Christmas Gifts and Letters (Inq7 article)

At Large : Christmas gifts and letters

, Dec 21, 2005
Updated 01:01amam (Mla time)
Rina Jimenez-David
Inquirer

IT MUST be one of the most unique gifts I have received, not just for this Christmas season, but in all my life. And it's unique not necessarily because of the item itself, but because of the giver.

The gift is a two-CD set of classic and contemporary Christmas songs, collected and reproduced by Datu Ibrahim "Toto" Pendatun Paglas III, former mayor of Datu Paglas town in Maguindanao province and a "mover and shaker" in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Yes, the giver of this excellent collection of beloved Christmas carols and ditties is a devout Muslim, and a political and business leader of the Muslim community. And his gift, while a welcome addition to any home music library, also bears a bigger message of religious and cultural understanding and acceptance.

"There is a notion that a Muslim 'does not celebrate Christmas,'" writes Datu Toto in an explanatory letter. "While not totally incorrect from the religious perspective of others, it is my personal belief that a Muslim may join Christendom in celebrating the Spirit of the Yuletide Season, the spirit of caring and giving, of hope, of reflection, of love for fellowmen, of nostalgic childhood memories, of godparents, very much a part of local cultures and traditions of humanity throughout the world. I recall that during my much younger days, my dear mother would even join her Christian teacher and friends in my birth town of Buluan, Maguindanao, as they carol around my village.

"Yes, a Muslim like me does share the happy spirit of the Season. I guess it is very much like the way certain non-Muslims join us in the celebration of our Holy Month of Ramadhan. Perhaps not many people know that even the American President, and the US Embassy in the Philippines -- I am sure many other non-Muslims do the same -- host Iftar dinners.

"And yes, in my view, Christmas Season is a fitting reminder that modern technology has already 'shrunk' the world into ONE global village, and humanity into ONE global family. It is an occasion to show ourselves that we can be ONE in SHARING a very Special Season for all people on earth, for joy and love that should be free from differences of religion and/or creed."

And THANK YOU, Datu Toto, for giving our Christmas celebration a whole new other level of meaning!

* * *

AROUND this time of the year, we have also come to expect a letter from Fr. Ben Erkens, CICM, whom my husband and I met at the Tabuk Pastoral Center in Bulanao, Tabuk, Kalinga, some years back. Our meeting was made all the more memorable by an exchange of fire between warring clans while we were spending the night at the mission. I remember clearly that while we visitors were about ready to dive under the dining table, Father Ben remained calmly seated in his easy chair, reading a magazine, then strolling slowly to the balcony to check out the "action."

This year's letter, an update of Father Ben's activities, especially his scholarship and development programs, is different in that it bears news that Father Ben, who first came to the Philippines in 1955, will be returning to his home in Europe next year.

"This event is for me a reason to thank you now with Christmas for your generous and lasting support during my stay in the Philippines," writes Father Ben. "The missionary work included school and catechesis, parish work and social action (reforestation). There are still critics who object: What does it all matter in this crazy world? What is the use of it? Our firm answer is: Much more than you think! The grain dies and brings forth an abundant fruit: A farmer believes in the harvest. And so do all of us. We believe in the harvest to promote the happiness and well-being of every person. Then (to quote Mother Teresa) we meet the person of the Christ."

Thank you, too, Father Ben, for reminding us of the importance of faith and belief in the necessity of what we do-whatever it is we recognize as our mission on this earth. Have a safe trip home!

* * *

HAVE you ever wondered where the term "pancit" comes from? Or who is the Ongpin after whom the main street of Manila's Chinatown was named?

These and other questions about the Filipino-Chinese community and the contributions of the Chinese to our way of life are answered in the book "Tsinoy: The Story of the Chinese in Philippine Life."

Launched last Dec. 11 at Kaisa-Angelo King Heritage Center in Intramuros, this coffee-table book features over 400 photographs -- some of them rare, most of them never before published-and 38 essays that trace the experience of the Chinese in the Philippines, the role they played and continue to play in our history and national development, including their role in the resistance to Spain, the Philippine Revolution of 1898 and the anti-American and anti-Japanese movements.

Packed with information that is the result of years of research and scholarship, the 268-page book also offers interesting trivia, like the origins of many words in contemporary lingo and the origin of many street names. It will surely make for an excellent gift not just for scholars, but for everyone curious about our complex history.

The impressive photo selection in "Tsinoy" is taken from the vast photographic collection of Kaisa Para Sa Kaunlaran, an organization of Tsinoys [Chinese-Filipinos] that is involved in both scholarship and research as well as development and advocacy work. It is based in the Bahay Tsinoy, a Museum of the Chinese in Philippine Life, at the Kaisa Heritage Center in Intramuros which is hailed as one of the best museums in the country.

"Tsinoy" will be available at leading bookstores nationwide and at the Kaisa Heritage Center in Intramuros. E-mail Kaisa@philonline.com or call _632 5266796 or 5266798.

A reminder: buyers of "Tsinoy" will enjoy a P200 discount until Dec. 31 only, so hurry!

-anben-

www.boronganon.blogspot.com

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