18 June 2015 – Madison Avenue in New York City was turned into Manila Avenue last June 7 as the Filipino community of the US Northeast celebrated the 117th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence with a foot and float parade, the biggest celebration outside the Philippines, organized by the Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDCI), for their milestone 25th year.
Government officials from the Philippines were in town to celebrate with their kababayans and took in all the merriment during the festivities.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario graced the parade. “The patriotic spirit demonstrated by thousands of Fil-Ams was clearly an indication of their appreciation of freedom and democracy… It was a most wonderful experience reminding us how great Fil-Ams are and how much they continue to love their mother country,” Secretary del Rosario said. He also offered his congratulations to the organizers for the “super events” of that day. “Thanks to all the Fil-Ams who regularly share their success and fruits of their work with their families in the Philippines. In my book, they are our modern-day heroes and it is my privilege to salute them,” the Secretary added.
Philippine Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. and Madame Vicky Cuisia traveled from Washington, D.C. to join the celebration of the tri-state Filipino community. Philippine Consul General Mario de Leon, Jr. welcomed the visiting officials to his jurisdiction and joined them in the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “I think this is a coming of age for the Filipino community,” Consul General De Leon said. “I believe that our presence is more elevated in the U.S. mainstream society and we are really proud of the Filipinos here in New York and in the Philippines.”
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano was also in attendance together with his wife, Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano. Mayor Cayetano, along with Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, was invited to the World Cities Summit Mayors Forum in New York happening on the same weekend, and took their time to meet their fellow Filipinos.
Presidential Adviser for Environment Protection Neric Acosta also came for the parade to lend his office’s advice on the parade’s theme, “The Philippines: Active Partner in Environmental and Climate Change Governance.”
US government officials graced the event to show their solidarity with their Filipino constituents. New York State Senator Chuck Schumer was in the grandstand along with US Congresswoman Grace Meng and Filipino-American Federal District Judge Lorna Schoefield.
More than 100 organizations were represented during the 2-hour parade to showcase the heritage and culture of the Philippines in the biggest melting pot in the world. The marchers and floats each had a colorful display of costumes, arts, design, music and street performances emceed by celebrity siblings Cherie Gil and Michael De Mesa. Other Filipino celebrities who were invited include Filipino Soprano Sylvia La Torre known as The Queen of Kundiman, Filipino Elvis Presley of the 60’s Eddie Mesa, OPM pop stars of the 80’s Nonoy Zuniga and Jam Morales, movie star Cesar Montano, Miss Intercontinental Philippines 2015 Christi McGarry, Fil-Am comedian Rex Navarrete, Disney TV artist Anna Marie Perez De Tagle, ABS-CBN talents Gab Valenciano and Ivan Dorschner. END
