Philippine Independence Day Celebration NYC 2008

Philippine Independence Day is celebrated throughout the United States, the biggest event happening in New York City every first Sunday of June. This year, on the 110th anniversary of the Philippine Declaration of Independence, the theme of the celebration is: "Tribute to Filipino Excellence: Likas na Karunungan, Kakayahan at Kahusayan" (Innate Knowledge, Capacity and Talent).

From 39th to 41st streets, between 5th and Park avenues, more than 90 participating groups assembled way before the 12 noon parade starting time. (Click here for slide show). Some groups were fully bedecked in Filipino attire, in national dresses and ethnic costumes, marching or gracing the colorful floats. There were marching bands and choreographed dancers. From celebrities and PBA legends, from the elaborate to the unassuming, everybody paraded all the way down to 27th street and Madison Avenue beaming with Filipino pride.

Philippine Independence Day Parade NYC 2008
(Click on screen for bigger pictures.)




The street fair grounds was packed with people checking out the vendors and mobbing the food stands like they've never had Filipino food before. There was face painting, balloon sculpture, and magic shows. The booth sponsored by Damayan Migrants Workers Association was especially popular for their health screening which was done in cooperation with the local UPMASA (University of the Philippines Medical Alumni Society in America) chapter, NYU Dental School, Philippine Nurses Association, Harlem Breast Care, and Ugnayan.

The cultural show was presented on 23rd street and Madison. The appreciative crowd barely noticed the unsightly unfinished facade of the building with its towering crane just behind the open air stage. Local artists, from rappers to broadway singers, sang with gusto. Jaryd and Cara danced to everybody's delight. Fe de los Reyes was as funny as ever. Randy Santiago was just as adored here as in the Philippines. The performance by Charise (formerly known as Charise Pempengco) was a fitting finale to the day's celebration.

Watch the video of the performances below.