Press Release No. 18-2016
Date: 26 June 2016
(Jeddah, 26 June 2016)- As they have done for the past many years during the Holy Month of Ramadhan, the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah, led by Consul General Imelda M. Panolong and her spouse, Mr. Jamel U. Panolong, gathered together for the traditional Iftar Dinner on 19 June 2016. The celebration was held at the PCG Hall and was also attended by the Consulate’s spouses and children including the attached agencies.
The occasion started with the introduction of the newly arrived personnel, namely Mr. Abdulsalam Tanggol and Ms. Jesusa Villanueva both from the Department of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Anthony M. Allermo of POLO/OWWA. In her welcome remarks, Consul General Panolong thanked everyone for coming and extended her Ramadhan greetings to all and wishes for a very pious month ahead. She also welcomed the presence of the Rapid Response Team composed of Executive Director Ricardo M. Endaya, Principal Assistant Joel M. Peralta, and SDO Omar M. Pangarungan who were are in the Kingdom to assist OFWs stranded in work camps of Saudi Oger, MMG, Saudi bin Laden Group. The RRT-Yemen Team headed by Mr. Mohd. Noordin N. Lomondot with Mr. Nasser Macarimbang, SDO, also joined the Iftar dinner celebration.
The event was meaningful because it was the first Iftar dinner celebration of Consul General Panolong and her family with the Consulate family. It was made even extra special because for the first time, mostly traditional cuisines of Tausug, Maranao and Maguindanao tribes were served during the dinner, celebrating the diversity in the Consulate’s community. Everyone tasted and enjoyed the servings of tiola itum, beef randang, chicken pastil, yellow rice, and all time favorites such as lumpia, fried chicken, laing and spaghetti. Special dates, assorted fresh fruits, laban and other juices were also served to break the fast.
Ramadhan has always been a special time for Muslims around the world. Muslims look forward to Ramadan and prepare for it by giving time for worship and purification. It is also a time for bonding with family and friends by breaking fast together. Iftar is one of the religious observances of Ramadan and is often done as a community, with people gathering to break their fast together. Iftar is taken right after Magrib time, which is around sunset. END.
PHOTOS TAKEN DURING THE IFTAR DINNER HOSTED BY
CONSUL GENERAL IMELDA M. PANOLONG, 19 June 2016
