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My wife, Ann, had to settle for the “NAIA chocolate” as our PASALUBONG because prices of commodities abroad are generally much, much higher than those in the Philippines. In fact, Ann must have developed migraine after regularly converting to Pesos the prices of “stateside” items every time we wanted to buy something. Here is a comparison of the prices of some common items in the USA/Japan and the Philippines:
ITEM USA/JAPAN PHILIPPINES · KFC/McDonald’s value meal $ 8.00 P 70.00 · Bottled Mineral Water (350 ml) $ 1.95 P 15.00 · Turo-turo meals or Deli $ 6.00 P 30.00 · Sanitary Napkins per piece $ 0.25 P 4.00 · Bottled coke (8 0z.) $ 2.20 P 7.00 The conversion rate of $ 1.00=P45.00 causes my wife’s headache.
This experience of buying basic items in Japan and the USA, where prices are almost the same, makes me realize that living in the Philippines is still “heaven”, so to speak! But the question that still lingers in my mind is—why can the ordinary Japanese and American afford their high standard of living, while their Filipino counterpart still struggles to make both ends meet?
Here are two letters that also met us upon our arrival from the long trip abroad. One came from Maguindanao, and the other came from Utah, USA. We are publishing them because they give us enough consolation to work harder in helping improve the lot and image of the Filipino Muslim, locally and internationally. Republic of the Philippines Supreme Court In the Third Shari’a Circuit Court 5th Shari’a Judicial District Parang, Maguindanao 9604 August 14, 2007 The Editor-In-Chief Universal Message Block 30 Lot 12 Maharlika Village, Taguig 1632 Sir: Assalamo Alaykom Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuho This Court, my family and I, from the bottom of our hearts deeply extend our endless thanks and gratitude for sending us (Cost—Free) your monthly news—publications “The Universal Message”. Through your publications, they enable us to know various significant events that were never taught during our school days, both past and present, be it culturally, socially, morally, spiritually, and above all educationally relative to being a Moderate Muslim and the field of Islam as a whole. As we read in your April 2007 issue that “Philippines’ Grand Islamic Cultural Center” will soon rise at Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City and the Center for Moderate Muslim (CMM) was chosen as one of the Best Experiential Learning Program for Peace in Asia-Pacific, remind us that “The Moderate Muslim” someday somehow along the line will reign anew amidst the chaotic unrest in our Homeland and by that time Philippines will no longer be termed by non-Muslim brethren in the world as Catholic country in Asia. Besides, someone told us that the good Editor, Comm. Datu Taha M. Basman, is making a representation with the Office on Muslim Affairs (OMA) as well as the Supreme Court of the Philippines to have “Shari’a Courts” in Metro Manila. How laudable move it was. Knowing that once realized it will serve another milestone—“A Living Legacy” of our respected Commissioner, not only to Muslims living in Metro Manila, but to the name Islam as a religion of the Almighty Allah (s.w.t.). We look forward that someday “CMM School” will soon become a university. Again, thank you all and more power. Very truly yours, JUDGE CASIM S. BAILAN, Alhaj O O O From:
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Add to Address BookAdd to Address Book Add Mobile Alert Date: Sun, 14 Oct 2007 22:56:25 EDT Subject: BYU Symposium To:
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Dear Taha and Nelia, It has been only a week since our Symposium together at BYU. Governor Walker’s husband, Myron, said as the Symposium ended, “Now, it’s back to reality!” He was right – it has taken us all this time at work to make up for the 3 wonderful days we all had together. Attached is the photo that was taken by Elder Christofferson after lunch at the Church Office Building on Wednesday. We would very much appreciate a copy of the photo that was taken at lunch on Tuesday, if it could be e-mailed. We have spoken often since the Symposium about how grateful we were to have been there and to have met both of you. It was such an important highlight of our experience there. We have told many about you, your humble nature and the important and personally-threatening efforts you make for religious peace and dialogue. Your simple, almost comical, but important perceptions, we have also shared several times. In a disagreeable meeting just a day after the Symposium, I (Allan) quoted you, “We might as well get along since mutual annihilation is impossible anyway!” It got a chuckle, but also made the point. We would like to know more about your work. How did you learn of the Symposium? Do you have any published materials? We would like to know more about what you do. We were deeply moved. While we met and enjoyed our time with many people during this and other meetings we have been associated with at the International Center for Law and Religion, there was something about our meeting with you that resonated more deeply and has had a personal effect. We simply feel that it was the hand of God that brought us in contact with one another and we need to find out why it is so important to Him. We would like to stay in contact with you. Sincerely, Allan and Carla Erb
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