Pinoys in Saudi Arabia celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr

JEDDAH – Muslim and non-Muslim Filipinos in Saudi Arabia are celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr, the Muslim holiday that marks the end of the Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting. Philippine Consulate General Officer in Charge Consul Leo Tito Ausan Jr. extended his congratulations to Filipino Muslims for completing their month-long fasting and wished that Allah would reward them for their sacrifices. Eid-ul-Fitr is a time that Muslims celebrate with their family and friends after the completion of 30 days of dawn-to-sunset fasting during the entire month of Ramadan. In Saudi Arabia, Eid-ul-Fitr, that falls on the first day of Shawwal, also signals the start of a weeklong vacation for employees of private companies and government offices. Many overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) use the week-long break to spend time with their family and friends. Filipino sports organizations have also organized a basketball exhibition featuring rated players coming from different cities in Saudi Arabia. Community leader Red Bual said he and his wife along with their daughter already started their Eid Al Fitr by performing "Umrah" or pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, last Sunday. They are also planning to spend a night at a beach resort with family and friends. Meanwhile,an airline ground staff, Tatah Egil-Martinez, said they will invite their relatives and friends for a salo-salo or gathering. Community leader Jauhari Usman said he will attend the pre-sunrise prayer but has no plans of on vacation as he has lot of work to finish. Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Welfare Officer Benny Reyes also said he will use the one week vacation to finish his pending reports. According to him, this is the only time he can work on unfinished reports because he is always busy on regular work days. - VVP, GMA News