109th Philippine Independence Day – WFA Celebration

Last June 16 (Saturday), the Waikato Kiwi-Filipino community got together and commemorated 109 years of Philippine Independence. Thanks to our forefathers Jose, Andres, Emilio and the rest of the Katipuneros, we would not have made it an occasion to celebrate were it not for their struggles. On June 12, 1898, we gained our freedom after 377 years (1521-1898) of Spanish colonialism.

We sure felt our ancestors’ presence as we encountered technical difficulties during the Philippine Independence day slideshow….may their spirits be blest and forever rest in peace!

The occasion was marked with our distinguished guests – (three) Members of NZ Parliament, the Deputy Mayor and a Councilor of Hamilton, trustee of Trust Waikato, and the Bay of Plenty Pinoy community President and Vice-President.

The program opened with a soulful rendition of “Ang Bayan Ko” (My Motherland) by Merlinda Reid and Gerie Gatmaitan, accompanied on the piano by Eddie Penamante and his daughters, Katrina and Isabel on the violin.

The Pinoy choir marched to the stage escorted by flag bearers (Mayna Erece and Naudrik Borja). Wearing traditional Filipino costumes, the choir sang the Philippine and NZ national anthems (both acapella).

After the WFA 2007-2008 officers and committee members were presented to the audience, the night of fun and celebrations began. The once normally empty seats of Melville Primary hall was jam-packed to the hilt, the bleacher seats were used from the top-to-bottom. It was SRO (Standing-Room-Only). The Pinoy wave was discovered and a great Pinoy band with a Kiwi vocalist (singing Tagalog) a breakthrough…it was just full on. Raffle draws and prizes galore to winners and complimentary gifts to program participants were abundant.

WFA glimpse of photos with the Austin Powers and Friends soundtrack backing up the slideshow brought pride to all WFA (old and new) members, it was one of my favored numbers for the night.

Our Filipino national hero, Jose Rizal, once said, “the future of our nation depends on our younger generation” – the night’s celebration was a revelation of the Waikato Kiwi-Pinoy YOUTHS – from hosting the program; Pinoy band; (original Pinoy) dance and song numbers; Rock n Roll dance number and of course, the youth participants of the main event of the night - the Cultural Dance Competitions.

In giving tribute to our ancestors, the WFA presented to the Waikato Kiwi Pinoy community, its future….the young generation of Kiwi-Pinoy culture as we live in the land of Aotearoa.

Mabuhay and Proud to be Pinoy! Many thanks to all who came, who saw and enjoyed the night!

- Jun Valencia