JEDDAH, 13 August — More than 700 OFW’s, mostly coming from the Filipino Muslim community, welcomed Ambassador Bahnarim Guinomla to Jeddah with pomp and a little pageantry befitting a visiting dignitary. There was no brass band to greet the ambassador, but a series of presentation from the Maguindanaos, Maranaws, and Tausogs tribes, transformed the consulate grounds into a stage of cultural sight and sound.
Jeddah has a special part in the heart of Ambassador Guinomla. As a young diplomat, he started his career in Jeddah as a vice consul twenty-one years ago. After his term expired, he was given another assignment but came back years later as consul general in 1994, the post he held until 1998. Before he was appointed ambassador, Guinomla served as DFA assistant secretary for Mindanao.
He was also conferred a cap and sash or kopiya, a Maguindanao custom of conferring honor to a royalty. Early in the program, a Maguindanao leader read the genealogy of the ambassador’s family, tracing its roots to Sharif (noble) Kabungsuan, believed to have come from Saudi Arabia.
The United Maguindanao Expatriates Association (UMEA) led by its president Camansa Gunao organized the welcome party, with the help of Malumbay International, Shakba International, United Bangsaranao Council, MAISA, Bangsa Sug Community, Ewaton International, and Alpha Phi Omega Alumni Association Western Region.
Consul General Kadatuan Usop, Vice Consul Angelo Amonoy, and other staff of the consulate attended the party also led the welcome ceremonies.