On This Day - June 12,1898 - General Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed the Philippine Republic as an independent country, demanding a “dignified place in the concert of free nations.”

 

 

On This Day - June 12,1898 - General Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed the Philippine Republic as an independent country, demanding a “dignified place in the concert of free nations.”

The Philippines declared independence after more than 300 years under Spanish rule.


Every June 12th, Filipinos celebrate their freedom by flying their national flag high in the sky.

While there were many who fought for Filipino independence, there are a few people who are honored and remembered as heros for their contributions in securing the country’s independence. José Rizal was a key member of the Filipino Propaganda Movement and inspired a wave of nationalism through his writings. Andrés Bonifacio, “The Father of the Philippine Revolution”, formed a secret society called the Katipunan and led a number of successful campaigns against the Spanish. General Emilio Aguinaldo was another notable figure who fought alongside the United States during the Spanish-American War. It was he who, on June 12, proclaimed the Philippine Republic as an independent country, demanding a “dignified place in the concert of free nations.”

Alongside celebrating the heroes mentioned above, Filipinos also attend parades, speeches and a 21-gun salute in the capital city of Manila. The national anthem is sung far and wide throughout the archipelago, and people usually enjoy the day off at parks and malls. It wouldn’t be a holiday without some famous foods like kare-kare (oxtail and vegetable stew topped with thick peanut sauce) and halo-halo (shaved ice sundae).

Happy Araw ng Kasarinlán, or Independence Day, to the Philippines!