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American Samoa Filipino Community to celebrate 114th Philippines Independence this Saturday

(PRESS RELEASE) — The Filipino Community in American Samoa will celebrate the 114th Philippine Independence Anniversary this Saturday, June 9, 2012, at the Samoa Sports Center Hall (Bowling Alley), Tafuna, American Samoa.  The celebration will start at 5:00 p.m.

Philippine Independence Day is actually June 12, as will be celebrated in the Philippines and in many other places in the world, but the local Filipino Community has opted to observe it June 9, a Saturday this year, for practical reasons.

Filipinos achieved their independence from Spain after a  revolution triggered by the execution in 1896 of Dr. Jose Rizal, whose writings, particularly his immortal novels, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo,caused the Spanish authorities to charge him with treason and inciting the people to revolt.  Eight provinces, which now are represented by the eight rays of the sun on the Philippine flag, started the revolution that led to the proclamation by General Emilio Aguinaldo of Philippine Independence at Kawit, Cavite, on June 12, 1898.  Although that independence was interrupted by the American and Japanese occupations from 1901 to 1944, and a subsequent independence was granted by the Americans in 1945, the 1898 declaration of independence is more cherished and honored by Filipinos

The theme for the current year’s independence celebration is “Pananagutan ng Bayan para sa Tuwid na Daan” (Responsibility of the Country for a Straight Way).

Local celebrations will feature a cultural program, including a presentation of Filipino Dances and Songs, and a Fashion Show of Philippine Traditional Costumes. For some other details, please see an accompanying ad in this newspaper.