Connecting Filipinos in Finland
Every year on June 12, the Philippines erupts in a vibrant display of patriotism as the nation commemorates its Independence Day. For Filipinos, whether at home or abroad, this day serves as a powerful reminder of the struggles and sacrifices that paved the way for the country’s sovereignty. But beyond the parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and cultural performances lies a deeper question: What does true independence mean for the Philippines today?
For the millions of Filipinos living overseas, Independence Day is more than just a historical milestone—it is a reaffirmation of identity, a connection to roots that stretch across oceans. It is a day to reflect on what it means to be Filipino in a globalized world, where the concept of freedom extends beyond political sovereignty to economic resilience, cultural preservation, and national dignity.
Why Celebrate Philippine Independence Day?
The declaration of independence on June 12, 1898, in Kawit, Cavite, marked the end of over 300 years of Spanish colonial rule. Led by General Emilio Aguinaldo and revolutionary heroes like Andres Bonifacio and Jose Rizal, the Philippines asserted its right to self-determination—a moment that should never be taken for granted.
For Filipinos abroad, celebrating Independence Day is an act of remembrance and resistance. In foreign lands where they are often perceived merely as laborers, nurses, or domestic workers, this day allows them to reclaim their heritage with pride. It is a statement that Filipinos are not just a diaspora of workers but a people with a rich history, a fighting spirit, and a culture worth honoring.
Independence Day celebrations in countries like the United States, Canada, and the Middle East often feature grand festivals—street parades, traditional dances, and Filipino food fairs. These gatherings are not just for nostalgia; they are a way to educate younger generations about their roots. Many overseas Filipino communities use this occasion to hold forums on Philippine history, discussions on current national issues, and fundraisers for causes back home.
How Do Filipinos Celebrate Independence Day?
In the Philippines, the day is marked by official ceremonies, historical reenactments, and nationwide displays of the flag. Government offices, schools, and private institutions hold programs that honor national heroes, while malls and public spaces are adorned with the colors of the Philippine flag—blue, red, and yellow.
For ordinary Filipinos, however, the celebration takes on a more personal tone. Some visit monuments like the Rizal Park or the Bonifacio Shrine to pay respects. Others gather with family for meals featuring classic Filipino dishes like adobo, sinigang, and lechon, sharing stories of the past. Social media becomes a platform for expressions of patriotism, with netizens posting tributes, historical facts, and personal reflections on freedom.
For overseas Filipinos, distance does not diminish the fervor. Many organize cultural shows, film screenings, and community dinners. Some even wear traditional Filipino attire, such as the barong Tagalog or Filipiñana, as a statement of pride. In cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Toronto, large-scale Independence Day galas attract thousands, proving that national pride knows no borders.
Preserving Cultural Identity Abroad
Preserving cultural identity while living abroad is both a challenge and a mission for many Filipinos. In countries where assimilation is often a necessity for survival and success, holding on to one's roots becomes a deliberate act of resistance and pride. Language plays a vital role in this. Many Filipino parents abroad make conscious efforts to teach their children Filipino, Tagalog, or their regional dialects, knowing that language carries not just words but worldviews, values, and memories.
Filipino community schools, cultural workshops, and weekend heritage classes have emerged in many cities to fill the gap left by distance from the homeland. These institutions teach traditional dance, music, history, and even native scripts like Baybayin. Food, too, becomes a vehicle for memory—sharing adobo or halo-halo at community gatherings is more than just enjoying a meal; it’s a sensory reconnection to home.
Social media also helps in maintaining cultural ties. OFWs and second-generation Filipinos often share traditional customs, folklore, and even indigenous knowledge through digital platforms, amplifying awareness and engagement. TikTok dances inspired by Tinikling, YouTube cooking channels recreating regional dishes, and podcasts about Filipino myths are all ways the culture evolves while staying rooted.
In this way, preserving heritage abroad is not about resisting change but embracing it consciously. It’s about weaving Filipino identity into the fabric of a global citizen’s life
The Real Meaning of Independence: Are We Truly Free?
While the Philippines celebrates its political independence, the question lingers: Is the nation truly free?
True independence is not merely the absence of foreign rule but the presence of self-sufficiency, justice, and equality. Economically, the Philippines remains entangled in global dependencies—relying on foreign investments, remittances from overseas workers, and loans from international institutions. Politically, the shadows of colonialism persist in systemic corruption, bureaucratic inefficiency, and a lingering colonial mentality that favors foreign standards over local excellence.
Moreover, the struggles of modern-day Filipinos—poverty, lack of opportunities, and government accountability—raise concerns about whether independence has translated into genuine progress. The diaspora itself is a paradox: while overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are hailed as modern-day heroes for fueling the economy, their necessity underscores the country’s failure to provide sustainable livelihoods at home.
Yet, despite these challenges, the spirit of independence lives on. Filipinos continue to fight for their rights, whether through activism, education, or sheer resilience. The very act of celebrating Independence Day, despite imperfections, is a testament to an unyielding hope—a belief that true freedom is not just given but continuously earned.
A Call to Reflect and Act
Philippine Independence Day should not be a passive observance but a catalyst for critical thinking and action. For Filipinos abroad, it is an opportunity to ask: How can we contribute to our homeland’s progress? Whether through investments, advocacy, or simply passing on Filipino values to the next generation, the diaspora holds immense power to shape the nation’s future.
For those in the Philippines, the day must be more than symbolism. It should inspire citizens to demand better governance, support local industries, and preserve cultural heritage. Independence is meaningless if the people remain shackled by poverty, ignorance, and division.
As the flag is raised every June 12, Filipinos worldwide are reminded that freedom is not a static achievement but a continuous struggle. The heroes of 1898 did not fight for a nation that would remain complacent; they dreamed of a Philippines that would rise, unshackled and triumphant.
The true measure of independence lies not in the past but in the present—in the choices Filipinos make today to honor that hard-won liberty. Whether at home or abroad, every Filipino carries the responsibility to ensure that the sacrifices of the past were not in vain.
Long live the Philippines—may its people forever cherish, defend, and redefine what it means to be truly free.
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