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THE HOLY MONTH OF RAMADAN
by Ana Teresa D. David |
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Ramadan is the special month of the year when Muslims all over the world observe inner reflection, self control and devotion to Allah. The Ninth month of the Islamic Calendar wherein Qur’an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, it is believed that during this month, the gates of heaven are open, while the gates of hell are closed and the devils are put in chains, and the reward for good deeds, acts of charity and acts of worship are multiplied. Thus, special practices are being observed by participating Muslims only during Ramadan, such as Sawm (Fasting), Taraweeh Prayers, and I’tikaf.
Fasting, abstaining from food, drink, and sexual activities, the whole month long is obligatory. As the Fourth Fundamental of Islam, Muslims do not eat or drink anything during the daylight hours. They only get a chance to eat Suhoor (pre-fast meal) before dawn, and Iftair (post-fast meal) after sunset. Although sick people, travelers, and women in certain conditions are exempted from fasting, they must make it up whenever they are able to.
Taraweeh Prayers are long night prayers done in the mosques. Usually two and a half (2 ½) hours, this practice is not obligatory but is highly recommended. Muslims see this not just a chance for spiritual enrichment, but also a chance to improve relationships in the Muslim community.
During I’tikaf (the spiritual retreat), Muslims go into seclusion throughout the last ten nights of Ramadan praying and reading the Qur’an in order to seek Laylat Al-Qadr. Laylat Al-Qadr, the “Night of Decrease” or “Night of Measures”, is considered the most holy night of the year.
Ramadan in 2008 started on the 1st of September and continued for 30 days until the 30 th of September, making the 1st of October a regular holiday throughout the Philippines in observance of Eid’l Fitr (Feast of Ramadan).
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CARGO SALES BLITZ IN GENERAL SANTOS
by Gregg D. Mance |
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Saudia Cargo now flies from General Santos to the Middle East, Europe and the U.S. thru Cebu Pacific….
In lieu of its 10th Anniversary, the SOCSKSARGEN Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries, Inc, hosted the 10th National Tuna Congress last September 3-4, 2008 at the KCC Convention and Events Center, KCC Mall in General Santos City.
With the theme “Managing Our Tuna Resource: Exploring Opportunities & Alternatives”, this year’s event focused on issues of resource management sustainability and fishing access, raising awareness on the effects of global warming and climate change, exploring the opportunities and challenges brought about by the market trends, including windows of opportunities for aquaculture and tuna farming, among others.
The convention was attended by our Chairman and CEO Mr. Felix P. Mabanta Jr. together with other airlines (LH, NW, 5J) thru the invitation of the secretariat. Various cargo agents were also visited by this writer and Ms. Chu Consunji, TWASP VisMin Sales Coordinator, to introduce the SV/5J Cargo Interline Agreement. We had a joint sales call with Ms. Mara Garcia – Director for Cargo Sales and Customer Service for Cebu Pacific and established the new cargo services of Saudia at GES. The visit was made to promote SV ex-GES utilizing the agreement. It was indeed a successful visit as from the time the blitz has been made there have been inquiries of perishables coming in for potential business.
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