113th Philippine Independence Day Celebration

 The Philippine Independence Day Celebration

Independence in an individual, as well as in a nation, is expressed by a free mind and a free act. 
When the rebel forces under General Aguinaldo surrounded the city of Manila around Pasay in the Manila's South and Caloocan in Manila's North, the Filipino rebels paved the way to being independent.  

On June 12, 1898, General Aguinaldo raised and waved the flag (sewn in Hongkong by women patriots) at his house in Kawit to some 5,000 cheering partisans of the revolution while the first Philippine National Anthem – Marcha Magdalo was played by the Banda San Francisco de Malabon (now General Trias). The proclamation of Independence was read and attested to by a number of rebel leaders present. It was the Filipinos’ own determination to free themselves against the Spaniards. This declaration of independence by Aguinaldo was a free act, backed by the free mind and the free act of millions of Filipinos living at that time. He called for Liberty, Equality and Fraternity.  However, our proclamation of independence never lasted for long because Spain under the Treaty of Paris of 1898 surrendered and sold our country to the United States of America knowing that it could no longer maintain its colonial grasp of the Philippines. And the capture of Aguinaldo in March 1901 ended the First Philippine Republic.   

On July 4, 1946, the United States of America proclaimed the Philippines  independence based on the United States Act of Congress - the Tydings-McDuffie Law.

The reclamation of June 12 celebration of Independence Day:  

Excerpts from The Manila Times.net  Road to Kawit by Elmer A. Ordonez

The move may well have begun with the resurgence of nationalism during the 50’s, sparked by Senator Recto’s ‘Our Mendicant Foreign Policy’ in the 1951 UP commencement address and during the presidency of Carlos Garcia (1957-62) with his ‘Filipino First’ program. In the academe, history professor Gabriel Fabella spoke and lobbied passionately for the change of Independence Day. Calderon wrote that fellow UP students formed the Philippine nationalism association whose militant support for Fabella’s advocacy caught media attention and that of Congress.

It was President Diosdado Macapagal (1962-66) with his ‘Unfinished Revolution’ speech who also gave impetus to the change of Independence Day from July 4 to June 12. Reference: The Manila Times.net  Road to Kawit by Elmer A. Ordonez)

One Hundred and Thirteen Years later, the Philippines celebrates this proclamation of Independence, still backed by millions of Filipinos around the globe who still believed in Liberty, Equality and Fraternity. The hopes and aspirations of the Filipino people are still alive, this time paving the way for future generations for a comfortable, happy family life - being the heart of every nation. Countries where the Philippines have diplomatic ties mingled and rejoiced in the Philippines Independence Day Celebrations. That included the Philippine Embassy in Abuja FCT Nigeria.

The Philippine ambassador to Nigeria HE Nestor Padalhin read the Philippine President’s speech. President P-noy’s vow of  “a new era in our history,” of a “new Philippines, free from the clutches of corruption and poverty” when he first obtain the people’s mandate is renewed in his message to the OFWs in Abuja and around the world.

The sumptuous dishes were much appreciated by Filipinos, what with the lechon, and diplomats and other guests alike. Guests were entertained with the famous 'Singkil' dance and modern number performed mostly by embassy staff. Engr. Donald Tulalian regaled everybody with a song. 

During the reception, awards were also presented to the 'friends of the embassy.' One such awardee was Evan Joy Gimotea, the proprietress of the International Bible Christian Fellowship School situated in Port Harcourt who received a certificate of appreciation duly signed by the wife of the Philippine Ambassador, Mrs. Anicia Padalhin. Another recipient was Engr. Andy Coluso, a benefactor of the recently concluded OFWS' Ambassador Basketball League spear-headed by Engr. Willy Brual and Mr. Gilbert Bernados.

Filipinos, friends and guests went home with a bit of The Philippines culture and heritage.

 MABUHAY!

Ceremonial Cake - symbolic of the Philippine Flag

Len-len, Joy, Maris, Vangie, Wilma and Alma

The Reverend Sisters Eflaida, Mary Grace, Marylou; with Tess and Vangie; with Alma, Joy and Bernie; with Wilma and a friend

Tess Azarcon and Lito Nucum, emcees

Philippine Ambassador HE Nestor Padalhin reads the Independence Day message of the Philippine President Aquino; Cross-section of guests

First Ladies of the ASEAN countries: Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam

Emcees Lito Nucum and Tess Azarcon in National Attires

Singkil - dance of a Muslim Princess with her entourage

OFW Engr.Donald Tulalian giving justice to a kundiman

Native dances or modern interpretations, our performers have it, here shown with the Philippine Ambassador Nestor Padalhin

Nelly of BNatural with escort; Rosa Ilic and Sheen Arcala; Vangie and Rosa; and Joy Gemotea proudly presenting her award of appreciation duly signed by Mrs. Anicia Padalhin (DFA Ladies Foundation)

Diplomats: Holy See HE Augustine Kasujja; Msgr. Jean; Perm Sec Uhumoibhi; Mrs. Dorothy Barraquias of the Irish Embassy

ABL Chairman Willy Brual with Andy Coluso, benefactor of ABL; with HE Nestor Padalhin

HE Nestor Padalhin swaying with the beat; Niger-wives Maribelle, Hadiza and Annie

Cross-section of native-clad Filipinas, Sisters Eflaida, Mary Grace, Marylou and Annie; Ampy of the Italian Embassy

Angie Alcaria, Lito Nucum, Sherwin Cayabyab and guest, Zai Umpa and Vangie, Gilbert Bernados

Sherwin, Donald, Khaye, Nino, Rami, Efren with Ambassador Nestor Padalhin, Renz , Bernie and guest

Filipinos during the celebration

Ampy and Ernel; Wilma and Lotlot; Willy, Medel and Bernie, Rex, Ric, John and Bernie

Filipino Chef Nick Geba of Sheraton Hotels and Towers taking charge of the ubiquitous lechon

PROUD TO BE PINOYS!

Efren and Gel with guests; Gina and guests; Dr.Tony Akah; Annie, Sherwin, Angie, Rose and Hadiza