Philippine capital is home to hundreds of thousands of Muslims Muslims constitute 10 percent of the majority Catholic population MANILA: Thousands of Filipino Muslims gathered in Manila on Wednesday for Eid Al-Fitr prayers followed by family picnics to celebrate the end of Ramadan. In the predominantly Catholic Philippines, Muslims make up around 10 percent of the country’s population of over 110 million. Most live on the island of Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago in the country’s south, but the Philippine capital is also home to hundreds of thousands of Muslims. As Filipino Muslims gathered in different sites on the first day of Eid, thousands came to the Quezon Memorial Circle to uphold the tradition of morning Eid prayers. “This day, us Muslims come together to one place to celebrate. It’s a big celebration for us because we finished a month-long fasting. We made it. Whoever is able to fulfill this, his sins will be forgiven. Isn’t that nice?” Abdullah Masanque, an administrator at the Abu Haiyah Masjid and Islamic Center, told Arab News. “This is the day when we come together, we talk. Those who have grudges, they also come together. They forgive each other.” After the prayers, participants joined together for a communal picnic, where families brought home-cooked meals as street vendors sold snacks and toys to excited children. For many, the occasion is the perfect time for families to bond. “Eid Al-Fitr is the feast to celebrate all our sacrifices during the month of Ramadan. It’s the season of gratitude, forgiveness … Eid is a time to be with family and friends,” Rosalyn Lakbayen, a Manila resident, told Arab News. “It is even more special than a birthday because it is a very solemn occasion for all Muslims. For me, this is the time when Allah will give us blessings.” Michaela Laquina Mujahida said this year’s Ramadan offered an opportunity to get closer to her loved ones. “This past Ramadan is memorable to us because it’s the only time when we really had the chance to have a family bonding. And not only with family but also with friends and neighbors,” Mujahida said. “Eid Al-Fitr for us is a family bonding moment.” Alliyah Mumem, originally from Lanao province, was celebrating Eid with her entire family at the park on Wednesday. “We have a family picnic, then later we take a stroll,” she said. “So today is really a time for the family. It allows us to become closer to one another … This is a happy moment because we get to be with some family members, relatives, and even friends whom we don’t often see during the year.” After moving from Marawi to the Philippine capital eight years ago, celebrating Eid at the park in Quezon City has become a tradition for Basher Batu-an, who also dedicated the day to her family. “I always bring my family here at the Quezon Memorial Circle. The kids are having a great time. They get to play and just run around. This is really the time for bonding, to prepare food which we share and enjoy, no matter how simple,” Batu-an said. “My wish during Ramadan is for Allah to always keep my family safe. I am also thankful that He gave me a beautiful family.”