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PH Independence Day today; Pistang Pinoy Sunday
The Filipino community in the CNMI is celebrating the 117th anniversary of Philippine Independence today.
Filipino organizations will gather at the McDonald’s Middle Road for a flag-raising ceremony at 7am.
Messages from Philippine President Benigno Aquino III as well as from agencies like the Department of Labor and Philippine Overseas Employment Agency will be read.
“It will be simple but the spirit of nationalism will be there,” said Philippine honorary consul Eli Arago, who will also be doing the welcoming remarks.
CNMI government officials are invited to the event, including Gov. Eloy S. Inos and Lt. Gov. Ralph DLG Torres.
Filipinos are encouraged to wear barongs and Filipinianas to show their heritage.
“It’s a form of respect,” United Filipino Organizations president Bong Malasarte said.
After the flag-raising, the community will be having breakfast at the fast food chain.
According to Arago, he will also fly to Tinian tomorrow to be with Filipinos there.
“The Filipino community on Tinian will also be having a ceremony,” Arago said.
The theme for this year’s Independence Day is “Kalayaan 2015: Tagumpay sa pagbabagong nasimulan, abot kamay na ng bayan” (Independence 2015: Triumphs through reforms, within nation’s reach).
On Sunday, various Filipino organizations will be coming together at the Marianas Business Plaza for the whole-day festivity of Pistang Pinoy. It will start at 9am and end at 10pm.
According to Malasarte, there will be games, shows, and raffles. Vendors will also be around to serve food. At 6pm they will be starting the main show, which is a singing and impersonating contest.
“We invite everyone especially our kababayans to attend our celebration,” Malasarte said.
Major sponsors for this event this year are IT&E and LBC.
