Celebrating Independence Day

The annual Philippine Independence Day parade in New York is said to be the biggest event to commemorate our national day in this part of the US. Spearheaded by the Filipino community in collaboration with our Philippine consulate general, the grand festival, now on its 33rd year, highlights distinct elements of our country, culture and mirrors a true bayanihan spirit.

The parade held a week ahead of our exact national day when Manhattan’s streets are less crowded started from the 38th Street of Madison Avenue and ended at 27th Street. It is a coming together of Filipinos from all across America especially the East Coast. It is an event that brings together Filipino-Americans, in the land of the free, who come from different provinces and represent various professions and affiliations.

On a commemoration like this, ideological differences are set aside and the focus is on the reason for the occasion, such as what is encapsulated in the 125th year theme: Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan. We deepen our love of country as gleaned from the leitmotif of the grand parade: “Honoring our cultural heritage, inspiring diversity and inclusion.”

The list of preeminent guests was led by His Excellency Jose Manuel Romualdez, Philippine Ambassador to the US, along with our Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Antonio Lagdameo, and Consul General Senen Mangalile. Among the women leaders present were Senator Risa Hontiveros, Loida Nicolas-Lewis, Nora Galleros-Tino and Dr. Delly Go, two moving forces behind the grand parade preparations.

Every year since our foreign postings, except for a horrendous traffic during a Jakarta morning rush that prevented us from attending the flag raising ceremony, I had not missed taking part in what I think is a binding patriotic duty to attend our Independence Day celebrations. The day usually starts with a mass, followed by an ecumenical prayer, then the flag raising ceremony. Singing the Lupang Hinirang while living in a faraway land, as our flag is slowly hoisted up the pole, truly reawakens an impenetrable fervor, which perhaps only homesick Filipinos could compellingly relate with. For me particularly, the lines “alab ng puso, sa dibdib mo’y buhay” evokes a flame and longing far from the confrontational view of an enlightened university student but of the little things I wish I could do if I were home. Should I be home teaching children from marginalized communities to read instead of exploring this vast cultural mecca?

Almost always this state of yearning morphs into a hopeful and celebratory feeling when elements of our culture are relived like, when at mass Filipino liturgical songs were sung. As we gaily marched along the stretch of Madison Avenue and cheered “Mabuhay ang Pilipinas” while waving our flags, throngs of kababayans and onlookers fluttered their flags back or snapped photos, to capture sights that surely reminded them of home. I felt pride and admiration for the participants and organizers who must have camped the night before to decorate their floats, rehearse their dances or add finishing touches to their costumes.

In true Filipino fashion, our kababayans brought the enchantment of Sinulog, Maskara Festival, Ati-Atihan and gave the audience a taste of Cañao as men and women danced in harmony while clangs of gongs reverberated along Madison Avenue. As revelers recreated the festivals and traditions, which are deeply woven into the fabric of our socio-cultural and spiritual lives, organizations of nurses, students, basketball players, alumni of several Philippine schools and groups from Benguet, Ilocos, Quezon, Pampanga to name a few paraded around.

And what is a fiesta without the beauty queens? At the parade the queens transcended age and orientation. As they stood on flamboyant floats, beamed exquisite smiles, swayed their hands or blew a kiss, these moments allowed the audience to view the essence and beauty of every queen from their respective lenses. The last float was reserved for the current Miss Universe, who is proud of her Filipino heritage.

While posted in Beijing, a festive celebration with the Filipino and diplomatic communities was planned to mark our 110th national day. We looked forward to donning our elegant ternos and Filipiniana. However, a massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake that claimed more than 60,000 lives struck Sichuan province exactly one month before our Independence Day. In the aftermath of the devastation, plans were changed and a more meaningful event took place in lieu of the festivities.

In a fitting homage to the people of Sichuan, our world-renowned Philippine Madrigal Singers, who were initially set to perform at the diplomatic reception, performed instead in a two-hour concert dubbed Songs for Sichuan.  Members of the diplomatic corps, officials of Sichuan province and guests from the Filipino community graced the event held in Beijing’s 21st Century Theater. If it were a diplomatic reception, our then Philippine Ambassador to China Sonia Cataumber-Brady had offered a toast at the start of the program. Instead I recall Ambassador Brady enjoining everyone to a moment of silent prayer for those who perished in the quake. She proceeded to deliver her remarks to say that the concert was being dedicated to the people of Sichuan and the funds earmarked for our national day reception were being donated to the victims of the earthquake and to relief efforts. I remember The Madz rendering songs of healing and hope and a repertoire of festive Filipino melodies. That afternoon, while we honored the memory of those who died, we continued to celebrate our freedom in a manner that was equally eloquent.

Having a theme fortifies the profundity of every Independence Day celebration. Yet lines from last Sunday’s second reading at mass encompasses a stirring message, which I think we Filipinos could heed and aim for: “Mend your ways, encourage one another, agree with one another, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.”