2 Filipinos win in Malaysia’s Qu’ran recital competition

(From left) National Commission of Muslim Filipinos Commissioner Raida Maglangit, Saudi Gandisa, Second Secretary and Consul Gonaranao Musor and Rahima Panondiongan.

MANILA, Philippines—Two Filipinos bagged major awards in the 53rd International Qur’an Reciters’ Assembly in the Malaysian capital.

Saudi M. Gandisa of Cotabato won second place in the men’s division while Rahima M. Panondiongan of Marawi City won fifth place in the women’s category, the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur reported.

Malaysia won first place both in the men and women’s categories.

A total of 81 reciters from 50 countries competed in the assembly held at the Dewan Merdeka, Putra World Trade Centre from July 16 to 23.

The Filipino Qur’an readers were joined by National Commission of Muslim Filipinos Commissioner Raida B. Maglangit and Second Secretary and Consul Gonaranao B. Musor.