and two municipalities and the Muslim population in the metropolis is said to now total over 1.5 million.

What was heartwarming about that whole-day training in Quiapo last Thursday was *the willingness of the Muslim and the Christian participants to see goodness in each other--and in each other's faith*--*and to recognize and accept their own respective human frailties and imperfections that got in the way of the true practice of their own faith*. It was moving to hear a
passionate Muslim leader lament what he perceived to be disunity among Muslims and the inability of the Arab nations to take prompt action in aid of the suffering in Gaza. It was likewise moving to hear a passionate Christian leader speak of the fear among Christians that disabled them from responding to the challenge to love their neighbors as themselves.

At the end of the day, the Muslim and Christian participants of the workshop agreed to unite and form a MUSLIM-CHRISTIAN PEACEMAKERS' ASSOCIATION OF QUIAPO. *They said that* *they may not be able to stop the war in Mindanao or in Gaza but they could contribute to peace in the world by strengthening their friendships and working together to collectively address their local concerns.* They chose their leaders and scheduled another meeting for next Thursday to discuss ways forward in promoting their cause. In the midst of all these developments, our Peacemakers' Circle CC reiterated its commitment to accompany and support them in their journey. We have been doing the same for the MUSLIM-CHRISTIAN PEACEMAKERS' ASSOCIATION OF TALA in Caloocan City since 2005.

Much work for peace is being done on the ground here. We continue to strengthen our relationships with the women leaders of various organizations that compose the *Sowing Peace network*. Some of the members of the network are: Balay Rehabilitation Center, GZO Peace Institute, Center for Peace Education of Miriam College, Binhi, Bethlehem Mission, etc. Last Wednesday we got together over potluck lunch to renew our commitment to support each
other in the pursuit of peace in our country and the world. Each of us presented the various projects that our respective organizations had lined up for the year and expressed ways in which we could support those projects.

One that is up and coming is the visit this Wednesday of *Maria Christina Eggers from the Katharina Werk Organization (KTW).* Maria Christina is a long-time leader of KTW who has been in-charge of organizing the annual International Peace Camp in Switzerland. For the past seven years the Peace Camp brought together Israelis and Palestinians and people from other
countries.

What I find really interesting about Maria Christina is the fact that *she is German and a descendant of a Nazi soldier*. The painful history and the stigma that she and her people carried over the years moved her to dedicate her life to building peace in the world. *She sees the war in the Middle East partly as a result of the terrible violence done by the Germans to the Jews during World War II and is now atoning for it by helping to build bridges of peace between Israelis and Palestinians. * She now lives in Jerusalem where she has established "Beit Catarina", a center that offers a safe space for meditation, dialogue, peacebuilding workshops and friendly
encounters between Israelis and Palestinians who seek to find an end to the violence in that part of the world. *She also visits and accompanies groups from both sides who are trying to build paths to peace*. She was in Jerusalem when the recent violence in Gaza broke out.

Our Peacemakers' Circle CC will be hosting a dialogue session with Maria Christina on January 28. Her visit is being facilitated by Angelina Herrera of BINHI (Seed) organization, and organized by the remarkable women leaders of the Sowing Peace network. We look forward to hearing *how this descendant of a Nazi soldier is helping to heal wounds and build peace between Israelis
and Palestinians. * We also hope to explore *ideas* with her *on* *how to help our war-ravaged people in Mindanao return to healing and wholeness once again.*

On Thursday, I will be giving a workshop-seminar on "*Religion Beyond Borders: Christian-Muslim Relations*" to a group of about 80 college students of a Jesuit university here. I hope to be able to inspire them to participate in the *global effort to transcend boundaries while being rooted in the effort of peacefully and respectfully addressing our differences. *

The road to peace is long and difficult. We need to be patient and kind to ourselves and take time to listen to each other. There are "miles to go before we sleep." Meantime, we at the Peacemakers' Circle CC continue to come together regularly every Tuesday (for our *weekly Inner Work Support Circle*) to pray for the victims of war in Gaza, Mindanao, Zimbabwe and
elsewhere in the world, and for peace, justice and healing to come about in our midst.

Thank you for your patience and kind attention. May Peace Prevail on Earth!

Sincerely,


Marites G. Africa

The Peacemakers' Circle CC

Manila, Philippines

In memory of Taha Basman

By Marites Guingona-Africa

January 24, 2009

A good man was laid to rest the other day. He passed away in the still of the afternoon sheltered by the love of his family who stood by him throughout his illness. TAHA BASMAN was a devout Muslim who pioneered interfaith dialogue among his Muslim brothers and sisters in Metro Manila. He slipped away gently from this world leaving in his wake the garden of friendships he had nurtured with people of diverse religions and spiritual expressions for over a decade, and the seeds of peace in the hearts of Muslims and Christians that he had sowed.

We, at the Peacemakers' Circle, remember Taj (as he was called) fondly. He was there in the early years when our dream of creating a "common ground," a "safe space" for people of diverse cultures and beliefs was first coming to be. He was the first Muslim who introduced Islam to our growing circle of interfaith friends in 1999. Two years later, with his friendship and support, the foundations of The Peacemakers' Circle were built. He was the pillar of peace in Islam for us as he introduced the five pillars of Islam and its six articles of faith to us.

It was from Taj that I first learned how to relate with Muslims in ways respectful of their culture and beliefs. As a Catholic Christian endeavoring to build bridges of mutual respect, understanding and cooperation among people of diverse religions and faith traditions, I valued growing in mindfulness of the need of Muslims for prayer time and space during our meetings, for halal food, for fasting during the month of Ramadan, for self-determination and other particular needs that I used to not be aware of.

Taj and Ann (his wife of twenty three years) were inspiring exemplars of peace in Islam. They were one and inseparable in their passion for and commitment to interfaith peacebuilding. When not attending to their eight children, they devoted much time, energies and resources to nurturing their interfaith relationships. We at The Peacemakers' Circle have been blessed with the gift of their friendship and support in creating the kind of interfaith bridge-building organization that we envisioned ourselves to be.

When 9/11 happened and the world reeled in its wake, Taj and Ann found themselves at the center of a whirlwind of interfaith dialogue projects and activities that called for Muslims to bring forth the ways of peace in assuaging the fears and anxieties of the world ignorant of Islam. Taj was there, always speaking graciously (and humorously!) of the goodness of Islam and embodying its peace before many groups of people who yearned to make sense of it all. And with him, The Peacemakers' Circle grew in strength and relevance to the times.

It is with deep gratitude and fondness that we at The Peacemakers' Circle remember Taha Basman, our dear friend, co-founder, incorporator, and esteemed colleague who has given so much of himself to the promotion of Islam in his journey through life along the path of peace.

Thank you, Taj! And may Allah the all merciful and loving guide you onward towards peace and joy eternal in paradise!

[Note: Comm. Taha Basman died of sarcoma, a malignant tumor of the connective tissue, on January 22, 2009 at the age of 57. The tumor that grew in his legs metastasized to his lungs]

Invitation to a Memorial for Taha Basman

Dear Peacemakers and friends,

Please join us

this Friday - January 30th, 2009

3:00 - 6:00 p.m.

@ Ugnayan hall, 3/F PhilDHRRA Partnership Center
(#59 Salvador St., Varsity Hills, Loyola Heights, QC)

for a gathering of friends in the interfaith movement as together

we remember

Taha Basman

and pray for the repose of his soul.

Sharings and Reflections are welcome.

Refreshments to share would be appreciated.

Please confirm your attendance through Orlan 920-7622 or 0918-7822805 / 0906-3286441)

PCFI in Mayapur

Philippine Interfaith Teams join Pilgrimage of Global Interfaith Leaders & Youth in Mayapur, India
November 27 – December 05, 2008

The Philippines was represented in a global gathering of interfaith leaders and peacebuilders held in Mayapur, India last November 27th – December 5th, 2008. This was the second global assembly of the United Religions Initiative (URI), an interfaith organization of grassroots Cooperation Circles around the world composed of members representing diverse religions, spiritual expressions and indigenous traditions who are striving to promote enduring daily interfaith cooperation, to end religiously motivated violence, and to create cultures of peace, justice and healing for the Earth and all living beings.

While participants in URI's projects have included leaders such as the Dalai Lama, URI's primary constituents are common citizens working on a grassroots level in their own communities. These individual community and spiritual leaders connect to the URI network through one or more of URI's 400 local groups based in 70 countries worldwide, called Cooperation Circles. Developed to directly assist and further the work of these interfaith Cooperation Circles, the 2008 Global Assembly in Mayapur brought together 300 global interfaith leaders, from 44 countries, as well as the first interfaith youth delegation in an unprecedented grassroots global gathering. It aimed to address questions and share experiences of respected and recognized leaders in grassroots organizing, in order to further the work of world wide interfaith peacebuilding.

The Assembly's theme was 'Pilgrims of Peace: Many Paths, One Purpose.' Members of Cooperation Circles from around the world, all of whom are working on interfaith projects, spoke face to face, learned from one another's successes, built further alliances within the URI network and further worldwide interfaith cooperation. For more info, visit: http://www.uri.org/

The Mayapur Assembly was attended by representatives from the Philippines belonging to the Cooperation Circles of The Peacemakers' Circle Foundation, Inc. (Metro Manila), Kalinaw-CC (Cebu), Pakigdait, Inc. (Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte), Bohol Goodwill Volunteers, Inc. (Tagbilaran, Bohol) .

... more on this here

Peace Caravan and Peace March

The Peacemakers' Circle Foundation, Inc.

in partnership with

IN SEARCH FOR PEACE IN MINDANAO:

ENGAGING THE MORAL IMAGINATION IN COMMUNITY DIALOGUE AND RELATIONSHIP- BUILDING

(A Leaders' Dialogue Workshop-Forum).

Hotel Rembrandt Ballroom, Quezon City
October 23, 2008

In the light of the ongoing hostilities in Mindanao, we have partnered with the Sowing Peace fro Mindanao network and, with the support of the U.S. Embassy and the Mindanao Peoples' Caucus, we are organizing a dialogue workshop-forum for leaders of various sectors in Metro Manila. Our aim is to find ways of creatively working together to help address the raging conflict in Mindanao and build mutually respectful and harmonious relationships among its people.

A select group of 100 leaders from various sectors of society are being invited. We would be honored if you could join and help us find ways of sowing peace for Mindanao.

Space is limited so please contact Sarah or Orlan at 920-7622 to confirm your attendance.

Sowing Peace Convening Organizations:

Balay Rehabilitation Center, The Peacemakers’ Circle Foundation, Inc (PCFI), Binhi ng Kapayapaan, Inc., Mindanao Solidarity Network (MSN), Gaston Z. Ortigas Peace Institute (GZOPI), Anak Mindanao (AMIN), Pinay…Kilos (PINK), Moro Human Rights Council (MHRC), Center for Peace Education - Miriam College, Initiatives for International Dialogue (IID), Interfaith Center for a Culture of Nonviolence (ICCN), Social Action Office-College of St. Benilde

For more info contact: PCFI (920-7622 / 0918-7822805); Binhi (0926-6401941); Balay (921-6301) -- www.sowingpeace.multiply.com

SOWING PEACE CARAVAN & INTERFAITH EIDL FITR CELEBRATION

Peace Caravan and Peace March
October 2 (Thursday) – day after Eidl Fitr &
World Nonviolence Day

8:00 am – Assembly at Miriam College (college parking lot), Katipunan Rd., QC
8:30 am – Peace Caravan to Taguig City
9:30 am – Peace March from St. Joseph Parish to Blue Mosque, Maharlika Village (10-15 min walk)
10:00 am – Interfaith Prayers and Planting of “Tree of Peace” followed by a Cultural Program
11:00 am – Solidarity Feast of Eidl Fitr (end of Ramadhan)

Please wear white; bring any white flower, drinks & vegetarian food to share, bell/chime/drum or any musical instrument.

Come one, Come all!! Bring your friends, organizations and families.

Let us make our voices louder. Let us flood the streets of Metro Manila with our call:
STOP THE WAR IN MINDANAO!
LAY DOWN THE GUNS!
GIVE PEACE A CHANCE!

For more info contact: PCFI (920-7622 / 0918-7822805); Binhi (0926-6401941); Balay (921-6301) -- www.sowingpeace.multiply.com














An historic event took place in Metro Manila on Thursday October 2, 2008. About 30 motorcyclists and 12 vehicles carrying colored flaglets and banners of the Sowing Peace for Mindanao network drove through the streets in a Peace Caravan that called for a more intensified campaign for awareness and solidarity for the growing number of people affected by the conflict in Mindanao. Escorted by MMDA mobile traffic enforcers and several media crew, the convoy—composed of members representing the different peace organizations, religious communities and interfaith groups had earlier assembled at the Miriam College parking lot in Quezon City, and traveled all the way to Maharlika Village in Taguig City.

Awaiting them at St. Joseph Catholic Church was a contingent of about a hundred parishioners from the community led by their parish priest, Fr. Victor Virtudazo. Joining together in a Peace March the two groups filled the streets to the beat of a local drum-and-lyre marching band, interspersed with drumming and harmonium music (provided by the ISKCON) while everyone chanted, “Peace in Mindanao… Now!”-- as they made their way to the Blue Mosque.

Here they were welcomed by the Muslim community led by young boys and girls who received the white flowers offered to them by their Christian neighbors and the visiting interfaith community.

Beside the mosque, everyone gathered under the sun in a circle where the interfaith manifesto for peace was read aloud and interfaith prayers for peace were offered by leaders and representatives from the Muslim, Catholic, Protestant, Indigenous, Hare Krishna and Hindu faiths. Concluding the ceremony was the planting of a “Tree of Peace” at the center of the circle around which each faith representative put a peg to fence the seedling —symbolizing the concerted effort of protection and continuous nurture that peace would require from each of the stakeholders.

Right after, a celebratory cultural program was held in a tent area nearby where everyone enjoyed musical entertainment from the Muslim community and listened to the solidarity messages and Eidl Fitr greetings from the different participating groups.

Also held there was a symbolic offering of food from the Christian and interfaith community which was received by the Muslims led by their respected leader, Sultan Pangandaman.

A simple but harmonious feast was shared as a general feeling of hope filled the air and the promise for peace had been planted in each one’s heart through this fresh, new kind of interfaith Eid celebration that has been started.

On behalf of the conveners of Sowing Peace for Mindanao network (Binhi ng Kapayapaan, Inc., GZO Peace Institute, Anak Mindanao, Pinay...Kilos!, Center for Peace Education - Miriam College, The Peacemakers’ Circle Foundation, Inc., Balay Rehabilitation Center, Mindanao Solidarity Network, Interfaith Center for a Culture of Nonviolence), we heartily thank all groups and individuals who have participated and contributed to the success of the event: Aksyon para sa Kapayapaan at Katarungan (AKKAPKA), Initiatives for International Dialogue (IID), Motorcyclists Assoc. of the Phils., International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), SangHabi, Inc., KaliPiMu Inner Dance group, Environmental Broadcast Circle-PeaceComm., Third World Movement Against the Exploitation of Women, St. Joseph Parish,

Check out news videos on this event from the web:
http://www.gmanews.tv/video/29475/
http://www.gmanews.tv/largevideo/latest/29457/QTV-Christians-Muslims-join-peace-caravan-in-Taguig

Also see small feature / photos on Oct.3/08 newspapers: Phil. Daily Inquirer, The Phil. Star, and Tribune

FAITHS IN HARMONY SOWING PEACE THROUGH PRAYERS, LIGHTS AND SOUNDS (International Day of Peace 2008 – Manila)

The Peacemakers’ Circle Foundation, Inc. (PCFI) and the United Religions Initiative Southeast Asia & the Pacific (URI-SEAP) Regional Office joined forces with the Sowing Peace for Mindanao network in organizing a back-to-back peace event in Quezon City, Metro Manila on Saturday September 20, 2008, eve of the UN International Day of Peace.

Just before sunset a motley crowd of more than a hundred people lined the sidewalk along Katipunan Avenue-- in front of Miriam College-- to make a stand for peace and call for the cessation of violence in Mindanao. They were students, teachers, artists, lay and religious, members of the interfaith community, NGOs, and employees who took time from their busy schedule to gather together in order to make their voices heard. In solidarity, they wore white, and brought flowers, musical instruments and food to share.

Interfaith prayers were said amid the din of the careening traffic. But the energy around the circle was high. A fellowship Iftar (breaking of the fast) was offered in solidarity with the Muslims with everyone sharing the potluck food.

Torches were lit for the peace walk that followed with all marching to the beat of the drums, ringing of chimes and gongs and voices raised in a chorus of chanting - “Stop the war in Mindanao! Give peace a chance!” The traffic on the street kept going but it was heartwarming that many cars stopped and blew their horns in support.

Around 7:00 o’clock in the evening the crowd proceeded to the Environmental Studies Institute inside the Miriam College campus for the FAITHS IN HARMONY, SYMPHONIES OF PEACE, an interfaith concert. Hosted by Ms. Marites Africa of PCFI, the musical celebration offered an array of creative peace presentations – meditation, chanting, songs, dances and prayers-- from the various spiritual groups and partner organizations.

The program was opened by Dr. Shakun Vaswani (URI SEAP regional coordinator) who welcomed everyone to the familiar hall that gets to be annually decorated with the colors of diversity through the flags of various faith symbols and the UN flags of the different countries in the world. Meditation & silencing was led by Mr. John Dowling of Brahma Kumaris. This was followed by an opening dance of peace & blessing offered by the KaliPiMu Innerdance group with musical accompaniment provided by SangHabi, Inc.

An inspirational peace song was rendered by Ms. Mirma Tica of Pax Christi – Miriam College, while chanting and peace prayers were heard from Mrs. Tomomi Shima and members of Shinji Shumei Kai (Japanese spiritual organization) ; Babaji Surinder Singh Ragi of Guru Nanak Mission (Sikh); and Mahraj Prem Shanker Pandey of the Hindu Temple-Manila.

The Self-Realization Fellowship (Paramahansa Yogananda-founded group) presented a song and engaged everyone in a healing action prayer.

Other body movement arts were demonstrated by Step Universe – International (Indonesian energy exercise); the Byakko Shinko Kai –Phils. (with their Divinity-In body prayer); and T’ai Chi master Mr. Ed Sevilla.

A loose-group of interfaith performers called Higher Chakra, led by Ramesh Balgos, offered a musical poetry reading number.

Some of the more modern numbers include a Samba dance from PCFI’s Ms. Judy Banu and partner; and peace songs from an all-female rock group, Velvet band —led by Ms. Tet Gallardo, who represented the Unitarian Universalist Community – Manila.

But definitely the crowd’s favorite was the most joyful and entertaining presentation from the cute and adorable pre-school pupils of the Creative Space Center for Integrative Learning for Children who performed a song and dance number entitled: “Mapayapang Mundo” (peaceful world).

Mr. Mario “Toots” Fungo of the World Peace Prayer Society-Phils. read the United Nations’ official message for IDP ’08 and led the peace prayer for each country by distributing flag-cards of the different nations.

During the program, an intensified campaign for A Million Signatures for Yes! We Unite in Sowing Peace for Mindanao was launched.

The evening was capped off with the ever-lively music and chanting by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON/Hare Krishna) that led to community jamming as everyone pushed their seats to the side and, hand-in-hand, formed a big dance circle across the hall.

It was a wonderful sight to behold as people from different faiths and cultures sang, chanted and danced together in joyful harmony and celebration as we continue to demonstrate solidarity in sowing peace in the country and the whole world!

Once again, a million thanks to all the participants, performers, volunteers and supporters, and all those who attended the event!

Here are more snapshots...

Our emcee Ms. Marites Africa

Ms. Judy Banu & Mr. Allan Figueroa dance the Samba

graceful Lisette of Inner Dance

Babaji of Guru Nanak Mission

Ramesh Balgos of Step Universe demonstrates the Indonesian energy exercise

Mr. Ed Sevilla gave an instructional demo of T'ai Chi

Byakko - Phils. members performed the Divinity-In prayer movement

Mahraj Prem Shanker Pandey of the Hindu Temple - Manila

Poetry readers of Higher Chakra

Finale jam with the Hare Krishna - ISKCON

more photos taken by Mr. Bob Guerrero can be viewed here:

http://bhobg.multiply.com/photos/album/47/Concert_for_Peace_Sept_20_

Gatherings for Peace in Mindanao held

Just to share with you two events that were organized in response to the situation in Mindanao:

1) August 15 (Friday) 5:30-7pm -- Sharing Light for Mindanao - following suggestions & ideas raised during the regular Tuesday Inner Work Circle where special time was offered for prayers for peace in Mindanao-- The Peacemakers' Circle (PCFI) partnered with Binhi ng Kapayapaan, Inc. to quickly organize this meeting which aimed to generate initial discussions about the current happenings in Mindanao to raise awareness from and among concerned individuals in Manila; and to pray and send positive energy to neutralize the fear & anger being sown all around. 14 people gathered at the Hope Center which hosted the meeting. The small group had an intimate sharing of concerns, updates and prayers for the seemingly-distant region of Mindanao. It was decided that another meeting be held to continue the campaign to raise awareness on the Mindanao situation.

2) August 21 (Wednesday) 4:30-7pm -- Conversations on the Mindanao situation - PCFI friends and co-workers in peacebuilding gathered for an informal meeting at the PhilDHRRA conference room in Loyola Heights for further discussions and updates on the situation. About 25 people from various organizations (Mindanao People's Caucus, Binhi ng Kapayapaan,Inc. , GZO Peace Inst., Arellano University, Inst. of Spirituality in Asia, Balay Center, FilMus youth, and the Muslim-Christian Dialogue Program) attended. There were even some members of Salam Marines from Quiapo who were brought along by Muslim friends.

The intimate and informal atmosphere provided a safe space for those who were deeply involved in the work to express their emotions and sentiments as they related updates and some of their opinions. To some extent, some light were shed on the situation which seemed to be much more complicated. It was reported that fear and anger in the hearts of people and leaders (both political and religious) are causing more polarization and division.

There was a general feeling of urgency that concerned groups and inidviduals in Manila should create consolidated efforts to campaign in support for Mindanao.

A follow-up planning meeting to come up with consolidated activities (such as prayer marches/ candle-lighting vigils, fasting campaigns, position statements/letters, relief collection, programs) will be held on Tuesday - August 26 at 5:30pm, tentatively at the Balay Rehabilitation Center in Teachers' Village, QC.

Everybody is enjoined to support this urgent call for peace in Mindanao -- however distant we may be. Please let us know if you wish to join us.More updates to follow...