As the Philippines celebrates its 114th year of Independence, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, (NHCP), the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Rock Ed Philippines conducted a series of events in different places in the country including Luneta and historical places to celebrate this important day for us Filipinos. With the theme Kalayaan: Pananagutan ng Bayan Para sa Tuwid na Daan, President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III encourage each Filipino to be accountable and responsible Filipino citizen as embodied in the Constitution that carries immense weight as a significant part of Philippine history. The celebration kicks off during the Flag Day event at the Barasoin Church in Malolos Bulacan to pay tribute to the Philippine Flag as the national symbol that represents the freedom of every Filipino and to honor the men and women who fought for it. There will be also series of job fairs in different places to help fellow Filipinos to have the chance to get employment during this big event. There will be also free MRT/LRT rides during the Independence Day.
As Filipinos flock to Luneta on June 12, the organizers will be having a free concert on that day which they called the Malayang Pilipino: The 2012 Independence Day Concert that will take place at the Quirino Grandstand. Local bands and singers will be there to join the celebration of Philippine Independence including Sandwich, Pupil, Kamikazee, The Dawn, Radioactive Sago Project, Itchyworms and Pedicab, along with Paolo Santos, Gloc-9 and Rico Blanco. This was organized by RockEd Philippines and will be scheduled by night time.
But before the Malayang Pilipino Concert, there will be other events from morning til night at the Quirino Grandstand aside from the job fairs happening on that day. In the morning til afternoon we will see performances from the MMDA, PNP, PCG and PA bands, exhibitions by the PNA, PMC-DBT, PAF, fire fighters and even a skydiving act by the AFP. The Sandigan ng Kalayaan will include a static display in designated areas around Rizal Park. In the evening there will be three events/performances before the one organized by RockEd. It includes multi-cultural presentations from our brothers and sisters in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
In the Luzon segment entitled “Lupain ng Ginto’t Bulaklak”, among the many delights anticipated are folk dances by the Sining Bulakenyo and Lahing Batangan Dance Troupe, and a kundiman and OPM medley by MMCO with music notables Rachelle Gerodias (soprano), Ervin Lumauag (tenor), Clarissa Ocampo (mezzo soprano), Andrew Fernando (tenor), Isay Alvarez (vocalist) and Bo Cerrudo (vocalist). There will also be a dance-drama synthesis by the Philippine Stagers Foundation, performances by Halili Cruz Ballet and Ballet Philippines, a hip-hop dance session by Next to Innocence, and musical treats from Noel Cbangon and the Baao Children’s Choir.
In the Visayas segment “Lupa ng Araw, ng Luwalhati’t Pagsinta”, the Philippine Stagers Foundation will hold another exciting show, followed by a medley of folk music by the Kabayao Family Quintet of Iloilo, fold dances by the PNU Kislap Sining and Philippine Baranggay Folk Dance Troupe. The Visayas portion will wrap up on a strong note with MMCO with Pilita Corrales, Elizabeth Ramsey and Pinky Marquez performing various Visayan songs, and a street dance exhibition by Tribu Pan-ay, Dinagyang Foundation.
Entitled “Lupang Hinirang”, the Mindanao segment will feature various indigenous chants and songs by the Waway Saway Mebuyan Peace Project, Kalilang (a celebration through dance) of the Integrated Performing Arts Guild and Sining Kambayoka Ensemble, musical shows by Joey Ayata at ang Bagong Lumad Band, and a contemporary dance session by Astig Pinoy of Gingoog City. This will be brought to a close with patriotic songs done by MMCo with Erik Santos and Star Magic artists, and a musical number by Dulce. Fireworks will then ensue. Afterwards, it will be the people’s turn to sing, dance and revel in the glory of being Filipino.
Aside from the 114th year of Philippine Independence, we will also celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines enacted during the administration of President Corazon C. Aquino. So join this big event as we celebrate our independence as Filipinos in one country.
