Manila, Philippines. For the third consecutive year The Peacemakers’ Circle celebrated the UN International Day of Peace (IDP) in Manila by co-organizing a public celebration with the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Commission, the Association of Major Religious Superiors of the Philippines (JPICC-AMRSP) and other member organizations of the UN-IDP convening group. This year’s theme was: "All Ways, Always Peace!"

An ambitious 12-hour commemoration program was planned out beginning 5:00pm in the afternoon on September 20, 2006 -the eve of IDP- and to culminate at 5:00am the next day. Unfortunately, the weather was not cooperative that day and due to a heavy downpour the program was cut short and not all of the scheduled activities pushed through.

However, despite the rain that started pouring earlier in the afternoon, more than 150 participants converged at the Quezon Memorial Circle where the opening ceremonies and ringing of the Peace Bell took place. Interfaith prayers were offered by the leaders and representatives from the different faith communities: the Hindu community, Ananda Marga Society, Guru Nanak Mission (Sikh), Brahma Kumaris, the Baha’i' community, Shumei Kai Philippines, and the Catholic community. 

Later on, as the rains continued, it was announced that the Peace Walk towards the second venue, Bantayong ng mga Bayani, was cancelled. Everyone was advised to proceed to the monument by their own means and at their own discretion. A group of dedicated participants (including the interfaith representatives) however, armed with umbrellas and jackets - or none, otherwise-braved through the rain and walked the streets towards the venue carrying their wet banners and their steadfastness for the sake of peace.

 
Waiting for them at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani monument were the rain-soaked chairs, the drenched UN world flags and carefully-laid candles for peace. Also patiently waiting were the set-up team and some young participants who were supposed to render a musical number during the program. Unfortunately, the heavy rains also caused some electrical circuit problem that rendered the event without proper lighting and sound system.
 
The group settled with a short, candle-lit program within the big white tent set-up earlier at the grassy grounds. More than 150 people (mostly wet) stood side by side in a circle around a big candle placed at the center of a Peace Mandala where earlier people had written their prayers, wishes and intentions for peace.
 
The interfaith leaders and representatives again offered peace prayers from their respective faith traditions. After which, the group listened to the official UN message for the IDP 2006 celebrations which was read by a representative from the office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Ms. Charmaine Cu-Unjieng. On behalf of the UN-Philippines, she commended the organizers and participants of the event for their efforts and persistence in carrying on with the IDP celebrations every year despite the challenges.
 
This was followed by the world peace prayer ceremony wherein World Peace Prayer Society, Philippines representative, Mr. Toots Fungo, led in mentioning the names of each country in the world and praying for peace to prevail in each one. A heartfelt message was then heard from the general secretary of the IDP conveners, Ms. Chat Pinalas. The program was capped off with the community singing hand-in-hand, "Let There Be Peace on Earth," after which a simple fellowship dinner was offered. The overnight public Peace Vigil was cancelled and it was suggested that everyone could carry on with their prayers and vigil in their respective homes and faith communities.   Meanwhile, a group of musicians, cultural workers and youth who were stranded by the rain took refuge in the administrative office of the venue. There they also held a small program wherein they were able to share creative presentations, community dancing and music-making - in the spirit of the peace celebrations. They continued on late into the evening until the rains stopped.
 
This year’s IDP celebration was stormed by challenges and difficulties. Nonetheless, it turned out to be one of the most intimate and meaningful gathering. The path to peace is, after all, mostly dark and stormy, but it is the light of hope and sincere dedication that always brightens the way.
 
 
A report by
Orlan de Guzman, Jr
The Peacemakers' Circle CC