Oui, Bastille Day is also for Filipinos

To those who prize liberty, the French National Day isn’t just a day of celebration for the French. It is a milestone as well for freedom-loving people, including Filipinos, who were inspired by the French Revolution and its ideals.

 The storming of the Bastille, on July 14, 1789, immediately became a symbol of historical dimensions. It was proof that power resided in the people.

When then President Cory Aquino made a state visit to France during their bicentennial, I, as part of her press delegation, felt how a lot of French people rejoiced at how the Philippines rose against a dictator to regain their liberties. At the City Hall in Paris, then Mayor Jacques Chirac pulled out all stops to greet the heroine of the people power revolution in the Philippines.

So Bastille Day in the Philippines is a sentimental occasion. The French Embassy played host to the vibrant celebration of the national day of France last July 14 in remembrance of the historic storming of the Bastille, which marked the first step of the people of Paris to champion democracy.

Simply called 14 juillet or less commonly but more officially Fête nationale, July 14th is the symbol of the end of the monarchy and the beginning of the Republic.

The people of Paris rose up and decided to march on Bastille, a state prison that symbolized the absolutism and arbitrariness of the Ancien Régime.

On July 16, the King recognized the tricolor cockade: the revolution had succeeded.  For all citizens of France, the storming of the Bastille symbolizes liberty, democracy and the struggle against all forms of oppression.

This year’s commemoration of 14 juillet was more special as France celebrates the 60th anniversary of its diplomatic relations with the Philippines.

Nearly a thousand well-wishers flocked to Sofitel Philippine Plaza and congratulated French Ambassador and Mrs. Gérard Chesnel who happily received friends from various circles. Chesnel formally welcomed the audience with a speech and a toast to the friendship between France and the Philippines with Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Franklin Ebdalin who represented the Philippine government and acting Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Argentine Ambassador Mario Schuff.

Among other noted guests were Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr., retired Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, Makati Rep.  Teodoro Locsin Jr. and Rev. Teodoro Bacani Jr. A good number of friends from the Filipino community as well as several foreign ambassadors were present to celebrate with the French their national day.

The Harbor Garden Tent of Sofitel Philippine Plaza, with glamorous Moulin Rouge setting, bespoke of elegance with an abundance of French wine and champagne plus dishes served to the delight of guests.

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