Happy Independence Day!

Happy 114th Independence Day Philippines! Just a quick brush up in history. We were colonized and ruled by Spaniards for 333 years. It was a dark period for our country. The inequality, the discrimination, the cruelty, and the abuse that our ancestors experienced in the Spanish time. Then we became a US property for 48 years. The US acquired the Philippines from the Spain in 1898 after the Spanish-American War. Then during the World War I, Philippines suffer 3 brutal years in the hands of the Japanese. When the war broke between Japan and America, Japan invaded our country because it is a perfect strategic location for their military base. US troops we're defeated and Gen. MacArthur flee but somehow made a promise that "I shall return!" And he did! Then the US soldiers fought the Japanese and  almost destroyed their entire fleet. The Americans occupies the Philippines for another one year and then finally on July 4, 1946 the Republic of the Philippines is declared. But according to our 9th President, Pres. Diosdado Macapagal, July 4 holds less inspiration for the Filipinos. He believes that the June 12, 1898 declaration (during Spanish era) of the Philippine independence by General Emilio Aguinaldo brings to memory the heroes of the revolution and therefore, Philippine independence is best commemorated in honor of the Filipino revolutionary heroes.Hence, President Macapagal changed the date of celebration of the Philippine independence from July 4 to June 12, which the Filipinos celebrate each year up to this time.

Present Day. After 384 years of being a slave of foreign countries, we're a free country now. Let us not waste this privilege that is bestowed upon us. But let us not forget that freedom comes with responsibility. Freedom to do what is right. Freedom to help the one another. And freedom to reach out to everybody!

Thank You to all who fought and still fighting for our freedom!