HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY PHILIPPINES!

On June 12, the Philippines will commemorate its 113^th year of independence from Spain based on the proclamation made “by the Filipino revolutionary forces under General Emilio Aguinaldo, at Kawit, Cavite, [Philippines] on June 12, 1889”.  During this significant event in the history, the Philippine Flag, made in Hong Kong by Marcela Agoncillo with the help of Lorenza Agoncillo and Delfina Herboza; was first raised.  It was also the first time when the Philippine National Anthem composed by Juan Felipe was played.

The United States did not recognize the Philippine independence not until July 4, 1946.  Nevertheless, by virtue of Republic Act No. 4166 signed into law by President Diosdado Macapagal in 1964, June 12 was declared the official Independence Day of the Philippines and was made one of the Philippine national holidays.  Additionally, under the same law, the 4th of July was designated as the Philippine Republic Day. 

Once again, a great opportunity for the Filipinos abroad to gather and
celebrate is forthcoming, an immense occasion to once again display our unity and pride as dugong Pinoy (Filipino ethnic group).  Moreover, to grab the chance to mitigate our nostalgia and enjoy—even for a bit—the momentary feeling of being at home through the company of our kababayan (countrymen) here abroad who may feel the same way.  

Allow us to extend our appreciation to all of the Pinoy entertainers from the Philippines for sparing their times to visit and join us on our celebrations of the Philippine Independence Day during the previous years.  They really made them more colorful and full of joy.  Thanks to all of the organizers all over the world for all their times and efforts exerted to ensure that the Philippine Independence Day—a momentous event in the Philippine history that is worthy of commemoration and delight—is never let passed without mark of festivities and honor.

Our gratitude to all of our fallen heroes and heroines, from the time of Lapu-Lapu down to those of World War II, for making the Philippine Independence Day dreams a reality.  This is a legacy of freedom from our ancestors that was dearly redeemed and paid for by their own blood; the very same blood that we, all the Filipinos, have and ought to value.  We just owe it to ourselves.  Filipinos, be proud of it.     

Mabuhay ang dugong Pinoy!  Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!  Happy Independence Day Philippines!   We love you.