FLYING THE FLAG HIGH – AT HOME AND ABROAD
A DAY TO BE UNITED AS FILIPINOS: 12th June 2019, 121st Philippine Independence Day
FLASHBACK:
On June 12, 1898, Filipino revolutionary forces led by General Emilio Aguinaldo publicly read the Act of the Declaration of Independence in Kawit, Cavite, that proclaimed the sovereignty and independence of the Philippines from the colonial rule of Spain, following Spain’s defeat at the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War.
The first Independence Day event included the unveiling of the National Flag of the Philippines and a performance of ‘Lupang Hinirang’, the national anthem.
FAST FORWARD:
In New Zealand we hold our commemorative events days before or even a month after the actual Independence date.
How did your family celebrate the 121st Philippine Independence Day? You may have been invited to participate in one of the ‘traditional ceremonies’ – the flag-hoisting ceremony at the Philippine Embassy in Wellington or the Wreath Laying at Rizal Reserve, Corregidor Place, in Avondale, Auckland or one of many other celebrations nationwide.
The Southland Multicultural Council is organised ‘Pagkakaisa 2019’ on 15th June at the SIT Hansen Hall. The event was a celebration of Filipino culture through food, music, talent and fellowship.
In Auckland CAPO is organised ‘Awitan at Sayawan sa araw ng Kalayaan’ (Search for Gintong Tinig 2019) on 15th June at the Te Atatu Peninsula Community Centre.
The Waikato Filipino Association is held their annual AGM together with their Philippine Independence Day Celebration on 22 June 2019 at the Hamilton Garden Events Centre.
And finally, in Christchurch their Philippine Independence Day Celebration was held at the Central Library: Tautoru/TSB Space, Hapori/Community in Turanga from 11am – 3:30pm.
