Religion it seems, is the main reason for holidays this first -ber month as Malacañang announced two non-working holidays this month of September. One due for Iglesia Ni Cristo and one for Islam.

President Arroyo declared that Monday, september 7 will be a national day of mourning. Iglesia ni Cristo’s Executive Minister Eraño Manalo, will be buried on that day. All Philippine flags will be at half mast, to give honor to the great leaders burial.

Eraño Manalo or Ka-Erdy is the fifth child of INC founder Felix V. Manalo and was elected as the executive minister 10 years prior to his father death

September 21 on the other hand will mark the end of the Muslim’s 40 days of fasting, more commonly known as Ramadan.

“Eid ul-Fitr” is the last day of Ramadan where Muslims celebrate and feast. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims wake before dawn and eat their predawn meal called “sujur” and perform the “fajr” prayer. Fasting occurs before the call for prayer and ends after the “Mahgrib” or the fourth prayer of the day.

Ramadan calls for deep reflecting and worshiping Allah. Muslims are expected to strictly follow the ways of Islam and avoid obscene and irreligious sights and sounds as purity of thought and action is very important at this time.