20 December 2013 - Six months before the 116th commemoration of the Philippine Independence Day celebration, the Philippine Independence Day Council Inc. (PIDCI), which works year-round for the biggest Philippine Independence Day parade outside of the Philippines, has officially named the grand marshals of next year’s festive parade. The announcement was done during an intimate gathering at the Philippine House in the Upper East Side on December 13.
Philippine Consul General in New York Mario L. de Leon, Jr, who is an honorary adviser of PIDCI, along with PIDCI President Fe Martinez and current PIDCI board members officially welcomed former Philippine Medical Association of America (PMAA) presidents and long term medical mission volunteers Drs. Emilio and Felicisima Quines as new grand marshals to PIDCI.
In his remarks, Consul General De Leon recognized the efforts of PIDCI in the previous celebrations, citing the recent one being the biggest celebration so far, having three major networks and their talents take part in the parade and drawing a record number of audience. He also congratulated the couple and expressed his anticipation for an even bigger and more exciting parade next year, with no less than Miss World Megan Young already confirming her attendance to the festivities, held first Sunday of June along Madison Avenue.
The Independence Day Parade Grand Marshal is one of the highest honors bestowed by PIDCI annually to an individual. The search recognizes an exceptionally outstanding person whose contributions have positively impacted the local community and the greater community as well.
2014 will be another milestone for PIDCI as it prepares for the 25th anniversary of the Philippine Independence celebrations in New York since its founding in 1990. END (With report from Oliver Oliveros)