Halal Certified labels at SM Megamall Supermarket. :D 

Luistro: Promote harmony and acceptance of other faiths

TAGUM CITY, DAVAO DEL NORTE -- Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC has called on the public to promote societal harmony and acceptance of other faiths when praying in public schools.

In a meeting with key Department of Education (DepEd) officials, Luistro emphasized the need to co-exist harmoniously in a pluralistic society. “We may have different faiths but we can develop a culture of acceptance and understanding through education,” he said.

The education chief is encouraging ecumenical prayers or the recitation of a prayer for each of the represented faiths especially during official programs. “We need to take into account the multitude of faiths in the country," he pointed out.

"If there are various faiths in the room, we can either have a prayer for each, or have something that is applicable to all."

In the same Mindanao meeting, Luistro also reiterated the protocol of singing the National Anthem first before prayers in official programs.

"We cannot call on God unless we gather first as a nation. The singing of the ‘Lupang Hinirang’ brings us together, and then we pray as one, even as we come from different traditions," he explained.

DepEd is currently implementing an educational program for Indigenous Peoples, designing curricula and modules that respond to their cultural and educational needs. The Department also continues to strengthen Madrasah education for Muslim learners across the country.

Administrator

http://www.deped.gov.ph/index.php/news-updates/updates/updates-learners/419-luistro-promote-harmony-and-acceptance-of-other-faiths

7 Halal Restaurants to Try in Metro Manila

7 halal restaurants to try in Metro Manila

Text b Ana Valenzuela | Photos by Peter C. Marquez | Lifestyle Section, InterAksyon.com · Thursday, August 8, 2013 · 1:50 am

Exotic interiors of Gilak by Hossein in Greenbelt mall, Makati City. Photo by Peter C. Marquez, InterAksyon.com.

With the end of the month-long Ramadan this week, the festive celebration of Eid al-Fitr takes place on August 9 (Friday), a non-working holiday in the Philippines. During Ramadan, adults fast from sunset to sunrise. The breaking of the fast is set during dusk and is referred to as Iftaar. With Eid al-Fitr, which is literally translated as “breaking of the fast,” Muslim families gather with their loved ones and friends to feast on sweet delicacies and other elaborate dishes and drinks.

Prayers are a focal point, of course, though food also plays an important role during the Ramadan period (at dusk each day to break the fast) and the day of Eid al-Fitr itself. In both important occasions, Halal cuisine is enjoyed.

Jameela Bernardo, owner of Dar-ul Deli and administrator of Halal Manila Blog shared, “It is stated in the Quran that we eat from what is lawful—halal. If we do not do so, then we go against Islam and this specific ruling of eating and consuming that’s in accordance with the the law.”

Bernardo added that halal meat, such as lamb and beef (but not pork), is considered as such because of the way the animal has been slaughtered. “We let the blood pour out of the animal. After cutting the throat of the animal with a sharp knife—no other method is Halal; you cannot kill the animal with a gun or by electricity—the blood of the animal is drained so that it becomes more cleansed. Only after this method does the meat become halal, and anything from this animal, we are allowed to consume.”

“Halal refers to anything: from food, actions, cosmetics, and others. It is a general Arabic term from the Quran and it is used for anything we do on a day-to-day basis. If something is allowed for us to do, then it is halal,” disclosed Bernardo.

Whether one is celebrating Eid al-Fitr or simply looking for some tasty and flavorful alternatives to your usual restaurant fare, Metro Manila is filled with several halal dining places. Here are some of them.

1. New Bombay Restaurant
Open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
3/F Food Choices Glorietta and Ground floor
Ayala Center, Makati City
Tel.no. (+632) 986-8622
Whether you’re craving for fast food or dining out in style, New Bombay serves Indian food with flare. It has an outlet in the food court of Glorietta and has branches scattered in Makati, Ortigas and Taguig City.

New Bombay meal sets consist of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, samosa, tamarind and cilantro sauces, and iced tea. Photo by Peter C. Marquez, InterAksyon.com.

“It’s home-cooked, Indian-style cooking,” revealed Rainy ‘Tony’ Khanchandani, Operations Manager of New Bombay. “But, when we cook it, we cook it according to your preference.”

New Bombay started as a canteen, but later expanded with its first branch on H.V. dela Costa Street (and continues to grow with branches opening in Robinsons Manila and Alabang.) Sixty-five percent of customers are Filipinos, who prefer to have their dishes prepared in mild. S

For first-timers, Khanchandani recommends the Chicken Tikka Masala Php245 and Chicken Tikka Dry, Php225. Desserts to try are Kulfi Php125 (a popular ice cream-like dessert made with condensed and evaporated milk, mildly flavored with cardamom) and Gulab Jamon PhpP125 (a cheese-based, spongy treat shaped into balls).

2. Moud Halal Restaurant
829 Globo de Oro St. Quaipo, Manila
Tel. no. (+632) 488-5006

The roasted chicken is what makes people come back to this Quiapo diner. Photo by Ana Valenzuela, InterAksyon.com.

From the many eateries around Quaipo, home to the biggest Muslim community in Manila, this small resto stands out as it gets top recommendations among locals. Proof perhaps is the number of chickens roasting at a time when its regular patrons are supposed to be fasting.

Moud is one of the few eating places open during Ramadan. Acording to owner Melanie Shaheen they had to make way for the many take-home orders they have been getting. “Ours is a combination of Saudi food and Filipino food, we also offer Chinese food,” she shared with InterAksyon.com. But Moud’s bestseller is the roasted chicken served with kabsa rice. Patrons would order these to take home to their families and picked up during the early evenings.

Shaheen disclosed that to keep up with Islam tradition, the restaurant follows halal rituals and adjusts ingredients in Filipino dishes by using chicken, beef, or goat when the ingredient calls for pork.

3. Martabak Café
10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
G/F SM Mall of Asia
Tel. no. (+632)556-0566
Attracting customers for seven years now with their sumptuous take on Indo-Malay cuisine, Martabak offers a more flavorful option to fast-food eats with dishes like beef rendang and seafood soup. Pinoys and Southeast Asian expats and tourists alike keep coming back to this one branch. Set meals are from Php973 to Php1,448. To be sure, Halal certification and a “no pork sign” are plastered on its glass door.

4. Al Batra Restaurant and Coffee Shop
Open 24 hours
Makati Avenue corner Constellation Street, Makati City
(+632) 403-5552

A light meal at Al Batra Restaurant and Coffee Shop. On the left, mixed appetizers plate (Php180) consisting of hummus, motabal, tabular, and baba ganoush. On the right is the Al Batra Mixed Grill consisting of kebab chicken, kebab meat, and shish tawouk (Php360). Extra order of pita bread (Php20 per piece). Sweet and salted lassi for drinks (Php150 each). Photo by Peter C. Marquez, InterAksyon.com.

Unwind from the worries of work, shy away from Makati’s rush-hour traffic, or have a midnight snack or early breakfast in this 24-hours open Gulf, Mediterranean, Indian restaurant. Albatra offers Ramadan buffet for only Php650 per head from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. For a lighter meal, have a cup of Arabic or Turkish coffee and pair it with a slice of freshly baked pies. Albatra has special pies like cheese, labna and honey, meat, and za’atar or thyme pies.

Shisha or waterpipes are also available for smokers.

5. Kashmir
9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Rustan’s Supermarket, Ayala Center, Makati
If you are in Makati, and want a quick bite, then head towards Rustan’s Supermarket and go straight to the stall of Kashmir, one of Manila’s oldest Indian fine dining restaurants. Give in to your cravings with a shawarma (and drink) Php120, lamb curry Php170, burger (and drink) Php6o. The place is especially popular among office workers taking their lunch or coffee breaks.

6. Gilak by Hossein
11 a.m. to 12 m.n.
2/F Greenbelt 3
Ayala Center, Makati City
Tel. no. (+632) 7290266

Gilak’s baklava (Php 85) with Arabian tea (Php150). Photo by Peter C. Marquez, InterAksyon.com.

Gilak in Greenbelt is just one of the many restaurants under the Hossein group of restaurants scattered all over the metro’s malls. With its Mediterranean feel, of Middle Eastern type chandeliers and string curtains over private dining space, Hossein transports you away from the mall’s chaos and into a more exotic atmosphere.

Apart from its interiors, however, this restaurant has been delighting palates for more than 25 years now with offerings like lamb shish kebab (Php571), lamb chops (Php870), and baklava (Php85).

7. The Chicken Rice Shop
Harbor S, CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard;
Sta. Lucia Mall
Robinson’s Place Manila
A popular chicken rice fast-food restaurant from Malaysia that claims it serves “grandmother’s traditional Hainanese secret recipe chicken rice.” But there’s more to enjoy other than this popular Malaysian and Singaporean dish. The restaurant also offers curry laksa, fish laksa, and chicken springrolls, to name a few.

The Chicken Rice Shop’s curry laksa. Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/TheChickenRiceShopPhilippines.

Do's and Don'ts

This reminder is especially helpful to reverts like me. At times, I forget to say the right words and say the words I was used to saying before I became a Muslim.

At Max's Restaurant

Juan dela Cruz

I used to watch Juan dela Cruz on TV but since I started working, I have not seen any episode.  Last night, my mother told me about a post she read that condemns the use of Muslim names among the aswang characters in the TV show. I goggled and found this.

Teleseryeng Juan dela Cruz, Anti-Islam

https://www.facebook.com/abscbnNEWS/posts/10151614337010168

Ako ay nananawagan sa lahat ng Muslim sa Pilipinas na kondenahin ang ABS CBN at lalong higit sa lahat ang Direktor, Scriptwriter at Producer ng Teleseryeng Juan dela Cruz.

Sa mga nagdaan at kasalukuyang takbo ng istorya, ang Haring Aswang na si Samuel Alejandro ay walang pakundangang tinatawag at binabanggit ang mga Islamikong pangalan na OMAR, ABDUL, at MIKAEL (or Mikal - Angel Michael)

Lumalabas na ang plot ng teleseryang ito ay digmaan sa pag-itan ng mga Kristiyano sa pangunguna ni Juan dela Cruz laban sa mga aswang na pinamumunuan ng Haring Aswang na si Samuel Alejandro, lumilitaw na ang mga alagad at tauhan ng Haring Aswang ay pawang mga pangalang Muslim.

Batid natin na ang Omar ay pangalang Muslim lalo pat ito ay pangalan ng isang matapang, matuwid, matapat at iginaglang na Khalifa ng Islam na si Omar Ibn Kattab (radialahu anhu). 

Ang Mikael (Mikal) ay pangalan ng isang malakas na anghel na si anghel Michael na anghel na tagapagpaulan.

Ang Abdul ay nanggaling sa salitang Arabic na ‘Abd’ na ang ibig sabihin ay ALIPIN. Ito ay sinusundan ng pangngalang pangtangi ni Allah at ng Kaniyang mga Sifat (katangian) kagaya ng:
Abdull’Allah (Abdullah - alipin ni Allah)
Abdul ( r ) rahim, (alipin ng Maawain)
Abdul ( r) rahman, (alipn ng Mahabagin)
Abdul Malik (alipin ng Hari)
Abdul Gani (alipin ng Mayaman)
Abdul Jabbar, Abdul Mu’min, Abdul Aziz, Abdul Fattah, Abdul Mannan, Abdul (s) Salam at lahat ng 99 na asma wa sifat (pangalan at katangian) ni Allah.

Ang Abdul, kalian man ay hindi maaaring gamitin o iakibat sa kahit na sinong nilalang kagaya halimbawa ng Abdul Haring Aswang, Abdul Samuel Alejandro…. Sapagkat si Abdul sa teleseryeng ito ay taga sunod ni Samuel Alejandro.

Ang pangalang Abdul ay sagrado ito ay tawag o ngalan tangi sa taong sumusunod, sumusuko at tumatalima lamang kay Allah, hindi alipin ng isang nilalang na may kakaibang kapangyarihan, malahalimaw na hitsura na makikita sa katauhan ng Haring Aswang. 

Batid natin na ito ay kuwento at kathang isip lamang subalit hindi dapat na gamitin ang mga pangalang ito sa ganitong uri ng kuwento, kung hindi rin lamang ang istorya ay patungkol o tumatalakay sa istoryang may temang pang Islamiko. Kaya naman, ito ay tantos na paglapastangan kay Allah (azza wa jal) at sa relihiyong Islam.

Sa palabas na ito, ang hitsura, kasuotan ni Abdul ay hindi maipagkakailang larawan ng isang Muslim na mandirigmang aswang at alipin ni Samuel Alejandro. Kailan man ang mga Muslim ay hindi naniniwala sa ganitong uring nilikha. 

Oo ngat ang istoryang ito ay isang Mitolohiya at walang basehan, ngunit ang pagkakasangkot ng mga pangalang Muslim ay mariin kong kinokondena na maaaring maging dahilan ng pagkakaligaw ng maling paniniwala at maaaring sa murang isipan ng mga batang manonood na ang mga Muslim bago pa dumating ang mga Kastila ay nilikha ng diwatang si Feruha at ginawang mga aswang.

Ako ay nananawagan sa ating mga Ulama at maging sa mga kagaya kong tagapagturo at tagapagpalaganap ng Islam na kondenahin ang palabas at tutulan ang patuloy na paggamit ng mga pangalang Muslim. Kalampagin at papanagutin ang pamunuan ng ABS CBN, dahil ito ay isang diskriminasyon at kabastusan, insulto sa ating pan iniwala bilang mga Muslim.

Kung hindi ito mabibigyang pansin at ipagsasawalang bahala patuloy na yuyurakan ng mga Kufar na ito ang ating pananampalataya at karapatan bilang isang Muslim.

Hangad ko na bibigyang pansin ninyo ang panawagang ito.

Eisa Batallones 
Islamic Teacher, Propagator & Writer
Al Malha Jizan KSA
Attention: MTRCB, ABS CBN, MGA MUSLIM

     

CDO Chicken Longganisa...

 ....is HALAL! Finally, a Halal longganisa in the supermarket.