Celebrating Philippines Independence Day 2023
Did you know, the Philippines became a Spanish colony in the sixteenth century, and was actually named after the heir to the throne of Spain: King Philip II? How about the fact that the Republic of Philippines is the world’s second largest archipelago, with over 7,100 islands between the South China Sean and the Pacific Ocean? Well, you do now.
Aside from its breathtaking beaches and stunning biodiversity, the Philippines has a rich history – which reads in parts like a blockbuster movie – as well as a vibrant, joyful culture. And although the nation finally gained total independence from US governance on 4th July 1949, the story of its hard-fought campaign for freedom dates back many centuries. Indeed, independence was declared more than once.
At WorldRemit, many of our team and customers call the Philippines home – so, to celebrate this important day, we’ll be taking a look back at some of its history. As well suggesting fun ways to celebrate the occasion.
WorldRemit Content Team
• 4 mins read • Updated
When is Philippines Independence Day celebrated?
Although the Philippines gained complete independence from American governance in 1949, the day commemorates victory and emancipation from the colonial Spanish forces in 1898.
On Philippines Independence Day, Filipino people celebrate the revolutionary leader and general Emilio Aguinaldo. He declared Filipino independence on 12th June 1898, after returning from exile in Hong Kong. It was on this day, 12th June 1898, that the Filipino flag of red, white, and blue was revealed for the first time.
We’ll look more closely at the history in the section below. Here, though, are the dates for Philippines Independence Day over the next 5 years:
2023: Monday 12th June
2024: Wednesday 12th June
2025: Thursday 12th June
2026: Friday 12th June
2027: Saturday 12th June
Philippines Independence Day: the key dates
The independence of the Philippines was a long and hard-fought campaign for freedom, which lasted many centuries. There were also a number of different occupying forces – each staking a claim on the archipelago in different ways.
Here are the key dates to give you an overview of the Philippines’ journey to total independence:
1542: A Spanish expedition lands on the Philippines and claims the islands for their sovereign – naming them after the heir to the Spanish throne, Philip II.
1896: A civic and militarised campaign for freedom against Spanish rule begins.
1898: Revolutionary forces under general Emilio Aguinaldo proclaim independence.
1898: A Spanish-US war breaks-out over the Philippines. Spain eventually hands over the Philippines to the US, as part of the Treaty of Paris. The US proclaims military rule.
1899: Filipino revolutionaries refuse to accept US rule. General Aguinaldo launches an armed struggle against the US: this is named the Philippine-American war.
1902: Philippine-American war ends.
1907: A Philippine assembly governs under US rule.
1941: Japan invades during WW2, and seizes the Philippines.
1944: US forces retake and liberate the Philippines.
1946: Philippines is granted full independence and renamed ‘The Republic of Philippines’.
Why is Independence Day so special to Filipino people?
As with any once-occupied nation, the Philippines and Filipino people hugely value their Independence Day celebrations. Not only does it unite the thousands of islands in celebration of their freedom, history and culture; but it also looks back to when the nation itself, as we know it today, was born.
On 12th June 1898, the Philippines flag was unfurled for the first time. And the national anthem, ‘Lupang Hinirang’ was performed for the very first time, too. The significance of the Philippines flag was also revealed on that occasion, in a ceremony led by the much-loved revolutionary General Emilio Aguinaldo. He explained to the Filipino people how the red represented bravery; blue represented the Filipino people’s staunch resolution to die rather than submit to their enemies; and white embodied the nation’s love and desire for peace.
Today, Philippine Independence Day is a joyous occasion, marked by a national holiday and vibrant parades and celebrations. So, let’s take a closer look now at how the nation likes to party.
How is Philippines Independence Day celebrated?
Philippines Independence Day is the world’s biggest celebration of Filipino culture. Manila, a dense metropolis, hosts the largest celebrations; with lively parades and street food festivals taking place on both the 12th, and in the week leading up to the occasion.
Many embassies across the world mark the occasion with ceremonial flag-raising; and each year, in the city of Kawit, in the Philippine province of Cavite, a flag is raised at General Aguinaldo’s shrine, while locals read from the Proclamation of Independence. And, like many celebrations across the world, nightfall is the time for thrilling firework displays.
Filipino friends and family will also meet up to enjoy parties and feasts, preparing and dining on national dishes. We’ll look at some of these in the next section – but there’s also the fun and hearty singing of Filipino folk songs (which may sound slightly less in tune as the night goes on).
Celebrating Philippines Independence Day far from home
If you’re a Filipino living and working in the UK, Philippines Independence Day may be when you miss your loved ones most. But you can still bring the party (although we can’t guarantee the weather). Why not reach out to your nearest Filipino community, via social media or online, and join in with their celebrations?
Alternatively, you could even introduce some of your new friends, from other parts of the world, to Philippine Independence Day traditions. We’re not suggesting you have to get the guitar down and start singing Filipino folk songs, but it could be fun. You could also make your own flags, and prepare some delicious Filipino dishes. If you’re not from the Philippines, but want to celebrate the occasion this year, we recommend looking up some recipes for ‘Abodo’: tangy, sweet chicken, pork or beef. And, if you've got a sweet tooth, try a traditional Filipino dessert, ‘halo-halo’.
Send money to the Philippines with WorldRemit
From all of us here at WorldRemit, we’d like to wish you a very happy Philippines Independence Day, or ‘Araw ng Kasarinlan’ (Day of Freedom). We hope that this article has been entertaining – for more insights head over to our blog. You’ll find a selection of helpful and informative articles put together especially for people living and working abroad.
And, if you’re sending money to loved ones back home in the Philippines, we can help. Our low fees will save you money, and our service is fast and reliable – plus, it’s trusted by 8 million customers (and counting).
So, why not make a money transfer today?
Disclaimer: The contents of this blog post does not constitute legal or financial advice and is provided for general information purposes only. If you require specific legal and / or financial advice you should contact a specialist lawyer or financial advisor. Information true at time of publishing.
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