Saturday, July 3, 2010

Independence Day, by Noemi S. Rabina

The Philippines has been under the rule of Spain for hundred years. General Emilio Aguinaldo declared its independence on June 12, 1898 when Spain surrendered to the United States with its colonies. The Philippines then became a commonwealth country of the United States and Manuel L. Quezon was the first President. The country aspired to become completely independent as the president said, “it is better to live in a poor man’s house and be free than to live in a rich man’s palace and be a slave.”


In 1941, Japan was at war with the United States and being a commonwealth country, the Philippines was also at war. Our country was completely conquered and was under Japan’s rule for four years. On October 1943, they gave the Philippines a mock independence, appointed Jose P. Laurel as president but they remained to be in control. In 1945, the United States liberated the country and gave our independence on July 4, 1946 under the presidency of Manuel Roxas. Thus the Philippines became a Republic. Later on, when Diosdado Macapagal was the president, a Republic Act was passed that made June 12, the first time our independence was declared, to be our official Independence Day and July 4th became Philippine/American Friendship Day. That is the brief history of the Philippine Independence.

The Philippines celebrated its 112 Independence last June 12, 2010. President Gloria M. Arroyo led the celebration at the Rizal Park in Manila. There were also celebrations in other parts of the country as well as around the world where the Filipinos are gathered. Independence Day celebration rekindles our heritage and roots. I love the Philippines. It is the land of my birth and the home of my people. It is where I was raised and became what I am now.

I love the United States of America though there are lots of things to learn in a new place. There could be cultural differences, inconsistence in language and possible changes in the standard of living. I can just relax for what the American motto states, “In God We Trust.” I love this country for the freedom of speech, of religion, freedom to socialize as we wish and equal opportunity to work with no discrimination. That is true freedom!

Independence Day is special and our gratitude to all the soldiers who made this possible. God Bless America!

7 comments:

  1. I love hearing stories about the country you came from. I'm thankful our country is made up of people like you. This liberty we have is for all. I pray that we stay free!

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  2. I enjoy how you weave history in to your personal stories. It is a great way to learn about you and your country of birth.

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  3. Noemi I enjoyed this history lesson. I didn't know anything about the Philipines before WWII. I hope we as US citizens can live up to the promises we make to the many immigrants who come here for freedom. Gloria

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  4. I came to this "Land of the Free" that we call America in 1973. After more than 10 years, I became a US citizen embracing all its ideals. The only thing I remember about the speech made when we took oath, that we are so blessed to be American citizens not by birth but by choice.

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  5. Thank you for letting us know the history how the Philippines became free. Do you have religious freedom to worship any religion, not only Catholicism?

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  6. In answer to Noboyo's question, if we have religeous freedom in the Philippines, sure, there is religious freedom. Catholics are the most prevalent, Protestants are also in great numbes such as Methodists, Baptists, Presbyterians, 7th day Adventists, etc. The government does not control the people's religious practices.

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  7. Dear Noemi,
    It is always good to know the history of other countries. It gives us a better understanding of each other. Coming from another country myself, I understand there is a big adjustment to a new way of life. But, I'm sure you found as I did, Americans are the most welcoming, caring and generous people in the world. We are so blessed to belong.

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