Malayang Pilipino: Independence Day Concert

The 2012 Philippine Independence Day Celebrations:
A free party for a free Philippines

MANILA (June 2012) – Greeting the Philippine’s 114th Independence Day, a multitude of events is lined up at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park prepared by the inter-agency Kalayaan 2012 committee, headed by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. The celebration also covers the 25th Anniversary of the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines enacted during the administration of President Corazon C. Aquino.

The 2012 theme of Kalayaan: Pananagutan ng Bayan Para sa Tuwid na Daan focuses on President Benigno S. Aquino III’s vision of a nation of sovereign people, highlighting the accountability and responsibility of Filipino citizens as embodied in the Constitution that carries immense weight as a significant part of Philippine history.

From morning to midnight, the grandstand will be filled with music, laughter, lights and love for the country as the various proceedings were meticulously selected to embody the best of the Philippines as a strong reminder of what it means to be Filipino.

The morning and afternoon will see performances by the MMDA, PNP, PCG and PA bands, exhibitions by the PNA, PMC-DBT, PAF, fire fighters and even a skydiving act by the AFP. The Sandigan ng Kalayaan will include a static display in designated areas around Rizal Park.

In the evening, things will heat up thanks to an incredible multi-region cultural dance drama musicale called Luzviminda, composed of three parts, each representing one of the major Philippine Islands. The Luzon segment will feature folk dances, and a kundiman and OPM medley by MMCO and various music notables. There will also be a dance-drama synthesis, a series of ballet and hip-hop dance performances, and musical treats. The Visayas segment will showcase an exciting show by the Philippine Stagers Foundation, followed by a medley of folk music and fold dances by local quintets and dance troupes. This portion will also wrap up on a strong note with a performance of various Visayan songs, and a street dance exhibition. The Mindanao segment will feature various indigenous chants and songs, musical shows, and a contemporary dance session. Some of the notable artists who will be performing in this act are Noel Cabangon, Pilita Corales, Elizabeth Ramsey, Pinky Marquez, Erik Santos, Dulce, and other Star Magic Artists, among others. Fireworks will then ensue. Afterwards, it will be the people’s turn to sing, dance and revel in the glory of being Filipino.

The final leg of the evening’s celebrations is “Malayang Pilipino”, a concert organized by Rock Ed Philippines. It will feature popular bands like Sandwich, Pupil, Kamikazee, The Dawn, Radioactive Sago Project, Itchyworms and Pedicab, along with Paolo Santos, Gloc-9 and Rico Blanco—a spectacular finish to a fantastic night.

All the celebrations on June 12, 2012 are free and open to the public. Please go to www.nhcp.gov.ph for more information.