JEDDAH, 9 February 2004 — The Philippine Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Bahnarim A. Guinomla, hosted the post-Haj traditional dinner held Friday night at the Sunset Hotel.
The dinner honored the Philippine Ameer-ul Haj and all the Filipino Haj pilgrims. Guinomla conveyed his thanks and appreciation to Filipino Haj officials and their Saudi counterparts for the smooth and orderly conduct of this year’s Haj.
In his address, Guinomla thanked the Kingdom for its elaborate arrangements and the enormous facilities at the holy sites which provided unprecedented convenience to pilgrims performing the Haj.
He specifically praised the quick transfer of Filipino pilgrims from Mina to Arafat and Arafat to Muzdalifa which took only some 8 to 10 minutes. This normally takes an hour.
“We convey our sympathies and condolences to the families of those pilgrims who died while performing their religious duty. At the same time, we also thank the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd for extending all efforts and conveniences to all the guests of God,” Guinomla said.
The reception, normally held in the Philippine Consulate grounds, was attended by more than 300 guests from various sectors of the community.
Among the speakers were Office on Muslim Affairs Executive Director Zamzamin L. Ampatuan, House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Abdulghani “Gerry” Salapuddin.
Brief remarks wer made by representatives of sheikhs from Maguindanaon, Maranao and Tausug/Yakan groups.
The meeting began with the reading of the Holy Qur’an by Mohammad Aquil A. Guinomla and ended with du’a/supplication by Ustaz Abbas Kuday.
Mohammad Taha A. Guinomla, administrative office at the consulate, conducted the proceedings, emceed by POLO attaché, Atty. Nasser B. Munder.
