Independence Day is one of the most awaited holidays in the Philippines. Since it is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed, people from all walks of life, participate in nationwide parades.
However, the main highlight is the police and military parade in Manila headed by the country’s incumbent president, followed by a speech and a 21-gun salute. Many Filipinos spend the day in parks and malls. Many Filipino communities in other countries also observe the nation’s Independence Day.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority suspends the number-coding scheme on June 12 as the country celebrates Independence Day. But the public transport, such as buses, passenger jeeps and even tricycles, may have limited routes due to the closure of streets used for parades.
The Philippine flag is hoisted in various places across towns and cities on the country’s Independence Day. Many cars also sport miniature flags on this day. People joining the parade also hold small flags with them.
The flag of the Republic of the Philippines, representing the country, is symbolized by the following: Royal blue peace, truth, and justice; scarlet red patriotism and valor; white triangl—equality and brotherhood.
Three stars on the corners of the triangle—the three main geographical regions of the country namely Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao.
The sun at the center of the triangle – has eight rays representing the eight Philippine provinces that started the revolt against Spain.
Celebrating Independence Day abroad
Filipinos from all over the world join in to the celebration and the fun it brings as well. Meeting up with kababayans, cooking adobo or sinigang at home and drinking Filipino beer are just some of the things many OFWs take pleasure in. Here are some ways Pinoys abroad celebrate our country’s fight for freedom.
As they did each Philippine Independence Day, Filipino families and groups of friends, mostly from Bay Area cities, packed the Union Square in Francisco, the united state, which featured booths showcasing Filipino culture and heritage through products, services and food. They are entertained by exhibitions of Filipino martial arts, performances by different Filipino dance troupes, as well as musical talents.
Madison Avenue, one of the most popular roads in the US, becomes a Philippine territory every first Sunday of June. Thousands of spectators, Filipinos and foreigners alike, partake in a colorful and the grand celebration of Filipino culture and tradition.
The event includes a pageant called “Diwa ng Kalayaan,” a public ball, the grand marshall gala, and the most anticipated activity of them all—a cultural parade. At the parade proper, Philippine flags are waved around by children in costumes. Philippine festivals, such as the Sinulog of Cebu, is replicated in a lively sashay of masks and glitter. Decorative floats glide across the streets, carrying Filipino celebrities and pageant winners. Filipino performers breathe life and music into Madison Avenue, transforming a New York landmark into a temporary concert venue.
In 2016 a distinct Filipino icon made a surprise appearance on the streets of New York during the parade: the Philippine jeepney bringing in Apl.de.ap, a Filipino-American singer and one of the festival’s performers. Since then the singer has become the Philippine tourism ambassador in this side of the US performing his own “national ditty” Today most New Yorkers including non-Filipinos, look forward to this joyous affair annually.
Over at the neighboring Asian countries, such as Japan, Thailand and Malaysia, the Bayanihan Philippine National Dance Co. has been giving gala performances before a by-invitation crowd, composed by members of the diplomatic corps, the business community and select members of the Filipino community.
“In its almost 60 years of existence, the Bayanihan Philippine National Dance Co. is one of our enduring cultural ambassadors, as their level of performance has not just enriched the Philippine dance scene, but also brought honor and pride to the Philippines and its people. It is our honor to bring the best of Philippine folk dance to Malaysians,” Malaysian Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya once said.
A multi-awarded company, both nationally and internationally, Bayanihan showcases the best of the Philippines and the story of the Filipinos through music and exquisite dances. The Philippine’ National Folk Dance Co. has actually performed in many parts of the world during special occasions aside from the celebrations of Philippine Independence Day.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Independence Day picnic in the Netherlands is full of performances and festivities. The Spaarnwoude Houtrak is this year’s host for the annual Philippine Independence Day Picnic (Iday). Organized by the nonprofit organization Kalayaan Fiesta Foundation (KFFI), the goal of the celebration goes beyond the promotion of Filipino culture. As posted on KFFI’s Facebook page: “Participation to Iday is not bound by ethnicity, religion, or gender.” It invites the world to celebrate the joy of being a Filipino.
This year’s celebration has started on June 8 with various activities, such as a stall dress-up contest, a Cordillera ethnic dance performance, a Zumba demo and exciting games from sponsor companies. Visitors may also avail themselves of Pinoy delicacies sold in the Netherlands, such as Luneta ice cream and Pinoy Kitchen meat products. Pinoy restaurants such as Baryo Pilipinas will also offer crispy pata and halo-halo—treats for Pinoys yearning for a taste of home.
Catering to many OFWs, United Arab Emirates hosts numerous celebrations of Philippine Independence Day across seven states. According to the Bayanihan Council (https://filipinotimes.net), which organizes the annual festivities in Abu Dhabi. For this year, the celebration will take place at the Abu Dhabi Breakwater Theater on June 21 with Himig Pinoy “(a singing competition)”, Mutya ng Kasarinlan (a beauty contest) and photography/art competitions showcasing Pinoy talents.
The Kabayan Beach Fiesta would be held in partnership with Yas Waterworld, a popular attraction in the area. Filipinos would be given a discounted price of 55 dirham per head to enjoy the park’s rides, slides and attractions. The park will also host a number of cultural performances, a Karaoke club and sari-sari stores.
In Dubai Filipinos celebrate Independence Day with a grand motorcade, a job fair, a beauty pageant, a battle of the bands, a dance competition, and fruit, vegetable and chocolate-carving competition.
Entertainers from the Philippines also perform in the celebration. Moreover, games are held during the celebration, which raffles off exciting prizes, such as airline tickets to the Philippines.
In support of the festivities, the Dubai Parks and Resorts offers discounted prices to three theme parks for Filipinos. Pinoys would get to enjoy the theme parks of Legoland, Motiongate and Bollywood Parks for only 39 dirham. This lowest rate (from the original price of 175 dirham to 245 dirham) applies on June 12 to June 15 in commemoration of Philippine Independence Day.
“Kalayaan 2019: Pagbabagong Ipinaglaban, Alay sa Masaganang Kinabukasan.”
This theme celebrates the economic success of the country through the years and the struggles that it experienced to attain this status.
As required by the law, the Flag of the Philippines, first flown on that day in 1898, is displayed in homes and establishments from as early as May 28, Flag Day, or on a selected date of May by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, which serves as the organizer of the celebrations, to the 30th of the month. Fireworks displays are the norm.
Kawit, Cavite, holds a yearly commemorative act with the flag raising at the Aguinaldo Shrine and the reading of the Philippine Declaration of Independence. Worldwide, Filipinos gather on June 12, or a date close to it, to publicly celebrate, sometimes with their own Philippine Independence Day parade. # ADAPTED NEWS
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