Eid All Around Globe

On April 10, our Ka-Globe celebrated Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan. Read how they commemorated the occasion and their experience with this year’s Ramadan.

“Ramadan,” for Al Siao, “is a time of spiritual renewal and self-discipline.” Al is an Assistant Vice President for Regional Network Operations at Globe and is one of the millions of Muslims globally to observe the monthlong Ramadan. “It’s the same as a regular day – less drama, haha,” says Warlie Flores, Senior Expert - TCO Champ. “For some reason, during Ramadan, I tend to focus more on developing myself as a better person.”

Eman Sardouk, Platinum Relationship Management Expert, shares the sentiment: “I look at this month [as] a New Year’s resolution because of the discipline I reinforced within myself.”

Eman explains that Ramadan is “a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community.” Regarded as one of the five pillars of Islam, it commemorates the month that the Quran was revealed to Prophet Mohammad from Allah. 

It is a period filled with spiritual fulfillment as they draw closer to Allah through prayer and fasting, especially as the spiritual rewards for fasting are multiplied during this time. “Feeling hunger and thirst for an extended period during the work day actually helps me recognize and appreciate the blessings in my life,” says Patrick Jiorgen Hulipas. Ramadan encourages him to be more open and patient, “viewing some hurdles as potential blessings or stepping stones toward a better future.”

The end of Ramadan is marked by Eid al-Fitr, a three-day celebration spent with loved ones. Read below as Ka-Globe across the country share stories of their Ramadam and Eid al-Fitr. 

"As we made our way home, I reflected on the blessed significance of Eid and what it represents: a celebration of faith, gratitude, and the beautiful community we have around us," Tajmahal says.

Tajmahal Sulaiman

Senior Manager - Platform and Capabilities Enablement

Small and Medium Business

Manila

Each Eid celebration holds deep meaning for our family, marking a time when we come together in prayer, grateful for another year of blessings and the opportunity to share our joy with loved ones. 

We started our day with early morning Eid Salah (prayer) at the UP Bahay Alumni Hall, where we joined the rest of the Muslim community. The melodic chanting of the Takbir filled the air, evoking nostalgia and memories of loved ones who've passed on. We offered heartfelt prayers for their departed souls. 

After the salah, the atmosphere outside the hall was alive with excitement. It was filled with joy and sounds of cheerful reunion as families greeted each other with warm embraces. We were treated to light snacks and refreshments in the courtyard area – savory traditional bang bang sug pastries, steaming cups of coffee, and cold drinks. 

As we made our way home, I reflected on the blessed significance of Eid and what it represents: a celebration of faith, gratitude, and the beautiful community we have around us. Though our loved ones may not be physically present, their spirits joined us in honoring this special day. It is a poignant reminder to cherish every moment and carry the message of peace and unity in our hearts throughout the year. Eid Mubarak!

"My work colleagues are very supportive during Ramadan; they are concerned [about] my wellbeing, you know during fasting we are not allowed to get mad," Joel says.

Joel Arvy Nestor P. Aragon

Expert - AEP Network Engineering

Network Technical Group

Cebu

[This] year’s Ramadan is good Alhamdulillah (praise be to God). The fasting experience is quite challenging: I have to wake up at dawn to eat and pray before preparing to travel for work. My work colleagues are very supportive during Ramadan; they are concerned [about] my wellbeing, you know during fasting we are not allowed to get mad. Also, I am able to complete my daily prayer because there is an available room in the office where I can perform. Kudos to the building helper for keeping the CR clean where I perform my ablution before I pray.

Fasting during Ramadan is part of the 5 pillars of Islam. Every Muslim must observe fasting unless those having health issues are excused. Also fasting teaches restraint: the ability to control worldly desires and spend time in prayer and meditation. For completing the 30 days of fasting, Allah will provide rewards either here or in paradise – Allah knows best. It was also in the month of Ramadan when the Holy Quran was first sent down as guidance for the people. 

[During Eid al-Fitr,] I was able to celebrate with my family in Asturias thanks to the government and Globe for recognizing the holiday. My parents hosted a feast and had a mini reunion with my siblings. My year of Ramadan is great, thank you Globe for the gift. <3

In celebration of Eid, Roy gave groceries to Ulas Farmers, fishermen's family in Naawan, and some local friends in Laguindingan, Tubajon and FS Catanico riverside boulders.

Roy Cadungo

Senior Expert - Area Sales

Channel Management Group

CDO

[This year’s Ramadan was] very challenging yet very rewarding and self-fulfilling. The fast pace of time and work makes you forget meal time. You only [get] reminded [because] of the lights off and invitations of the workmates.

Fasting for the whole day teaches me tolerance and instills patience with myself and others and empathy for those who are less privileged. It's a great way of developing these characteristics. The prayers strengthen the spirit and encourage me to become a better person for others.

The prayers strengthen the spirit and encourage me to become a better person for others.

I had the opportunity to join a dinner in Kauswagan with acquainted friends the night before Eid al-Fitr. The next day I joined the prayer. 

During the weekend, I added the PHP1000 that I received from Globe to buy groceries worth PHP7000 and gave them to Ulas Farmers, fishermen's family in Naawan, and some local friends in Laguindingan, Tubajon and FS Catanico riverside boulders. I also had midnight snack with my parents, wife, nephews, and nieces. It was wonderful! Thank you Globe for sharing a blessing.

Al Siao

Assistant Vice President - Regional Network Operations at Globe

Network Technical Group

Davao

This year's Ramadan was truly meaningful for me. I found deeper peace in the daily prayers and reflections. But what made it unforgettable was witnessing my son experience his first fasting and participate in his first Taraweeh (Night Prayer).

Fasting while working tested my patience and discipline, but the support from my colleagues made it easier. Taking short breaks for prayers helped me stay focused and energized throughout the day.

Ramadan, to me, is a time of spiritual renewal and self-discipline. It serves as a reminder to be grateful for blessings, show compassion, seek forgiveness, and the importance of giving back.

Eid al-Fitr was a joyous occasion spent with my family & relatives in Glan, Sarangani. The prayers at the Mosque and festivities were a beautiful culmination of a month filled with reflection and spiritual growth.

For Warlie (gray, far left), Ramadan is "a time to reset myself. Less on worldly things and more on spiritual and emotional aspects."

Warlie Flandez

Senior Expert - TCO Champ at Globe

Network Technical Group

Bukidnon

[This year's Ramadan was] exciting as expected. It’s the same as a regular day – less drama, haha. For some reason, during Ramadan, I tend to focus more on developing myself as a better person. [It’s] my chance to thank Allah for allowing me to celebrate Ramadan and a time to reset myself. Less on worldly things and more on spiritual and emotional aspects.

I celebrated Eid al-Fitr with my family as I do every year, through prayer, Zakat, and dinner. I am also thankful that my family and friends chose to celebrate with me, and even went beyond their normal schedule to do so. One evening, my friend May's adoptive mother prepared dinner earlier than usual so that I could eat during Iftar. Iftar is a meal eaten by Muslims to break their fast after sunset every day during Ramadan, Usually around 5:46pm.

Doing fiedwork under the summer heat during Ramadan? Walang-wala 'yan kay Patrick.

Patrick Jorgen Hulipas

Senior Expert - Facilities & Power Technology Strategy, Technology Strategy and Innovations

Network Technical Group

Manila

As far as I remember, this Ramadan has been one of the hottest I've experienced, and I was also doing fieldwork throughout the month. Despite the challenges, I feel incredibly blessed to have completed Ramadan. 

Ramadan is a sacred time that reinforces the values of gratitude, compassion, and dedication in both personal and professional aspects of my life. It's a time that encourages me to be more open and patient, viewing some hurdles as potential blessings or stepping stones toward a better future.

My experience with fasting, particularly at the office, was surprisingly manageable. While some might find it challenging, I personally don't. Feeling hunger and thirst for an extended period during the workday actually helps me recognize and appreciate the blessings in my life. Ka-Globe in our section sometimes join me to have ani. 

[To celebrate Eid-Al Fitr,] I attended the Eid prayers. While I was in Zamboanga for fieldwork, I also joined feast dinners with my friends.

"[It] is the easiest month to fast because you can feel that there is mercy from the grace of Allah," Eman says. "It wasn't difficult fasting at the office."

Eman Sardouk

Expert - Platinum Relationship Management at Globe

Consumer Mobile Business

Manila

This year's Ramadan went by so quickly. [It] is the easiest month to fast because you can feel that there is mercy from the grace of Allah. It wasn't difficult fasting at the office.

Ramadan is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. The annual observance of Ramadan is regarded as one of the 5 pillars of Islam. This is the month the Quran was revealed to Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) from Allah. I look at this month [as] a New Year's resolution because of the discipline I reinforced within myself.

We woke up before sunrise to pray the morning prayer of Eid al-Fitr and then celebrated by having dinner outside with the family. It was a simple celebration.

Jamil Palawan

Senior Expert - IP Transport

Network Technical Group

Manila

This year's Ramadan reminded me of being thankful. Though I haven’t completed the whole month of fasting, there were 5 days I fasted at the office. As a commuter I [found] it quite challenging, but to be honest, I felt more confident and knowledgeable to engage with our task and stakeholders. (Just like Kyrie Irving playing the basket LOL.) [My Eid celebration] was fun and reconnecting with family.

As Warlie shared, he tends "to focus more on developing myself as a better person" during Ramadan. What are some of the ways you develop yourself and practice kindness with others? Comment them below and click the heart if you liked this story!