PNoy hosts ‘halal’ dinner for Filipino Muslim leaders

President Benigno Aquino III on Monday night hosted a special “halal" dinner for Filipino Muslim leaders in celebration of Eid Il Fitr, or the end of the fasting month of Ramadan last Sept. 10. The end of Ramadan was declared a non-working holiday in the Philippines. The dinner was held at the Rizal Ceremonial Hall in Malacañang and was attended by 300 guests, including Muslim Filipino leaders, and national and local officials. The halal dinner, which was catered by Cibo, had appetizers of mixed greens, Cebu mangoes, Antipolo cashews, and Davao pomelo; main course of pan seared halibut and lamb kaldereta cannelloni; and desserts of jackfruit and pear strudel and mini pili pecan tart. Coffee or tea was served after dinner. “Halal" means food that is prepared and cooked according to Islamic laws. Aquino, in his short speech before the dinner was served, vowed to strengthen regional autonomy especially in Mindanao, resume the peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and fully implement the 1996 peace agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front. While claiming that he will not make exciting announcements, Aquino said his government is committed to improve the condition of Muslim Filipinos in his administration. - KBK, GMANews.TV