Philippine Independence Day Celebrations
Vietnamese New Year was celebrated in February, Thai Songkran Water Festival in April and on Sunday, the New Taipei City government will be observing the Philippine Declaration of Independence as the latest of their four annual events for foreign laborers.
On June 12, 1898, Emilio Aguinaldo, leader of the Filipino resistance forces officially declared the country’s independence from Spain. Each year’s celebration in New Taipei City features a parade from a certain Filipino region — this year, the inspiration is the Pangabenga, or Flower Festival, which was created in the city of Baguio as a way to heal from the devastating Luzon Earthquake of 1990.
Photo Courtesy of New Taipei City Labor Affairs Department
The event also features Filipino comedians and famous singer Jericho Rosales, along with free massages and health exams for foreign laborers.
■ Sunday from 10am to 3pm at New Taipei City’s Citizen Plaza, 161, Chungshan Rd Sec 1, Banciao District (板橋區中山路一段161號). Admission is free.
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