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New York's Filipino community kicks off month-long PH Independence Day celebration
The largest Philippine flag on the East Coast is proudly paraded along Madison Avenue in Manhattan at the start of the Philippine Independence Day celebration on June 1, 2025. Dave Llavanes Jr. Remove Photo
NEW YORK CITY — The month-long celebration of the 127th Philippine Independence Day has officially begun in the US.
In New York City, where the largest Independence Day celebration outside the Philippines is held, thousands of Filipinos and Filipino Americans came together in a festive display of unity and cultural pride.
The New York Police Department implemented heightened security measures to ensure the safety and orderliness of the event, aiming to prevent any incidents similar to the deadly car-ramming tragedy during the Lapulapu festival in Vancouver, Canada in April.
The crowd enthusiastically applauded the performance of Banda El Gobernador from Bacoor, Cavite.
Banda El Gobernador, the pride of Bacoor, Cavite, captivates the crowd with their vibrant performance along Madison Avenue during the Philippine Independence Day parade. Dave Llavanes Jr.
According to Bacoor Mayor Strike Revilla, the city government allocated over ?15 million to support the travel expenses of the 37 band members who participated in the parade along Madison Avenue in Manhattan. The budget also covered hotel accommodations and meals for the team.
More than 200 organizations from various parts of the East Coast took part in the Independence Day festivities in Manhattan.
Consul General Senen Mangalile, Bacoor Mayor Strike Revilla, and officials of the Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDCI) gather in unity during the kickoff of the 127th Philippine Independence Day celebration in New York City. Dave Llavanes Jr.
The parade became even more vibrant with participants showcasing traditional attire and heritage garments from different provinces in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
One of the most anticipated highlights was the performance of the girl group BINI, which drew hundreds of excited spectators.
Also taking the stage was Sofronio Vasquez, the first Filipino winner of The Voice America.
Additional celebrations are scheduled to take place in different parts of the United States throughout the month.
New York Consul General Senen Mangalile called for unity among the thousands who attended the celebration.
'We must take pride in the remarkable contributions of Filipinos to America's success,' he said.
'Let us remember: for over 35 years, we have been doing this. First, to honor our identity and diaspora in this part of the United States. Second, to bring communities together in the spirit of unity and national pride. And third, to showcase our immense contribution to the fabric of American society.
'We, as Filipino professionals, taxpayers, and active members of the community, have long been part of the success and prosperity of the United States.
'As we walk down Madison Avenue, let us be proud of our heritage and confident in our future in this country.'
Meanwhile, another Independence Day celebration is set to take place at the New York State Capitol on June 28, to be led by the Kalayaan 1521 Council.
It is worth noting that the city of Albany has passed a resolution recognizing the achievements and contributions of the Filipino community. — BM, GMA Integrated News
