Independence Day

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Lesson Transcript

Hello, and welcome to the Culture Class- Holidays in the Philippines Series at FilipinoPod101.com. In this series, we’re exploring the traditions behind Filipino holidays and observances. I’m Eric, and you're listening to Season 1, Lesson 7, Independence Day. In Filipino, it’s called Araw ng Kalayaan.

Independence Day is celebrated on the 12th of June every year in the Philippines. It is celebrated widely and with great joy, not only in the Philippines, but wherever there are Filipinos across the world!

On this day, Filipinos reflect on their history, remembering the heroes, or bayani, who sacrificed their lives to attain independence for their homeland.

In this lesson, you will learn how Filipinos remember how they achieved independence.

Now, before we get into more detail, do you know the answer to this question-

Did you know that the Philippines has two independence days? If one is on the 12th of June, when is the other?

If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep listening.

On this day, the Philippine flag, or watawat, is raised in tune with the National Anthem, or pambansang awit, at various historical places across the country. This is because on the 12th of June, 1898, the people of the Philippines marked the first occasion when they raised their flag and sang their national anthem, to celebrate their independence.

In the afternoon, various activities such as the civil-military parade, or parada, are held at Quirino Grandstand. The president, vice president, and other important guests attend this parade, which includes numerous marching bands and floats.

Filipinos living outside the Philippines also have their own ways of celebrating. One of these is the Independence Parade in New York City, that is held every first week of June. This parade has become a part of the tradition of Filipinos in the United States, and it serves as an opportunity to introduce Filipino culture, raise money for Filipino charities, or kawanggawa, and unite Filipinos living abroad.

By the 28th of May, which is called Flag Day, people start putting up flags in their homes. From big establishments to small shops, many display patriotic decorations to celebrate the independence of their homeland.

Now it's time to answer our quiz question-

Do you know that the Philippines has two independence days? If one is on the 12th of June, do you know when the other is?

The first independence day was on the 12th of June 1898, which marked the independence of the Philippines from Spain. The second happened on the 4th of July 1946, when the Philippines gained independence from the United States of America. Now, this day is remembered as Philippine-American Friendship Day.