Conclusion

Based on our observation and follow-up interviews with the five religions that we have chosen, we then conclude that each religion has its beliefs and practices. There are activities that are allowed in other religion but prohibited on the other. There are similarities and differences in their beliefs, practices and way of dressing.

In totality, we've came to understand that each religion had their bases of their beliefs. We should exercise respect to other's religion and we should not condemn other's beliefs. As we have discovered and learned  new things from each religion that somehow catches our interest and it only prove that we shouldn't judge the religion of others basing on our own practices and beliefs or shall we say  we should not practice ethnocentrism

Buddhism

Buddhism is a way of finding peace within oneself. This religion develops inner peace, kindness and wisdom. They practice righteousness and respect towards other people and respect once self. They try not to harm others and to live peacefully and gently.

Karma is a basic concept common to Buddhism which states that one's state in this life is a result of actions (both physical and mental) in past incarnations, and action in this life can determine one's destiny in future incarnations. Karma is a natural, impersonal law of moral cause and effect and has no connection with the idea of a supreme power that decrees punishment or forgiveness of sins.

Meditation and observance of moral precepts are the foundation of Buddhist practice. The five basic moral precepts, undertaken by members of monastic orders and the laity, are to refrain from taking life, stealing, acting unchastely, speaking falsely, and drinking intoxicants. Members of monastic orders also take five additional precepts: to refrain from eating at improper times, from viewing secular entertainments, from using garlands, perfumes, and other bodily adornments, from sleeping in high and wide beds, and from receiving money.

Observation

    

  
The Yuan Thong Temple is not a place only for worship and meditation but also an institution that helps Filipino people. Fo Guang Shan Philippines, Buddhist Learning Institute Post High School Vocational Program, which gives scholarship for the Filipino youth who can't afford to go to College. Seventeen post-high school students coming from different parts of the country were given a chance to have full scholarship training in the temple.  The program is open to anybody who wants to learn a new perspective in life, take a break from the world they are used to, or who wants to be cultivated spiritually.

The way of life in this program is based on Buddhist traditions. It doesn't matter what religion you are from. They'll be staying inside the Temple for 10 months. The students of the temple were taught practical skills that will help them to live independently .These are the vegetarian culinary arts, restaurant service, housekeeping, English and Chinese languages, the theater arts and the Humanistic Buddhism. Young Master Ven tells us about what are the practices they have as a Buddhist. Practicing respect, goodness and most of all love one another as love connects us all, say good words always and be happy, to be happy is contagious.

During our visit I had observed that only   the master   do wear a robe, and she had her head shaved, while, the students were just wearing their white collared shirt and black slacks pants. The daily routine in the temple is waking up to the sound of a woodblock at 6:00 AM, and then proceed to the main shrine for morning chanting. Breakfast follows, then a formal class (Mandarin and/or Buddhism) with a monastic or the teacher, then lunch. Everyone is silent during their meals .After lunch, there is a time allotted for walking, meditation, and rest. An afternoon class follows, then a time to shower, wash clothes, and clean rooms right after. Students were scheduled to help for cooking and washing dishes.

I visited a Buddhist Temple to observe how this people live their lives in the temple, and to observe their practices and tradition. We went to Yuan Thong Temple, Burgos St. Bacolod City. The place looks so different .From the moment we get in the temple all I could feel is the Holiness of the place. Young Master Venerable "Ven" Zhi Yi , a Malaysian English speaking Chinese, is the facilitator of the temple and also a teacher.

Written by: Chrissie Anne Sobretodo

Islam

Islam is one of the many religions here in the Philippines which are considered as minorities. Muslims believe in one Allah and they based their beliefs and practices on  what is written on their  Holy Book called  "Qur'an".They claim that Jesus was one of the important prophet but not God's son .


5 Pillars of Islam
The Six Beliefs of Muslims

When their service was about to start 

A photo taken during  the divine service.

Women are separated from men.

A photo taken during Sunday lecture.

Shoes should be left outside.

A clock where they based on their time of prayer.

The booklets that they have given to us.

Mrs.Kadidia Makiran

-The testimony of Faith
-Prayer
-Giving support to the needy
-Fasting
-Pilgrimage

- Allah
-Angels
-Prophets
-Scripture
-Afterlife
-Divine Decree

Observation

For two sessions we observed of how people pray, how they dress and how they talk to each other. Muslim women go to church wearing their Abaya and Hijab while men in their Polo-shirt, long sleeve and pants. Most of the women are wearing black Abaya and black Hijab; they also wear socks during their prayer time. Sandals, slippers and shoes are left outside the door. And then, their church is divided into two rooms, one for men and the other are for women. After their prayer service they serve a small amount of food to everyone and men have separate table.

(An interview with Mrs.Kadidia Makiran)

*Muslim kana gid man halin sang una?

Indi ah katoliko man ako.

So nagsaylo ka lang Islam?

Wala ah.Magbalik lang ko sa una nga relihiyon.

*Anu na tawag sang ginasuksok niyo na mga babaye?

Ang sa ulo hijab kag sa dalum Abaya.

*Ngaa laban sa inyo na babaye gasuksok itom?

Kay para indi kitaon eh ,kita mo gamedyas pa kami gabi para wala may maguwa na panit.

*Ngaa separate ang mga lalaki sa babaye haw?

Kay para malikaw sa sala. Amu ina ang sugo ni Allah.

*Anu ang mga adlaw na ginaconsider niyo as Holy?

Duwa lang mana, Eid Al- Fitr kag Eid Al-Adhha.

*Anu ginahimu niyo sa amu na nga mga adlaw?

Gafasting eh, gapangadi.Kun Ramadan ya 30 days kami gafasting pero kun Eid Al-Adhha duwa lang ka adlaw.

*Anu lang na ginakaon niyo?

Makaon kami alas tres sang kaagahon, kan-on man eh kag sud-an daun makakaon kami liwat alas sa-is  na sa gab-i.Pamahaw na namun bali buslan namun ang wala namun makaonan sa bilog adlaw.

*Anu-ano ang mga ginabawal sa inyo?

Amu na eh, bawal kami maghambal sang malain,magkadto sa baylehan, magpamati music.

*Buot ba singganon wala kamu radyo kag TV sa inyo balay?

May ara man eh,pero para sa mga news lang.

According to our interviewee, it is part of their practice that women should cover their body through their way of dressing .And that they consider Islam as a first religion. When they do fasting they only eat twice a day and that they are prohibited to say bad words, to eat pork and to listen to music or watch TV shows except for news.

Seventh Day Adventist

Seventh Day Adventist Church is a Protestant Christian denomination. This is the only religion which still believes and practices the holiness of the Sabbath. This is one of the minor religions in our country which consider themselves as a Bible- based Christian. “Adventist" as what we can call their people.

Observation

As for my observation, I conducted it for two sessions that was on the 5th and 12th day of the month. I had observed that every time their co-worshiper goes in, they do greet their brothers and sisters "Happy Sabbath" with a shaking of hands .Church goers are well dressed and  I can say that they go to church  with modesty

A picture taken while the service was about to start.

Men are in their long sleeves or polo-shirt paired with jeans, slacks and shoes, while woman are in their dress, long skirts and a pair of sandals, only a few of the woman population I see wearing pants. And of course, each one of them brings their bible with them. As we go on with their service, we had the opening song ,welcoming of visitors, then they do sharing of stories and then relate to some verses in the bible  and that is what called "Sabbath School" , after that they have the Bible study wherein they are group into three( youth, senior citizens and the middle-aged),wherein in each group there is that one person administered the bible study. Right after that, they then do Universal Prayer which lasted for about a half an hour, then they have speakers or sharers and also they follow a certain program. They don't have Pastor that facilitates the service but instead the people whom they called as "Elders". And these people don't do sign of the cross.

The Seventh Day Adventist Church in Silay City.

After the observation, I asked some questions to selected people based on what I had observed.

Interviewee

-Roger Arabe (Adviser of the Youth)

-Jolibert Casuyo (second elder)

-Efraim Tupas( Elder)

*May ara man kamu bala ginasunod nga dress code?Kag gaka apekto bala ini sa inyo pagpati?

All of them answered that they have the implemented dress code wherein they are very much encouraging people to dress in modesty when going to church but they are not condemning for those who can't follow. And they said it won’t directly affect their faith.

*Gacelebrate man kamu like Christmas and holy week?

They said as they are Bible-based Christian they only believe what is written on the Bible .They believe that Jesus was born and died but they don't believe that it is exactly the date printed on calendars ..And they said that they celebrate christmas as a way of giving.

*Anu ang ara sa inyo relihiyon nga indi makita sa iban?

They said that they are keeping the Sabbath because they believe that the Ten Commandment is still in effect until now.And the grace by faith.

With Mr. Roger Arabe.

With Mr.Efraim Tupas

Mr.
Jolibert  Casuyo

Written by:Julius Cabalo

Roman Catholic

Church is sacred because it is the house of God. Church should be respected and it has rules and regulations implemented that we as a Catholic people should follow. Just like the implemented Dress Code that specifies the improper and proper attire that the church goers should wear upon entering the church and attending mass.  Dressing in an appropriate manner shows respect and dignifies modesty.

Observation

As I observed the Catholic Church in 2 Sundays, I can say that they are aware of the do's and don’ts in dress code and that   they showed respect the church because I saw people wearing the appropriate dress code that the church is implementing. I saw women wearing blouse, dress, pants, rubber shoes and sandals while for men I saw that they are wearing suits, long sleeves and polo shirts. With that we are comfortable in going to Church because we know that we are respecting and following God's rule.

After my observation, I interviewed 2 person that are involve and serves the church.I interviewed Clem Marvin Son a Sacristan and Lauro Marcelo Le Minister. I asked them simple questions that I really want to know about the Roman Catholic.I asked those questions in Hiligaynon and they answered me in Hiligaynon as well for a comfortable and better conversation.

People attending the mass outside the church.

 "Ano ang mahambal mo sa gin implementar nga dress code sang simbahan, maka-apekto bala ini sa aton pagpati?

They both answered"sign of respect kay ang simbahan ay balay ka Ginoo nga dapat gid gaan sang respeto.

Ano ang mga ritual o buluhaton sang isa ka katoliko?

Son answered,"na guro every first friday nga kun diin ga simba ta kag ang mga occassions nga ginacelebrate sang isa katoliko kag ang Holy Week,while Marcelo said"ang pagtuo sa Santos kag tandaan nga ang santos indi Diyos kundi tawo nga gin kabig nga Santos kay sa ila nga pagpangabuhi maayo gid sila kag gasunod sa mga kasuguan.

Ngaa ga celebrate kita Holy Week kag Christmas?

 Both of them said "pagdumdum sang sakripisyo ni Hesus kun Holy Week  kag ang Christmas ay ang pagdumdum naman sang pagbata kay Hesus kag pasalamat mam sa iya kay tungod sa iya ari ta di 

subong nga kalibutan.

.

The Sto. Niño Parish Church located at Cadiz City.

Ano ang ara sa relihiyon sang katoliko nga indi makita sa iban?

Son said,may ara 2  ka pamaagi sang pagtuo ang Sacred Oral Tradition kun diin sang una and pagtuo sang tawo sa halad halad kag ang Holy Bible nga gina gamit ta subong,while Marcelo said " Ang iban wala ga tuo sa Santos nga balaan.

Fifth,May ara man bala ginabawal nga hilimuon ang isa ka katoliko?

Anu sa pagpatu mu kung manguros kita?

and for the last time they have the same answer " Ang Trinity o kung ang pagkilala sa tatlo ka persona sang Diyos, kag ina ang Diyos nga Amay, Diyos nga Anak kag Diyos nga Espiritu Santo.

Written by: Ana Jean Astorga

APKDA or Dios Amahan

APKDA or Ang Pagtulun-an sa Kasuguan sa Dios nga Amahan or simply known as "Dios Amahan"  is a  sect being   practiced and believed by certain group of people in the Visayas Region. It has 30 small churches across Western and Central Visayas.Their prayers is in Cebuano language, even if some of the believers speak "Hiligaynon".It has been founded for about  five  decades ago by the person they call us "Mano Zacharias Salazar" and Climente Ignacio.

Observation

People on this religion don’t only go to church once but three times a week, on Sundays, Monday and Thursday nights. Upon arriving the church, each of them should greet each other by shaking hands and saying the word "so-on" or igso-on in  which means "brother or sisters" in Bisaya language .

The Ten Commandments is translated into Bisaya and posted inside the church.

This is the table they use to share stories or “mensahe”.

  This is what men wear during their prayer service.

After their Sunday service I did come near to their leader whom they called as an "adviser" named Egmedio Carpentero , 62 years old.I raised some questions that had triggered my curiousity along the way.

"Ngano puti man inyong ginasuksok magsimba?

"Balaan man gud na ang alampu anan.Puti gyud na siya kay simbolo mana sa kasing-kasing."( Because the prayer room is holy .It should be white as it symbolizes a clean heart.)

"Na obserbahan nako nga ang inyong panguros ngano nahauna man sa tuo antis sa wala?" 

" Ang kanang pagpanguros dili man jud na nato makorehi an kung asa ang instakto kun katoliko ba kay wala mana nahasulat nga ingon ini jud ang pagpanguros. Ang ato lang diha nga  gahom sa Diyos ang gigamit.

"Buot ba pasabot na gatuo gyud ta sa bibliya?"

"Ahh oh, kay tanang buluhaton naa man sa bibliya.Hinuon dili man gyud tanan ang naa diri natuki sa bibliya."(Yes , because almost all of the practices and rituals are from the bible.)

"Kinahanglan ba gyud isira ang bintana og pertahan sa inyong pag-ampo? 

This is what they called us "lawak-alampuanan".

"Mao manay  tugon sa kasulatan nga sirhan ang palibot og pangayoon sa tago."( Because that what is written on the Bible.)

I was then curious of how true it is as I myself have read just a few verses in a bible." Og diskompyado ka hatagan taka og bersikulo.Naa mana sa Matthew 6 , bersikulo 5-6.Giingon mana dira nga kung kinsa katong mga two nga gasuksok og puti mao kas ang nakaluwas sa dagkong kasakitan, unya kita kay gikan man ta sa balatian."

"Kanang inyong title nga APKDA, may naa ba na siya'y ekplenasyon?"

"Sama anang Ang Pagtulun -an sa Kasuguan sa Dios nga Amahan.Kay si Kristo man ang gatudlo ana.Si Kristo man ang gapamatuod anang Matthew 6 nga sumulod sa lawak alampuanan og takpi ang palibot .Si  Kristo may namulong,  dili mana ang mga Apostol ang namulong ana".

"Naa ba moy ginasunod nga patakaran kun unsa dapat nga suksukon?"

This photo was taken after their Sunday service

. "Oh, sukad sa una , ing-ana na ang dapat suksukon og musimba."

"Pila na di-ay ni katuig ang inyong relihiyon?"

"Ah narehistro ma ni atong 1956."

"Asa gyud di-ay ni nagsugod og kinsa ang nagtukod ani?"

"Sa Cebu man ni sukad nga nakadawat si Climente Ignacio sa kamatuuran.Atong 1927 pero wala pa ni marecognize sa sect.

"Kinsa man di-ay na si Climente Ignacio?"

"Si Climente Ignacio, Mao na siya ang basehan sa Bibliya, nga naayo siya tungod sa iya pag-ampo ba.Unya si Mano Zacarias Salazar mao  na siya ang nagtiwas og pundar ani."

Mano Zacarias  Salazar and Climente Ignacio

Kanang Pulo ka sugo sa bibliya na gikan?

The Ten Commandments

"Ah dili man gyud ingon ana kay sa Ezekiel og Exodus, pulo gyud siya kasugo diin nga ang mga kasuguan sa Diyos, dili gyud sa mga butang nga dili maayo.Parehas ni aning  amo-a dili man maayo ang mga butang nga palikayan, kanang pagpamakak naa mana sa Bibliya, kanang pagpatay og pagpanapaw.

"Naa man mo'y ginadili o ginabawal nga himuon ?"

"Kanang pagpangawat, pagpanugal, pag-inum sa makahubog og pag adto anang mga baylehan, pagsulti og maot o kanang pagpamalikas og pagpalipas sa oras sa inugpangadji  kay mao kana'y hinungdan sa mga kasakitan

." According to Egmedio, their religion was named after the teachings of Jesus Christ and that what they are practicing are from the Bible even though he admitted that not all of which, can be seen literally in the Bible.They believe that praying in a hidden or close place is much more sacred than those who are exposed and that wearing white to cover up their body is a must.And that it can be seen in the book of Matthew.And they are not encouraging to be one of them, they let them ask for help  and  they let them choose whether to belong or to be a member of the religious sect after they believed that they had been healed from sicknesses.He said that their way of dressing like long skirts and blouses for woman, pants and t-shirts or polo shirts for men have been practiced even before.And they also believe that sickness or diseases are a result after violating those prohibited activities like drinking alcoholic drinks, gambling,stealing things from others, saying harsh words and skipping for the time of prayer, and that they consider it as a warning.

Written by:

Linde Caramihan

Introduction

     Religion is define in Merriam dictionary as an organized system of beliefs, ceremonies , and rules used to worship a god or group of gods.

     It answers events that can't be answered by our daily experiences. But have you ever thrown yourself a question on your beliefs or does it raise your curiosity?

Do you even ask yourselves why do we have different religion? Did you ever wonder on what are the differences and similarities of each religion? Have it ever puzzled you, why do we need to dress properly when we go to church? You might as well wonder on why someone believe on things you do not.

    To avoid conflict and misunderstanding, we must first see to it that we do not disrespect someone's beliefs and practices through the way we speak the words we utter like sign language, body gestures and the way we act. It is important for us to have even a little idea on how people act and how people behave in a place we are in to. As we may not know that whatever acts or things we consider as prim and proper won't be applicable to them.

 Understanding other's culture would be easy if we know already, the “What is and what should be".

   Philippines is a country with people having a list of different religions. But this blog will give focus only with five religions: "APKDA or Dios Amahan, Protestant (Seventh Day Adventist), Roman Catholic, Buddhism and Islam. What are their beliefs and the way they dress.

 

This blog will give you information that you can use in understanding beliefs of others .As we turn  into pages we might as well be enlighten by the things we mistook and we misinterpret most of the time "the beliefs".