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Teresita S Culianan |
Age: 58 |
From the Philippines |
She is in charge of a female workers’ accommodation in Mussaffah |
Abu Dhabi: Teresita S Culianan always encounters happy faces in her accommodation for female workers during Ramadan. As the in-charge of the accommodation, it is her responsibility to keep discipline on the premises, which is easier during Ramadan. “Girls who are fasting lend a spiritual atmosphere in the camp. And others try to support them,” she said.
“I don’t want loud talk or any other noise inside the accommodation during the month. It may disturb someone who is praying.”
Most of the women at the accommodation work as cleaners at shopping malls.
“I respect those who are fasting and extend all support to them. Because I know how tough it is.”
She did not know about Ramadan until she came to the UAE 28 years ago. “Born and brought up in a Christian neighbourhood in Manila, I never had a chance to know about Muslims. We, too, fast as part of our religious practice.”
She enjoys hearing about Ramadan traditions and getting to know the cultures of women from various nations. The women, she said are mostly from Nepal, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Bangladesh, India, Kenya and Nigeria. “They all have many stories to tell about Ramadan [and its traditions] back in their countries.”
They get closer while sharing such stories. “[They] are friendlier during this month. I, too, reciprocate.” She relaxes some strict rules of the accommodation to maintain that friendliness.
“After all, we all are living away from our families. We all miss our families a lot. It is natural to feel loneliness.”
The prayers help everyone overcome the loneliness. “The spiritual environment during Ramadan gives strength to everyone — to those who are fasting and others around them,” said Culianan.
