NY Throws Big Fiesta for PH Independence Day
Don Tagala, ABS-CBN North America News Bureau
NEW YORK CITY – New York’s Filipino community threw a big fiesta in the heart of the city this weekend to celebrate Philippine Independence.
For one day only, the Philippine jeepney was the king of the road in New York City. It was the 2016 Philippine Independence Day parade in New York City Sunday, the biggest of its kind outside the Philippines.
Thousands of Filipinos mostly from the East Coast state took over nearly 15 blocks of Madison Avenue to show off their Filipino pride, including a number of Filipino-American elected officials.
“Great day for a parade. Thank you for coming out and god bless everybody,” said Anthony Cortez, Board of Education, Bergenfield, New Jersey.
Mahwah, NJ Councilman Jonathan Wong, said: “Mabuhay! Happy Philippine Independence Day! It’s great to be here. I’m so happy all the Filipino communities could make it out rain or shine, happy Independence Day!”
The parade showcased different colorful festivals from the Philippines such as the Maskara and the Dinagyang.
From beauty queens to beauty kings, the parade showcased the beauty of the Philippines. Even non-Filipinos such as Mr. World 2013 joined the fun.
“I was here two years ago with Megan Young, and I really enjoyed. I’m Colombian, I’m still supporting the Philippines because I love the country, I love the people,” said Mr. World 2013, Francisco Escobar.
The parade is not complete without Fil-Am celebrities like Black Eyed Peas’ Apl. de.ap.
“We’ve been through a lot as Filipinos through colonization but we never lost our true self, and this is the moment to reminisce and remember who you are as Filipinos,” he said.
Filipino men and women in uniform from NYPD and NYFD came to the parade not just to celebrate Filipino pride, but to recruit more Filipinos to join the forces.
“On Filipino Independence Day, cherish your heritage, cherish your pride, be happy, Fil-Am power and we need more Filipinos for the NYPD. Come join us,” said Eugene Canapi, president of the NYPD Asian Jade Society.
(Source: ABS-CBN.com)