MSU-IIT: GUINNESS WORLD OF RECORDS

       

Here is another reason for all Mindanaons to be really proud about. Yesterday while my Dad & I were very busy looking after our store the radio suddenly announced that IIT recently endeavored to make a mark in history by successfully attempting for a Guinness World of  Records having the most number of people to concurrently sing the National Anthem of the Republic of the Philippines. We the Iliganons, the tri-people & the students of MSU-IIT were attempting to challenge the record for the “most number of people singing the national anthem simultaneously” set by 264 people in Hatikva, Israel on May 7, 2008 wherein the Israeli achievement was meant to bridge linguistic and cultural differences among the Jewish people.  And with the same purpose here which is also to build unity, peace and harmony among the people in Mindanao. Thus, I am very proud that Mindanao represented by Iligan City (my hometown) made an effort of gunning to be a part of the renowned Guinness Book of World Records! Students of my Alma Mater, Mindanao State University- Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) from which the Top2 passer of the Bar Exam last 2008 graduated had also brought another honor by participating of said competition particularly with the support bestowed upon by the tri-people consisting of the Christians, Lumads & Muslims. Guinness has processed and issued identification number 250808 on September 01, 2009 for the effort of the MSU-IIT students who were very privileged to wear white shirts & jeans, others with their uniforms & our Lumads & Muslim brothers & sisters who were honored as well to wear their stunning ethnic attires.  The Sultans & Datus of various ethnic tribes in Mindanao have come to participate as well of the event.

Indeed it was a colorful presentation of the beauty of the Culture of different tribes of the Philippines as a whole. It was a day wherein differences were forgotten but rather commonality was strengthened. It’s like identifying ourselves as a whole bunch of family despite the diverse culture.

         
         The organizers of this main event were hoping to gather at least 3,000 people. This event also came about in connection to the so-called Mindanaw Week of Peace Celebration here in Iligan City under the coordination of MTYC-BUC (Mindanao Tripartite Youth Core – Bishops Ulama Conference) which is the organization responsible for the annual celebration of the Month of Peace.  Although I am a student of IIT & a member of MTYC but sad to say I had other important appointments on that particular day but despite that, my appreciation & fortitude had also become a part of completing that said affair. I am so proud of all the Mindanaons especially to all IITians’. And despite the fact that others might not understand what this event is all about or that they may say it’s just a waste of time, they got themselves wronged. For the spirit of oneness among Filipinos of different race, culture & religion were strengthened by means of singing our National Anthem in succession of celebrating the month of Peace. The said event was sponsored by various stakeholders in Iligan City, “the City of Waterfalls”. This was also participated with copious members of the media including the prestigious Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine Star, GMA, ABS-CBN and the likes.

 

I am really proud that despite the problems & how other parts of the Philippine Islands consistently labeled Mindanao as a very chaotic part of the Philippines which can only be starred on nationwide news coverage whenever bombings, kidnappings & other muddled issues are tackled. Nevertheless, we remained strong & proved to all that there is still peace and that Mindanao is not as bad as what the news exaggeratingly reports about. To all Mindanaon’s, press on! Aja! =)