The Philippines got its name from King Philip of Spain, the guy who authorized Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan to use Spanish ships to conquer islands in Southeast Asia and convert their inhabitants to Christianity. Although Magellan was subsequently killed by a local chieftain named Lapu-lapu in the Battle of Mactan, the Spaniards kept on coming with their military and religious might, and the people of the "Philippines" ended up being colonized for more than 300 years since 1521 up to 1898 when the Filipinos, led by the Katipuneros and inspired by the writings of national hero Jose Rizal, revolted against Spain.
On June 12, 1898, General Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed the first (but short-lived) Philippine Independence in Kawit, Cavite, with the raising of the Filipino flag and the singing of the national anthem composed by Julian Felipe.
The Philippine Flag
The blue stripe symbolizes the unity of the country, and the principles of peace, love of truth, and justice. The red stripe stands for the patriotic courage and bravery of the Filipinos, while the white triangle symbolizes equality and fraternity. The mythological sun symbolizes the national awakening and progress. Its eight beams are the eight rebellious provinces against the colonizers (Manila, Bulacan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Laguna*, Batangas and Cavite). The three little corner stars represent the geographical areas of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
According to Philippine history, there were two phases when the hoisting of the Filipino flag --which was also a symbol for national resistance -- was not allowed and was punished: Under the American colonial regime, it was from 1907 to 1919; and under the Japanese control during World War II, from 1941 to 1943.
* Author's birth province
Just like in the Philippines when celebrations and religious feasts are held, Filipino music takes the center stage. The Philippine American Association for Madison and Neighboring Areas (PAMANA) presented its very own local talent, Anna Maria Manalo, when the group celebrated the 108th Philippine Independence Day on July 8 at the Marriott Hotel in Middleton. Aptly titled "Mga Himig Pilipino: Pamana Mula sa Puso" (Filipino Music: A Legacy from the Heart), Manalo awed her audience with her own compositions and/or special arrangements on the violin and the piano. Her father, tenor Felipe Manalo, a medical doctor, joined his daughter in a beautiful number titled "Dinggin Mo Sandali." Then, the stage was opened to youth dance numbers, including the famous "Tinikling," a fast-paced dance that requires skills in footwork and excellent timing and uses two bamboo poles for dance space.
Aside from the rich musical entertainment, PAMANA presented awards and recognition certificates to former PAMANA presidents and leaders, namely Agnes Cammer, Joseph Jaucian, Dion Puzon, Tesie Gabay, Ernie Jamanadre, Charlie McAteer, Ray D'Acosta, Rufino Licos, and Al Poliarco. The keynote speech of Dr. Alejandro Vinluan (in absentia due to health reasons), which was read by Princess Emraida Kiram, talked of Filipino culture and how it is being lost where Filipinos all over the world assimilate and integrate with other cultures. Dr. Vinluan wrote in part:
"The Filipinos of the 21st century are among the most educated and knowledgeable in our country's history. As a result, we have more than 8 million Filipinos working in almost every country in the world, supplying the brain power that has fueled the workforce and economic development of many countries, probably to the detriment of our own. We come from a long blood line of various races and influences -- that today it is very difficult to find a pure Filipino. We are now mostly "mestizos," and if we are not careful, we may ultimately lose our Filipino-ness.
"... What is sad is not losing the language, but losing the culture and heritage as well. The purists in our communities feel that language is the umbilical cord; to me, "culture" is the link. I have been told numerous times that language itself is the basis of our culture. Our culture includes many aspects, but it is not all inclusive. It includes such things as our folk songs, our legends, our myths, or riddles, even our folk dances. To me, our values and our virtues are the basis of what makes a Filipino. "
In the spirit of this message, the PAMANA leadership showed that an important historical event such as the Philippine Independence Day deserves to focus on and promote cultural traditions that include "pagtanaw ng utang na loob," (debt of gratitude) to those who have made PAMANA alive and active through the years; "pakikisama," (getting along) to countrymates who seek unity and community; and "paggalang," (respect) to elders and peers by respectful greetings such as "Magandang gabi po," Good evening, Sir/Madam), or "Kumusta na po kayo?" (How are you?)
Dr. Vinluan must be proud that PAMANA is here in Wisconsin to preserve the Filipino culture in as many ways as possible. |
