Today is the Independence Day of the Philippines. Filipinos celebrate it yearly on June 12. I have written a little bit of our history in “What is Pinay?” article, the Spanish colonized the Philippines in the 16th century.
Filipinos all over the world are celebrating our Independence Day if it’s not today (because it falls on Friday, a weekday), maybe on the weekends.
In Dubai, Yearly, the Filipino community is celebrating Independence Day by massive gatherings, cultural events, and concerts. Contrary to their annual tradition, this time, they arranged a virtual call to commemorate the 122nd Philippine Independence Day. This is their first time to celebrate online abiding with the order to stay home due to COVID-19.
The Online Celebration held June noon onwards via their Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Kalayaan2020DNE
The cultural performances are live-hosted as well as the interactive games and contests that thrilled the audience.
I am amazed by how our fellow Pinoys show their patriotism and unity even though they are a thousand miles away from their land.
The government of UAE also moves me for lighting up the tallest building in the world ‘Burj Khalifa’ displaying the Philippine flag on June 12; this is the 2nd time they did this. My heart is overwhelmed and full of gratitude for this gesture.
In the Instagram post: “#BurjKhalifa lights up in celebration of Philippine’s Independence Day. We wish the Filipino community progress and prosperity,” adding an emoji of the Philippine flag.
I don’t like to leave the privilege of commending last year’s President Duterte message for all Filipinos; to realize and commit for a “truly independent Philippines.” We must nurture and contribute to ensure that we remain our liberty within our lifetime and future generation.
“The tree of liberty blossomed on these lands because it was nourished by the sweat and blood of our patriots, heroes, and martyrs,” Duterte said.
Now, our nation is battling the war against COVID19. How can we celebrate our Independence Day during a lockdown? Before the pandemic, schools and LGU’s were preparing for a festive celebration of Independence Day. Professors and students in schools were supposedly busy in the past two months. Laborers in their respective agencies were supposed to be having dinner parties left and right.
However, this time, the whole world is in lockdown, not just the Philippines. So, all the Filipinos around the world have to celebrate in their homes and through virtual calls. Some are still working even though they like to celebrate it, especially the medical workers, nurses, and doctors in the hospitals, from the people in the health industry – DOH, City Health Office, DSWD, to the local government officials, and police officers.
Photo by CDC from Pexels
These are our true heroes in our generation, fighting the hardest enemy, a deadly virus. I am awed by their hard work, dedication, patience, not to mention their sacrifices.
They are sacrificing their time to serve, protect, and save other people’s lives.
They are sacrificing not to see their families.
They are sacrificing their own lives on the danger they are facing.
Nobody has the answer when’s the enemy will leave if we can’t defeat. We don’t know when we are going back to our normal lives. We don’t know when we can taste freedom once again.
I firmly believe that this invisible enemy came not to destroy our lives but to challenge our beliefs, and re-establish our way of life.
I also believe that we cannot fight with advanced technology alone. Our shield needs to come from within ourselves. Our discipline, our faithfulness, our trust, and cooperation with our government, our prayers, and unity towards our fellow countrymen. Let us keep our confidence that we will see the light once more.
I think this year is the simplest celebration we ever witnessed so far in this generation and also the most significant one. If not, make it one.
Maligayang Kalayaan sa ating lahat! Cheers!
