Independence Day rites at Luneta
Posted by on June 12, 2006
Yesterday, I went to the Cltural Center of the Philippines (CCP) to meet some friends/dancers of the varous festivals. I was able to watch their blocking rehearsals but i wasn’t able to watch their show last night at 8PM due to another commitment.
Early morning today, I was in Luneta to cover the Flag Raising Ceremony led by Her Excellency PGMA. a lot of government officials were there. After the Flag Raising, people moved to Quirino Grandstand to watch the Independence Day Parade. A lot of spectators were mostly goverment employees who, most probably, have been ordered by their boss to watch the event. Only a handful of private citizens were there. Leading the parade were the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. It was then followed by presentation of Santa Barbara’s Kahilwayan Festival.
I have seen Kahilwayan Festival’s performance several times, including their performance at the Aliwan Fiesta. Their performance today was slightly modifies, as it now includes dancers from Malolos, Bulacan.
This was then followed by Iloilo City’s Dinagyang Festival, Pigcawayan, North Cotabato’s Halad Festival, and the Pamulinawen Festival of Laoag.
It was my first time to witness the performance of Pamulinawen and honestly, I was held breathless! It was so beautiful. It truly captures the Ilokano spirit in them.
I will be positng my Independence Day photos soon!
Halad Festival//Aliwan Fiesta2006
Iloilo City’s Dinagyang Festival//Aliwan Fiesta 2006
