Manila, Philippines — In a spirited nod to the nation’s enduring quest for freedom, the Filipino public is set to embrace a new tradition during the 126th Independence Day celebrations this year. The festivities, dubbed “Bagong Pilipinas,” promise a blend of cultural heritage and modern excitement from June 10 to 12 at Rizal Park Burnham Green, situated along Roxas Boulevard in Manila, directly opposite the Quirino Grandstand.
The Presidential Communications Office announced on Tuesday that a host of activities, curated by various government and non-government organizations, will keep the celebration vibrant from dawn to dusk over the three-day period.
Among the highlights, the Pilipinas Obstacle Sport Federation will stage competitions across different age groups, offering participants a “ninja warrior” experience designed to showcase athleticism, bravery, grit, and perseverance.
Meanwhile, in Hong Kong, overseas Filipino artists are holding a major art exhibition to kick off the Independence Day celebration.
Meanwhile, in Hong Kong, overseas Filipino artists are holding a major art exhibition to kick off the Independence Day celebration. Dubbed “Visual Narratives From Overseas Filipino Artists,” the show will start on 5th until the 10th of June at the prestigious Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre in Central. The event was organized by Galleria Camaya in cooperation with the Phillippine Association of Hong Kong (PAHK).
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Trade and Industry, and the Department of Agriculture will present the Kusina (Kitchen) Warrior contest. This nationwide competition will feature select student-cooks vying to create the best adobo and pancit dishes, staples of Filipino cuisine.
Adding a spicy twist to the festivities, the Chili Federation will host a labuyo (wild chili)-eating contest and other engaging activities, including displays of plants and local products.
On June 10, National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes will grace the Burnham Green with a concert, while Musikalayaan will set the stage for a series of performances by popular musicians and bands. Rocksteady will perform on June 10, followed by The Juans and Plethora on June 11, and Bini on June 12.
Cinematic tributes to Philippine history will also feature prominently, with evening screenings of “Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo,” “Heneral Luna,” and “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral” scheduled for June 11 and 12.
The Pampahalaang Program at Servisyo, running on June 11 and 12, will see participation from 41 government and non-government agencies. They will offer a range of services, including medical aid, fresh produce, passport appointment bookings, National Bureau of Investigation clearances, artisanal delicacies, children’s storytelling, book sales, educational exhibitions, games, and contests.
The grand finale on June 12 will be the Parada ng Kalayaan (Freedom Day Parade), featuring 22 floats from various provinces and national government agencies. The parade will highlight 11 significant events that marked the nation’s struggle for liberty, with Paolo Bediones and Isabelle Daza hosting the program.
In a Facebook post on Monday, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) urged Filipinos to join the celebrations and follow the Commission’s social media pages for updates, using the hashtag #Kalayaan2024.
The celebration promises to be a vibrant blend of tradition and innovation, reflecting the spirit of a nation continually striving for progress while honoring its storied past.
