GOVPH

05 June 2014- The Filipino community in the US Northeast kicked off celebrations for the 116th anniversary of Philippine Independence with the opening ceremonies last June 1 in New York organized by the Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDCI) in cooperation with the Philippine Consulate General.

The morning started with a community gathering for the flag ceremony at the Philippine Center in Manhattan.  The Knights of Rizal served as the flag bearers, and about 150 people were in attendance including Consul General and Madame Mario L. De Leon, Jr., Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Madame Libran Cabactulan and PIDCI President Fe Martinez.

A concelebrated thanksgiving mass followed at the Kalayaan Hall, with Monsignor Oscar Aquino as the main celebrant, Father Patrick Longalong served as the Homilist and they were assisted by Deacon Louie Velo. 

After the mass, Consul General De Leon then delivered his message on the theme of the year’s Independence celebrations, “Pagsunod sa Yapak ng mga Dakilang Pilipino, tungo sa Malawakan at Permanenteng Pagbabago”, translated in English as, “Following the footsteps of Great Filipinos, towards inclusive and sustainable development.”  He related the current trends developing in the Philippines that relate to our impressive economic performance, breakthroughs in good governance and the milestone signing of the Bangsamoro Peace Pact for Mindanao last March.  He announced that the groundwork for progress has been laid out in the Philippines and encouraged the Filipinos and Filipino-Americans in the US Northeast to contribute to the positive upturn by directing investments, business, visitors, intellectual capital to our country to further propel this growth. 

The community then gathered to Madison Street for the biggest Independence Day celebration outside the Philippines, where an estimated 100,000 individuals attended.  It is the 25th year that PIDCI is heading the parade preparations, with Drs. Emilio and Fely Quines acting as the Grand Marshalls this year.

Headlining the spectacle with the theme “Triumphs of the Filipino: Pride of the Philippines” was Filipina Miss World Megan Young, drawing the most cheers and applause from the crowd.  Accomplished athletes Anna Marie “The Hurricane” Julaton (Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts), Michelle Bumgarner (Mazda Road to Indy driver), and Sochi Olympic figure skater Michael Christian Martinez who brought the Philippines to the sports world map joined in the festivities as well. 

US government officials were among the VIPs who attended and took in all the merriment.  Filipino-American US Federal Judge Lorna Schoefield sat in the grandstand while Senator Chuck Schumer announced that the "Filipino people are one of the nicest peoples in the world," describing them as hardworking and always smiling.  He recalled the immigration support he gave for the Filipino nurses in the past and told the crowd that the Filipinos will always have a friend in the Senate and US Congress as long as he is there. Both stayed to witness the street show as Filipino organizations paraded in their colorful costumes and performed their cultural dances and music. 

International artists Apl De Ap, David Pomeranz and Anna Marie Perez De Tagle, OPM singer-composers Ogie Alcasid, Kuh Ledesma and Cecilia Azarcon provided musical entertainment during the cultural festival that followed the parade.  Throughout the day a street fair showcasing Filipino food and products were available for the participants and spectators. END