Article by:
Joyce Ann L. Rocamora
MANILA – Boracay is set to hold on March 21 its first celebration of Eid al-Fitr, one of Islam’s most important holidays, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
The occasion, celebrated in most of Southeast Asia as Hari Raya Aidilfitri/Idul Fitri, specifically in the Muslim-dominated Indonesia and Malaysia, is observed after 29 or 30 days of dawn-to-dusk fasting during the entire month of Ramadan, when Muslims renew their covenant with Allah.
The Boracay celebration is touted as the first of its kind on the resort island, and comes at a time when the destination is doubling down on efforts to position itself as one of the Philippines' top Muslim-friendly sun and beach spot for travelers.
“Our vision for Boracay is to be a place where people of different cultures and faiths feel equally welcome. When communities come together to share traditions and stories, we build bridges of understanding,” Malay, Aklan Mayor Frolibar Bautista said as quoted in a news release of the Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR) Tuesday.
“In times when many parts of the world are facing conflict, moments like this remind us that dialogue, respect, and friendship remain powerful forces for peace,” he added.
The event, to be called the Hari Raya celebrations, will take place within the scenic coastal spaces of Boracay Newcoast, where all Muslim and non-Muslim visitors can experience a day of cultural performances, family-friendly summer activities, and community gatherings that highlight the festive spirit of the season.
Dedicated spaces will also allow Muslim guests to observe moments of prayer and reflection.
Visitors may also get a taste of a special festival dinner curated by renowned Filipino Halal (permissible in Islam) chef Chef Tahir Malikol, who will present dishes inspired by Halal culinary traditions and the celebratory flavors associated with the end of Ramadan.
The initiative is a collaboration between the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR), the first hotel chain in the Philippines to have all 13 of its properties certified as 100 percent Muslim-friendly.
MHR Cluster general manager Sonny Alvaro, for his part, said the celebration aims to demonstrate how travel can help nurture cultural understanding.
“Travel has always been one of the most meaningful ways for people to understand one another. When destinations create spaces where traditions are respected and communities feel welcome, tourism becomes more than a journey—it becomes an opportunity to celebrate humanity’s shared values,” he said.
The Boracay Newcoast, located opposite of the Stations 1-3 beaches, is host to two DOT-certified Muslim-friendly accommodation establishments—the Savoy Hotel Boracay and Belmont Hotel Boracay—and the Marhaba Beach, the country’s only dedicated Muslim-friendly beach space. (PNA)
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