2012 Independence Day Celebration

2012 Philippine Independence Day Celebrations

A free party for a free Philippines

MANILA (June 2012) – Greeting the Philippine’s 114^th Independence Day, a multitude of events is lined up at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park prepared by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, the Department of Tourism and Rock Ed Philippines. The celebration also covers the 25^th Anniversary of the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines enacted during the administration of President Corazon C. Aquino.  There are tons to look forward to like a Flag Day at Barasoin Church, a job fair with over 18,000 sure jobs available, a nationwide food fest, free MRT/LRT rides all day. 

This year’s commemoration will be held with a twist: Party Kalayaan! From morning to midnight, the grandstand will be filled with music, laughter, lights and love for the country as the various proceedings were meticulously selected to embody the best of the Philippines as a strong reminder of what it means to be Filipino.

The morning and afternoon will see performances by 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, things will heat up thanks to an incredible multi-region cultural dance drama musicale called Luzviminda, composed of three parts. In the Luzon segment entitled “Lupain ng Ginto’t Bulaklak”, among the many delights anticipated are folk dances by the Sining Bulakenyo & 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 & 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 & 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 & 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.

The evening will officially end at 10pm with “Malayang Pilipino”, a concert organized by Rock Ed Philippines. It will feature popular bands like Sandwich, Pupil, Kamikazee, The Dawn, Radioactive Sago Project, Itchyworms and Pedicab, along with Paolo Santos, Gloc-9 and Rico Blanco—a spectacular finish to a fantastic night.

The 2012 theme of Kalayaan: Pananagutan ng Bayan Para sa Tuwid na Daan focuses on President Benigno S. Aquino III’s vision of a nation of sovereign people, highlighting the accountability and responsibility of Filipino citizens as embodied in the Constitution that carries immense weight as a significant part of Philippine history.

All the celebrations on June 12, 2012 are free and open to the public.