THE
PHILIPPINES
(2005
World Peace Prayer Society Report)
Marites Guingona-Africa, Manila
"Moving
in Solidarity towards PEACE"
INTERNATIONAL
DAY OF PEACE- Philippines
September
21, 2005
This
year's celebration of the International Day of Peace in Manila, Philippines
was a heartwarming event that brought together religious groups from
diverse faith traditions, non-profit organizations from various sectors
of society, and students from different schools and universities.
For
the third consecutive year, the IDP celebration was held at the Liwasang
Aurora of the Quezon City Memorial Circle. The Peacemakers' Circle
was one of the convening partners of the event, along with the Association
of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines, the Justice, Peace,
and Integrity of Creation, the Task Force Detainees of the Philippines,
Urban Missionaries, the Women and Gender Commission, and other prominent
non-profit organizations in Metro Manila.
The
activities began with ringing of the Peace Bell at two o'clock in
the afternoon. This was followed by interfaith prayers. After the
prayers, various groups began to walk in procession to government
offices around the Quezon Circle (such as the City Hall, the National
Housing Authority, Department of Environment and Natural Resources,
Department of Land Reform, etc.) to present the UN IDP peace statement,
and to invite the people working there to attend the afternoon's celebrations.
While
the groups were gone visiting government agencies, the people who
were left behind had the chance to visit the various exhibit booths
that were set-up around the park by the participating organizations.
The Peacemakers' Circle had its own booth to share with its members
and friends in the interfaith community. In the booth, free jyorei
healing was offered by the Shumei group. The Guru Nanak mission gave
prashad (blessed food offering) to everyone, while the Muslim and
Buddhist representatives watched on.
At
4 o'clock in the afternoon, the program began with welcome remarks
from the park's president, Atty. Charito Planas, a committed partner
and supporter of the yearly IDP celebration. Leaders of faith groups
and spiritual organizations offered reflections and blessings of peace.
A representative of the UN Information Center, Mr. Edwin Martin, graced
the occasion, and read the UN statement to the outdoor assembly.
One
of the highlights of the celebration was the prayer for all the countries
in the world by Mr. Mario "Toots" Fungo, representative
of the World Peace Prayer Society in the Philippines. Toots brought
with him 191 flags of all the nations in the world, and their vibrant
colors waved in the afternoon breeze!
Songs,
dances, and reflections on peace were shared with all who participated
in the afternoon's event. Finally, as dusk turned to night, candles
were lit, and a procession around the Circle began while everyone
sang, Make Me a Channel of your Peace.'
The
Peacemakers' Circle participated actively in making this day's activities
a success. Shakuntala Vaswani did very well in coordinating the program
(in the absence of the person-in-charge), Marites Africa emceed it
on-stage, Orlan documented it, while Lee and the other members of
the Peacemaker's Circle assisted the religious leaders.
The
day's celebration ended with heartwarming gestures of peace among
the assembly of diverse people who were there, and the sharing of
hope and commitment to the cause of peace. How interesting it was
to watch everyone struggling to keep the light of their candles alive
during the evening's peace walk around the Circle, despite the strong
winds that threatened to blow them out! This was perceived by many
to be symbolic of the struggle to keep hope alive for peace in the
world in the midst of the darkness that seems to prevail in our world
today.
--------------
A
report by
Marites
Guingona-Africa
The
Peacemakers' Circle - URI CC
Manila,
Philippines
2nd report by Mario “Toots” Fungo, Manila
Infinite
Peace on earth! We had a successful IDP CELEBRATION here last Sept.21,
at the Quezon Memorial Circle, Quezon City. The activity started in
the morning, with different religious groups and peace organizations
putting up their exhibits booths, showcasing their committed activities
to promoting peace.
The
formal opening was at 1:00, when all booths declared open for
people to go around and exchange ideas in working for peace. The WPPS
had its own booth, showing the society flags and Earth Flag. We distributed
global Link magazine and brochures and stickers. At 2pm, different
groups held marches and a quiet rally going to different government
agencies, bringing statements of the group's stand to promoting peace
through non-violence, truth and justice.
By
4pm an interfaith prayers were held with different faith traditions
on stage reading their prayers or invocations for peace. The interfaith
prayers were followed by cultural numbers from different groups. The
prayers for world peace with the UN flags were read by me with some
people/religious groups joining me in chanting MAY PEACE PREVAIL ON
EARTH every after ten names of countries.
The theme for this year’s IDP was “Moving in Solidarity for PEACE
Based on Justice.” Again the celebration was spearheaded by the Justice
and Peace for the Integrity of Creation Commission of the Association
of Major Religious Superiors of the Philippines, with the assistance
of the Peacemakers Circle Foundation/URI Phils. Chapter and many school-based
peace groups/religious organizations, interfaith community, and the
World Peace Prayer Society.
The
celebration was graced by the presence of Atty Charito Planas, the
UNIC officer in the person of Mr. Edwin Martin, among others, and
co-emceed by M.s Marites G. Africa.of Peacemekers' Foundation, and
Fr. Joel of the Franciscans Missionary.
Sept.
23 another IDP CELEBRATION, sponsored by Filipino Artists groups,
featuring songs, dance and paintings, was organized and coordinated
by Mr. Ryan BARROS. MAY PEACE PREVAIL ON EARTH!
MARIO TOOTS FUNGO
Peace Reps-Phils. WPPS
2005
World Peace Prayer Society Compilation
PICTORAL
ARCHIVE OF PREVIOUS PEACE DAY EVENTS
May
Peace Prevail
On Earth
