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Philippine Independence Day Celebrates Freedom and Solidarity
For some Filipinos, June 12 is just another holiday, a great time to take a break from work or school. But there’s always something else going on beneath the surface: a celebration of liberty and solidarity. June 12 is Philippine Independence Day, commemorating the day in 1898 when the Philippines declared independence from Spanish colonial rule.
For many Filipinos, it’s a time to reflect on the country’s complex history and celebrate Filipino culture and identity. It’s also a time to come together as a community and to reaffirm our commitment to the values of liberty and democracy. In short, June 12 is a day that is both celebratory and reflective, a day when Filipinos can take pride in their country and its accomplishments.
On June 12, 1898, General Emilio Aguinaldo declared Philippine independence war on Spain in Kawit, Cavite. “Araw ng Kasarinlan” (“Day of Freedom”) is how the locals refer to it.
A Historical Overview of Philippine Independence Day
The Spaniards acquired a foothold in the Philippines when Miguel Lopez de Legazpi led an expedition in 1565. In 1571, they erected Intramuros, which was subsequently renamed Manila and became the country’s capital.
After a period of Spanish domination, a feudal system was developed, with the Spanish owning enormous estates and Filipinos working for them. The Philippines prospered throughout the Spanish period, and their rule was unremarkable. When the British seized Manila in 1762, this changed. In 1764, the city was returned to the French under the conditions of the Treaty of Paris, which was signed in 1763.
Nationalism began to emerge in the nineteenth century. With the support of Jose Rizal, an author who penned two books, “El Filibusterismo” (The Filibusterer) and “Noli Me Tangere” (Touch me Not). These novels generated a sensation, and nationalism swept the Philippines like wildfire.
Jose Rizal formed the Liga Filipina movement in 1892 as part of the Philippine revolution, which advocated for change rather than revolt. Rizal was imprisoned and deported to Dapitan, Mindanao, as a result.
In parallel to this, Andres Bonifacio founded the Katipunan, a more radical organization. A revolution began in August 1896, and Jose Rizal was executed on December 30, 1896, ostensibly for supporting the revolution when he did not.
Nonetheless, his execution inflamed Filipino sentiment, and the revolt escalated.
In 1898, the war between Spain and the United States began. On April 30, 1898, the Spanish fleet was defeated by the Americans in Manila Bay. Filipino revolutionaries took advantage of the situation and besieged Manila, declaring the Philippines’ independence on June 12, 1898.
On the Philippine Independence Day, the Philippine national flag was displayed publicly for the first time. It was designed by Marcela Agoncillo, Lorenza Agoncillo, and Delfina Herbosa.
The Philippine flag has a distinctive appearance. On a red, blue, and white background, it has three golden stars and a sun:
The three stars signify the three major island areas of the Philippines: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The eight major provinces that took part in the revolution are represented by the sun and its eight rays.
The colors red and blue, according to General Emilio Aguinaldo, represent the bravery of the Filipino people, while the color blue symbolizes the Filipinos’ willingness to die rather than surrender to the enemy, and the color white symbolizes the Filipinos’ desire for peace.
The Wayward Flag
The original Philippine flag flown at Kawit on June 12 was lost in Tayug, Pangasinan, when Aguinaldo escaped to Northern Luzon during the Filipino-American conflict. There is currently no information about its whereabouts.
16 Flag Days
President Fidel V. Ramos issued Executive Order No. 179 in 1994, ordering the celebration of Independence Day to last 16 days, from May 28 to June 12. This decree established flag days, during which all government offices, business establishments, educational institutions, and private residences are required to display the Philippine flag.
Indeed, many places in the Philippines fly their flag everywhere in the days leading up to Independence Day. However, one can’t just hang it up wherever.
Make sure the flag is flown correctly.
The blue side of the flag should be on the left when it hangs vertically. On the right, the red side should be. The white portion should be on top.
The blue side should always be on top when flying it horizontally. At the bottom, the red side should be. The white portion should be the closest to the pole.
This is significant for a reason. If the flag is turned over with red on the left or top, the country is at war!
The melody for the Philippines’ national anthem
The melody for the Philippines’ national anthem was first played on independence day after General Aguinaldo raised the flag. The San Francisco de Malabon marching band played the “Marcha Nacional Filipina”, which quickly became a symbol of hope and freedom for the people of the Philippines.
The national anthem has been updated several times over the years, but the original melody has remained the same. It is a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of the Filipino people, and it is always stirring to hear it played on independence day.
The change of date: What is the official Independence Day of the Philippines?
A review of Philippine history also reveals that the country was ruled by another country a little more after gaining independence. Spain eventually delivered the Philippines to the United States.
The United States administration wanted the Republic of the Philippines to become a state like Hawaii in 1946, but the Philippines declared independence. July 4th is a special day for Americans, marking the country’s independence from British rule. In the Philippines, Independence Day is also celebrated on July 4th, but with a very different story. Philippine independence was first realized on June 12, 1898, when Emilio Aguinaldo declared independence from Spanish colonial rule.
However, the country didn’t gain full independence until 1946, when it was granted by the United States. Therefore, President Diosdado Macapagal saw it fit to change the date of Philippine Independence Day to June 12th in 1962, to more accurately reflect the country’s history. Now, both America and the Philippines celebrate their independence on separate days, but the shared connection between the two countries is still commemorated.
124th year of Independence
Today the Philippines commemorates its 124th anniversary of independence.
Activists in the Philippines have a long history of using Independence Day as an opportunity to protest. In recent years, Bonifacio Shrine and Mendiola have both been popular rally points for independence day protests. Protesters typically use Independence Day as an opportunity to draw attention to various social and political issues.
For example, some protesters may call for an end to corruption, while others may advocate for greater respect for human rights. Regardless of their specific goals, Independence Day protests provide a powerful way for activists to voice their concerns and make their voices heard.
Nationalist groups may potentially demonstrate outside the Chinese Consulate in Metro Manila to protest Beijing’s assertiveness in disputed South China Sea waters, or outside the US Embassy in Metro Manila to demonstrate against the presence of US troops in the Philippines. Each protest will most likely draw dozens if not hundreds, of people. While the rallies are expected to be peaceful, some conflicts are possible.
Prepare for heightened security around any rally or Independence Day program sites. Allow extra time to get to locations near potential program and protest locations. Follow all official instructions and cooperate if you are stopped by authorities for security or health checks
Someone can personally break free as well from what’s weighing them down by living in a place where they can be closer to nature and feel freer. Tagaytay, Cavite province’s second-class component city is great for that sense of freedom from the usual hustle and bustle in the Metro.
As a premium real estate brand, Brittany Corporation offers great developments in Tagaytay City that go beyond the luxury real estate look. One of which is Crosswinds Tagaytay.
Crosswinds Tagaytay is more than just a tourist destination; it enhances the mountainous retreat experience you’d anticipate in Tagaytay’s City of Character. It also has the most beautiful houses in the Philippines. Because of its proximity to Metro Manila, Tagaytay is an excellent alternative for anyone wishing to break free from a rural setting with beautiful natural settings while maintaining access to modern conveniences.
Tagaytay is a simple choice for those who want to invest in a piece of luxury, quiet, and leisure that they can always come home to.
Some of the developments in Crosswinds Tagaytay are the Grand Quartier Condominium, Lausanne at Crosswinds, and Alpine Villas. Crosswinds also offers luxury ready homes for sale.
The Grand Quartier
Because the property was built on the highest mountain in the Swiss Resort community, The Grand Quartier is a premium luxury resort development that offers luxury condotel units.
Lausanne at Crosswinds
Lausanne at Crosswinds on the other hand, is a 24-hectare proposed residential complex located at the highest point of Crosswinds Tagaytay, offering pre-selling lots for sale.
Alpine Villas at Crosswinds
Last but arguably the best in Alpine Villas at Crosswinds, a collection of six to eight-story mid-rise homes inspired by Swiss chalets that will rise against the backdrop of the undulating Crosswinds Tagaytay pine tree landscape. It’s dedicated to being one of Tagaytay’s top luxury condos.
Brittany’s Luxury Communities in Alabang and Sta. Rosa Laguna
Promenade
Brittany’s Promenade is a luxurious gated community that offers its residents the best of both worlds: the beauty and serenity of nature, combined with the refined elegance of a royal estate. The Promenade is surrounded by lush forests and beautifully landscaped gardens, reminiscent of the famous English and French castle lawns. The Clubhouse’s signature knot gardens line the entrance drive, leading to a grand rotunda with celestial statues.
The manor’s entrance is flanked by a long reflective fountain, and the homes are designed to resemble English manors or country cottages. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life or a luxurious setting for entertaining guests, Brittany’s Promenade is sure to exceed your expectations.
Portofino Alabang
Portofino is an oasis of beauty and tranquility, a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The sprawling 300-hectare estate is located just south of Manila, and it seamlessly combines the charms of old-world Italy with the contemporary chic of modern Europe.
Italian architectural elements like cupolas, gabled roofs, and pocket gardens adorn the interior courtyards of classic Italian-styled homes, while state-of-the-art amenities like a golf course, tennis courts, and a spa ensure that residents have everything they need for a luxurious lifestyle. The estate is also home to a number of restaurants, shops, and cafes, making it the perfect place to spend a leisurely day exploring. Whether you’re looking for a place to call home or simply searching for a magical place to visit, Portofino is sure to enchant you.
Exercise your freedom with Brittany
It’s time to exercise the freedom to choose among these wonderful developments and experience living in luxury real estate. In Brittany, there’s an assurance that each real estate development is distinctive enough to enhance and foster great quality and freedom in life.
Brittany Corporation is ready to accommodate any inquiries during this national holiday!
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