Celebrating Philippine Independence - June 12th

On June 12th, the Filipino community in the Dallas/Ft Worth area celebrated their independence day with a formal dinner, dancing and pageant.  The Philippines celebrated its 112th year of freedom.  To recognize this wonderful event, I decided to dedicate the month of June to share the different foods of my country.  Though only half Filipino, I am still proud to call it my own.

In 1898, the United States bought the Philippines from Spain for $20 million dollars ending the Spanish American War. On June 12, 1898, Emilio Aguinaldo led the Filipinos to declare their independence against the United States.  This declaration of independence was opposed by the United States, leading into the guerilla war in the Philippines.  Emilio Aguinaldo was arrested but, soon declared his allegiance to the United States.

In 1941, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor declaring war on the United States.  Japan then invaded and occupied the Philippines.  Those were grueling times for the Philippines.  In October 1944, General MacArthur and President Osmena returned and liberated the Philippines from Japan.

On July 4, 1946, the United States gave the Philippines their independence. They then became Republic of the Philippines.

In 1961, Diosdado Macapagal won the presidential election.  He changed the independence day from July 4th to June 12th, the day Emilio Aguinaldo declared independence from Spain in 1898. Emilio Aguinaldo was the guest of honour on the first Independence Day celebration in 1962.

If you want to see and try the different Filipino foods, click on "Philippines" on my "Food Search" to find all the recipes I have personally prepared.

Mabuhay!