Muslim women gather on Friday at the Blue Mosque in Taguig City on the occasion of Eid al-Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice—the Islamic holiday commemorating Ibrahim’s test of faith in offering his son Ismail as a sacrifice to God. The story of Ibrahim, or Abraham in Judaism and Christianity, is one of the foundations of the world’s three leading monotheistic religions. President Marcos, in his message, said Ibrahim’s story continues to inspire because “it leads us to the edge, to that thin border between obedience and resistance, where the soul must decide what truly matters.” The Feast of Sacrifice, as celebrated worldwide, was still an occasion of solidarity despite being tempered by high prices of food and political uncertainty. In New Delhi (2nd photo), devotees hug each other after visiting the Jama Masjid Mosque, while in Kabul, Afghans assemble for their communal prayer as Taliban fighters stand guard outside the Shah-Do Shamshira Mosque. —MARIANNE BERMUDEZ, AP
OLD GLORY REVIVED
President Marcos on Saturday leads the launching of a “new lights attraction” at historic Jones Bridge in Manila’s Chinatown district of Binondo. Although the event served to commemorate the 50th year of the Philippines’ bilateral ties with China, Mr. Marcos focused his remarks instead on reviving the old glory of Chinatown and other Manila districts along the Pasig, as he vowed to continue their revitalization. He also recalled his boyhood memories of the district. “We will transform Binondo into a place that we can always return to,” the President said. —MARIANNE BERMUDEZ
DIVERSITY, CRAFTMANSHIP
Various items designed by Filipino artisans are featured at “Likha 4,” the three-day exhibit in Intramuros, Manila, launched on Friday by first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos. The exhibit, now in its fourth edition, is aimed at promoting Filipino craftsmanship and the diversity of its products. Today is the last day of this event. —NIÑO JESUS ORBETA
DRUG WAR CASE
Human rights lawyer Kristina Conti, appearing via videoconference, recalls the harassment and intimidation she faced as counsel for drug war victims during Wednesday’s launching of “Black Robes, Red Targets,” a report on extrajudicial killings in the Philippines. Conti could not attend the launch also held at the Hague, as she is currently involved in the preparations for the trial of former President Rodrigo Duterte before the International Criminal Court (ICC), where she serves as a prosecutor in that case. Duterte is detained at the ICC for the charge of crimes against humanity of murder, in connection with his drug war. —SCREEN GRAB
JOINT DRILLS IN JAPAN
Members of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Friday hold a send-off ceremony for the BRP Teresa Magbanua as it leaves Manila for a joint maritime exercise in Kagoshima, Japan, together with the PCG’s American and Japanese counterpart agencies. Japan’s National Diet approved that day the Reciprocal Access Agreement which serves as a visiting forces pact between Japan and the Philippines. The agreement, which the Senate approved in December last year, allows the former wartime enemies to deploy troops and equipment to each other’s territory. —MARIANNE BERMUDEZ
