The Philippines will mark its 126th Independence Day on June 12, with lots and lots of events celebrating our freedom, renewing calls for patriotism, and harking on Filipino pride.
Philippine Independence Day used to be celebrated on July 4, alongside the United States' own Independence Day, up until 1962 upon former President Diosdado Macapagal's issuance of Proclamation No. 28, s. 1962.
The proclamation recognizes the establishment of the Philippine Republic by the Revolutionary Government under Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo on June 12, 1898— and was issued after the U.S. House of Representatives thumbed down a proposed bill that would accord an additional $73 million in war reparations to the Philippines.
If you've caught the simultaneous flag-raising ceremonies in the past week, it means that Independence Day festivities have already begun, with more on the way.
For this month of June, take part in these events in remembrance and celebration of freedom.
'Larry Alcala: Slices of Life, Wit and Humor' exhibit
Gateway Gallery and Filipino Heritage Festival joined forces to stage an Independence Month exhibit featuring the works of the late cartoonist and illustrator, Lauro "Larry" Zarate Alcala, and his impact on later generations of Filipino comic artists. A National Artist for Visual Artists, Larry has created over 600 cartoon characters, 15,000 comic strips, 30 comic strips, and two murals throughout his decades-long career.
From June 4 to 30 at the Small Room in Gateway Gallery, Araneta, Quezon City.
Likha 3
Photo from Likha
Likha has been showcasing the local crafts of Filipino weavers across the country. since it was established in February 2023
It returns bigger and better for its 3rd edition, just in time for Philippine Independence Day, with 87 craftsmen and designers showcasing their artisan crafts, as well as storytelling partner Dama Ko, Lahi Ko to stage a series of talks on Filipino craftsmanship.
From June 7 to 11 at the Philippine International Convention Center, Entrance is free.
'Concert at the Park'
The National Parks Development Corporation is holding a series of concerts in celebration of Independence Day, beginning with last weekend's "Concert at the Park" featuring the Pasay City Symphony Band.
The next concerts are the following: Letran Singing Ambassadors (June 8), New Community Band 86 Inaugural Concert (June 16), "Harana: Himig ng Kagitingan" with the Banda de Las Piñas (June 23), and "Dance, Dedication and Excellence" of the E.E. Vicente Program Dance School and Zachary Dance Tutorial (June 30).
Check out the other concerts happening this month at the Open-Air Auditorium of Rizal Park in Luneta
Produkto ni Juan: Local Products & Delicacies Bazaar
The Quezon City government will also be holding a local products bazaar to celebrate Independence Day and the city's 85th anniversary.
The "Produkto ni Juan: Local Products & Delicacies" is organized by the Proudly Original Products of Quezon City (POPQC) program and the J. Amado Araneta Foundation (JAAF) and will feature products made by QCitizens.
The bazaar will be held from June 8 to 12 on the lower ground floor of Ali Mall in Cubao, Quezon City.
Heritage Walks
Celebrate Independence Day and Manila Day month-long and get those 10,000 steps in on these dates!
Heritage Walks by cultural organization Renacimiento Manila kicked off in downtown Santa Cruz and Binondo over the weekend, with more happening this month.
June 8 (Lawton-Arroceros Heritage Walk), June 9 (Special Chinoy Heritage Walk), June 15 (Lakad Pamana: Ang Mundo nina Ibarra at Maria Clara), June 16 (Rizal's Manila: Rizal Themed Heritage Walk), June 16 (LRT-1 Heritage Transit Tour), June 23 (Pasig River Heritage Appreciation Walk), and June 29 (Escolta-Santa Ana Pasig River Tour).
Prices vary for the heritage walks
Comedy Stand-Up Show
Funnyman Ryan Rems is here to be your source of happiness on Independence Day! Catch the comedian's "NoRems Ako Dito," an Independence Day stand-up show by Comedy Manila, on June 12 at Default Cafe Pub in Makati. Ryan will be joined by Archie Malgapo, Andren Bernardo, Stanley Chi, and Rae Mammuad, with Judd Gregorio as host.
Tickets available here
Malaya Music Fest
Catch the performances of top OPM artists at Malaya Music Fest, a post-Independence Day concert at Asia's largest indoor beach club and night club Cove Manila in Okada Manila.
The concert will be held on June 15 and 16, and will feature acts from Sponge Cola, Gloc-9, Parokya ni Edgar, Mayonnaise, and so much more. Tickets are available online and at SM Tickets and Ticketworld outlets.
Manila Clock Tower Museum exhibits
The Manila Clock Tower Museum also launched five simultaneous exhibits in celebration of Independence Day and Araw ng Maynila.
The five exhibits are "Kultura" by Raul Isidro, Juno Galang, and Augusto Santiago Jr.; "Bayan Ko" by Cid Reyes, Marge Organo, Jik Villanueva, Michael Villgante, Abe Orobia, Darwin Guevarra, and Froilan Robas; "Pintig-Sining" by Manuel Baldemor with Paete Visual Artists; "Pinagpala" by Pila Artists Guild; and "Hiraya" by Sonny "Wiki" Anecito.
The exhibits opened to the public on June 2 and will be on view until July 31 at the Manila Clock Tower Museum in Manila City Hall.
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), responsible for leading the country's commemoration of Independence Day until 2026, also has manifold events up its sleeve this June.
The NHCP dropped its calendar of activities on Friday, with the overarching theme "Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan."
Music lovers, for one, can look forward to Musikalayaan from June 9 to 11 featuring the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) bands at the Open Air Auditorium in Rizal Park.
There will also be a ton of activities within Burnham Green, Rizal Park, from June 10 to 12.
These include a ballet concert by the Alice Reyes Dance Company (June 10), which will feature performances inspired by Philippine history, and Sine-Classics, a screening of Filipino historical movies (June 11-12), among many others.
A Parada Ng Kalayaan will take place at the Quirino Grandstand on June 12 at 3 p.m.
— CDC/LA, GMA Integrated News
