Serving Halal Certified Food in the Country: AlBarakah Philippines

This is the first time I've seen a LOT of people clad in their best garb and outfits that could resemble royalty in Mindanao, but right smack in the heart of Ortigas Center's Crowne Plaza. We were there for AlBarakah, a new brand of halal certified food chain in the country. For those who don't know, Halal certified food is a bit scarce in this side of the country, but with their presence, it would now be possible for halal food and ingredients to be served in different parts of the country.

This is the brainchild of AlBarakah CEO Ameerah Tamundong who says "It is a bit difficult to adhere to dietary principles in Metro Manila and different parts of the country. With the existence of AlBarakah, good halal certified food and drinks is now accessible for Filipinos. We also have different dishes to serve for our Filipino patrons if they're looking for carefully prepared meals."

 

At the venue, they had Muslim attendees enjoy dishes like Shredded Corned Beef, Minced Hash Corned Beef, their 3 in 1 brown coffee, and also white coffee. They also had Protein Bites which could serve as snacks in between meals, or even before athletes race, as it's got peanuts, almonds and other seeds. Each is assured of halal certification and lawful in Islamic ways. If you're in need of their services, visit their social channels on FB or their website albarakahph.com as all the details on how to order will be there.

LEGAL WIVES Showcases Cultural Differences on GMA

They've been doing good these past few days and with good reason. This is drama, severely cultural and depicts a relationship that isn't much of a norm in conservative Philippines. One man, married to three women, this is a series called LEGAL WIVES. This stars Dennis Trillo, Ms. Alice Dixson, Andrea Torres and Bianca Umali.

We got to talk to the cast a few days ago including Dennis Trillo who plays Ismael Makadatu. In a nutshell, polygamy is something that's a bit of taboo in the country. It's much of a cultural difference really, of understanding how society and these ladies to accept that they can be loved by one man. Aside from that, they're showing a couple of things that are a bit controversial like the harmful "Rido" wherein one clan tries to eliminate the other because of their differences. It will be explained in this series a bit, but not in whole because this isn't a documentary or news item. This also stars Derrick Monasterio, Ashley Ortega, Al Tantay, Juan Rodrigo, Irma Adlawan, Maricar de Mesa, Tommy Abuel, Bernard Palanca, Ms. Cherie Gil, Abdul Raman, Mon Confiado, Shayne Sava, Kevin Santos, indie actor Kiko Matos, Jay Arcilla and Brent Valdez. This is directed by Zig Dulay who also did Bianca Umali's Sahaya in the past.

Watch the show, maybe you'll see how something so crazy like this makes sense.

A Message of Peace from DS Loren Legarda this Eidul Adha

As announced by the Malacañan Palace, the 20th of July 2021 has been marked as a holiday for "Eidul Adha" or Feast of Sacrifice across the country. It also marks the end of Hajj or the pilgrimage to Mecca. It's also one of the largest occasions for Muslims worldwide marking the the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ishmael (also known as Abraham and Ismael) as a form of total obedience to God, but God intervened and used sheep for  the ritual instead. During this time, our Muslim brothers and sisters reflect on the act and offer special prayers.

In  a recent post, Deputy Speaker, Former Senator and Bai A Labi (Honorary Muslim Princess bestowed by the Marawi Sultanate League) Loren Legarda sent her wishes to the public in celebration of this day. She says "I hope the values of selflessness, obedience and faith would bring us peace, blessings and harmony. I join our brothers and sisters in the Muslim faith in commemorating the Feast of Sacrifice, Eid Al Adha Mubarak!"

Here's her full message on video from her Facebook page:

May we all see the value and reason why this has been celebrated for centuries and hope today, we remember it all so we become better, selfless individuals. May your homes be vessels of peace, devotion and be full of blessings! Eid Mubarak!