As an international language services provider, we embrace and respect diverse cultures. Today, we join our Sales Manager, Stella Bautista, in celebrating this significant day – Independence Day in the Philippines.
She shares her heartfelt sentiments about the occasion. Join us as we explore the spirit of resilience that defines the Filipino people and the rich history that has shaped their identity.
Stella is talking about this day:
“During Independence Day, we put the Philippine flag on our doorstep and attend a public flag ceremony in the city hall. It is also a good day to go to the National Museum to learn more about our rich history.
I love how Filipinos are resilient. I think that’s why we got our independence because we persevered. From 300 years of being colonized by Spaniards, then the USA, and then by the Japanese, we never gave up. We adapted and used different ways to fight for our freedom. Some used poetry, such as Jose Rizal. And arts through Juan Luna’s “Spolarium.” It’s not all blood and tears, we used our talents too.”
One of the highlights of the day is the public flag ceremony held at city halls nationwide. Filipinos gather together, hand over heart, as the flag is raised to the sound of the national anthem. This collective act of patriotism exemplifies the unity and shared aspirations of the Filipino people. It is a powerful expression of gratitude for the freedom that was achieved through perseverance and unwavering determination.
The Philippines, a nation known for its vibrant culture and resilient people, has a rich history that culminated in its Independence Day. Over the course of 300 years, the Philippines endured colonization by various foreign powers. First came the Spanish, who arrived in the 16th century and ruled until the late 19th century. Following Spain’s defeat in the Spanish-American War, the United States took control of the Philippines in 1898. However, the Filipino people’s longing for self-rule persisted, leading to the Philippine-American War from 1899 to 1902. Finally, on June 12, 1898, the Philippines declared independence, led by President Emilio Aguinaldo. The road to independence was paved with the bravery of heroes like Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio, who inspired a sense of national identity and fought for their country’s freedom. Today, Independence Day serves as a reminder of the Filipino people’s resilience, their unwavering determination to overcome adversity, and their continuous pursuit of liberty and self-determination.
We honor the spirit of resilience that defines the Filipino people. Their unwavering determination and ability to adapt in the face of adversity allowed them to triumph over centuries of colonization.
