Our Last Night in Manila, Moby Style

Written by Anis Nadia Jilid

Photographs by Melissa Chia

     Ever had that feeling when you’ve finally realized how everything is about to end in less than 24 hours? How your usual routine of waking up and looking forward to new adventures with friends can abruptly end? In this case, our 12 days of the Philippines had an impermanent turn and all that was left is absorbing in what you can. 

      A spontaneous, fast-track tour had ensued after our film session at the Cultural Center. A few of us were very delighted to have been able to follow Tracey and her relatives on a spur-of-the-moment sightseeing trip around Makati, Manila.

Session 6.2: A Taste of Home, Our Langar Experience in Iloilo

Written by Anis Nadia Jilid
Photographs by Melissa Chia

Granthi Amrik Singh offering us Karah Parshad

     After the conclusion of the Q&A session, all of us were offered a sweet called karah parshad by Granthi. In Sikhism, this sweet is made with equal portions of whole-wheat flour, butter and sugar. It is offered to all visitors to the Darbar Sahib (main hall of the Gurdwara) and should not be refused when given. This is because the food itself is regarded as having been blessed, and as a sign of humility and respect, visitors accept the karah parshad while sitting and their hands raised and cupped. The offering and acceptance of this food is an important part of hospitality customs in Sikhism.