Filipino Independence Day

Independence Day (Araw ng Kasarinlan) in the Philippines is celebrated each year on 12th June, despite the fact that it was formally gained (from the colonial power, the United States) on 4th July 1946. It is a national holiday.

Independence from Spain was declared in 1898 at the house of the first Philippine president, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, in Kawit in the province of Cavite. From the balcony of his house, Gen. Aguinaldo waved the national flag while a band played the national anthem, known today as the "Lupang Hinirang". This scene was immortalized on the 5 peso bill, replaced now by a coin with Aguinaldo on it. The nation celebrated its Centennial in 1998.

As a result of the settlement after the Spanish-American War and the Philippine American War (1899), the country became a United States Possession – being declared independent (after a 4 year occupation by the Japanese during World War II) in 1946.

The date of Independence Day was changed from 4th July to 12th June by President Diosdado Macapagal, who explained in his memoirs: "When I was a congressman, I formed the opinion that July 4 was not the proper independence day for Filipinos and should be changed to June 12-- the date General Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed the independence of the Filipinos in Kawit, Cavite, in 1898."

He added: "I noted that the celebration of a common independence day with the United States on July 4 caused considerable inconvenience. The American celebration dwarfed that of the Philippines. As if to compound the irony, July 4 seemed tantamount to the celebration of Philippine subjection to and dependence on the United States which served to perpetuate unpleasant memories."

The Day is marked by official speeches and parades in the Philippines.

In the United States a modern celebration has been "manufacturered," with a parade through the streets of New York City on the first Sunday in June, which Filipinos are encouraged to attend.

If you're looking for a way to commemorate this event, you might be interested in this article: Commemorations with Cross Stitch

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