In a statement on IG dated March 31, the Tibetan spiritual leader expressed strong support for the Pope’s message delivered during Palm Sunday Mass.

“I wholeheartedly endorse the powerful appeal for peace made by the Holy Father, Pope Leo, during his Palm Sunday Mass. His call for the laying down of arms and the renunciation of violence resonated profoundly with me, as it speaks to the very essence of what all major religions teach.”

The Dalai Lama emphasized that peace is a shared principle across religions, stressing that violence contradicts core spiritual teachings.

“Indeed, whether we look to Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism or any of the world’s great spiritual traditions, the message is fundamentally the same: love, compassion, tolerance, and self-discipline. Violence finds no true home in any of these teachings. History has shown us time and again that violence only begets more violence and is never a lasting foundation for peace.”

He pointed to ongoing conflicts — including those in the Middle East and between Russia and Ukraine — as crises that require diplomatic, not military, solutions.

“An enduring resolution to conflict, including the ones we see in the Middle East or between Russia and Ukraine, must be rooted in dialogue, diplomacy and mutual respect — approached with the understanding that, at the deepest level, we are all brothers and sisters.”

The Dalai Lama concluded his message with a call for an immediate end to violence worldwide.

“I urge for and pray that the violence and conflicts may soon come to an end.”

Organized in collaboration with Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR) and the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT), the initiative reflects Boracay’s growing role as a destination that welcomes diverse cultures and faith traditions — while offering a timely message of peace in a world where dialogue and understanding are increasingly needed.

Hari Raya, also known as Eid al-Fitr, is a significant occasion in the Muslim faith that marks the conclusion of Ramadan. The celebration is traditionally observed through communal prayers, gatherings, and festive meals shared among families and communities.

For Boracay, hosting the celebration represents more than a cultural event — it is a reminder that travel destinations can serve as spaces where people reconnect with shared values of respect, compassion, and coexistence.

Boracay Mayor Frolibar Bautista said the initiative reflects the island’s vision of welcoming cultures from around the world with openness and mutual respect.

“Our vision for Boracay is to be a place where people of different cultures and faiths feel equally welcome. When communities come together to share traditions and stories, we build bridges of understanding. In times when many parts of the world are facing conflict, moments like this remind us that dialogue, respect, and friendship remain powerful forces for peace,” he said.

The celebration will take place within the scenic coastal spaces of Boracay Newcoast, where guests can experience a day of cultural performances, family-friendly summer activities, and community gatherings that highlight the festive spirit of the season. Dedicated spaces will also allow Muslim guests to observe moments of prayer and reflection, preserving the spiritual essence of the occasion.

Food will play a central role in the gathering, with a festival dinner curated by renowned Filipino Halal chef Chef Tahir Malikol, presenting dishes inspired by Halal culinary traditions and the celebratory flavors associated with the end of Ramadan.

For Sonny Alvaro, Cluster General Manager of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts in Boracay, initiatives like this demonstrate how travel can help nurture cultural understanding.

“Travel has always been one of the most meaningful ways for people to understand one another. When destinations create spaces where traditions are respected and communities feel welcome, tourism becomes more than a journey—it becomes an opportunity to celebrate humanity’s shared values,” Alvaro said.

Boracay Newcoast’s hospitality community has also been strengthening its readiness to welcome Muslim travelers. Within the township, Savoy Hotel Boracay and Belmont Hotel Boracay have both earned recognition as Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishments (MFAE) and are supported by a certified Halal kitchen that ensures meals prepared for guests follow Halal standards.

The township is also home to Marhaba Beach, recognized as the country’s only dedicated Muslim-friendly beach space, offering a comfortable and respectful environment for Muslim families and travelers. Meanwhile, Chancellor Hotel Boracay, Boracay Newcoast’s newest property, is also progressing toward the same MFAE accreditation as it continues to introduce facilities that support mindful and culturally considerate travel.

Guests who wish to experience the celebration are invited to avail of Hari Raya stay packages, which include overnight accommodation and festival dinner access on March 21. These are available at Belmont Hotel Boracay, a family-friendly beachfront hotel (www.belmonthotelboracay.com | +63 917 867 2515); Savoy Hotel Boracay, a vibrant lifestyle hotel known for its lively social spaces (www.savoyhotelboracay.com.ph | +63 917 828 4663); and Chancellor Hotel Boracay, the township’s newest eco-conscious hotel for mindful travelers (www.chancellorboracay.com | (036) 286 1300).

Travelers and families are encouraged to reserve early and be part of this gathering that celebrates faith, culture, and the shared hope for peace along the white sand shores of Boracay Island.

Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR) is a subsidiary of Megaworld Corporation under Alliance Global Group, Inc. The hotel chain is the Philippines’ Leading Hotel Group recognized by the World Travel Awards and the country’s largest homegrown hotel operator with 15 hotels, 9 brands, and approximately 9,000 room keys including properties in the pipeline. Experience Filipino hospitality through its signature Sampaguita Brand of Service, inspired by the national flower that symbolizes love, honor, dignity, and healing.

MHR’s portfolio spans key destinations and integrated townships across the country. Its brands include Savoy and Belmont Hotels in Boracay, Cebu, and Pasay; Richmonde Hotels in Eastwood, Ortigas, and Iloilo; Kingsford Hotel and Grand Westside Hotel in Parañaque; Hotel Lucky Chinatown in Binondo; Twin Lakes Hotel in Batangas; Chancellor Hotel in Boracay; and Mercure Mactan Cebu at Mactan Newtown, the Accor-branded reflag of Belmont Hotel Mactan.