Boracay Hosts Inaugural Hari Raya Feast; Reinforcing Halal-friendly Image

Boracay Island- The Eid’l Fitr or celebration of the conclusion of Ramadan coincided with the inaugural Hari Raya Festival, a celebration of faith, culture, and tradition through performances, exhibits, bazaar, and food festival at the Boracay Newcoast Convention Center (BNCC) on Saturday, March 21.

Hosted by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Megaworld Hotels and Resorts (MHR), the festivities brought together Muslim communities, tourism and hospitality stakeholders, government officials, guests, and visitors, reaffirming Boracay’s growing role as a destination that welcomes diverse cultures and faith traditions.

“Apart from showcasing the Philippines as a Muslim-friendly destination, it also honors our long Islamic history and shines a spotlight on the colorful, vibrant, and immensely diverse Muslim heritage,” said Tourism Undersecretary Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar during the landmark event.

Sonny Alvaro, Cluster General Manager of the BNCC, lauded the festival as a result of a stronger partnership between the public and private sectors to attract the growing Muslim tourist market to the Philippines.

“Our goal is not just to host events like this, but to help shape Boracay and the Philippines into places where people can visit, connect, feel safe, respected, and at home,” he stated.

Celebrating diversity, the Hari Raya Festival featured lantern lighting representing the Muslim ethnolinguistic groups, including Maguindanaon, Maranao, Tausug, Yakan, Iranun, and Kalagan, at Marhaba Beach, the country’s only dedicated Muslim-friendly beach space in Boracay.

From humble recipes to festive delicacies, the event also included a Halal Gastronomy Festival, a culinary journey across Mindanao prepared by Muslim-Mindanawon Chef Tahir Ayunan Malikol.

To further respond to the needs of Muslim guests, the Philippines now offers a total of 63 Muslim-friendly accommodations, including properties from MHR, as well as 289 restaurants recognized as DOT Muslim-friendly Restaurants.

#LoveThePhilippines #DOTPhilippines #BagongPilipinas #HariRayaFestival #Boracay #MuslimFriendly