Continuing the Philippine Independence Day tradition of marching on Madison Avenue
By Cristina DC Pastor
The parade weaved the crowd together, one organization after another: The nurses with the Knights of Rizal with the indigenous dancers with the provincial floats with the teachers with the pageant beauties in their flashy tiaras and so on, their magnificent colors blending into the lingering line of marchers.
It was the 126th Philippine Independence Day heralded along New York City’s Madison Avenue where Gregory Peck played the miserable advertising executive Tom Rath in the 1956 film “The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit.”
On June 2, 2024, Filipino Americans took over Madison with an audio system that blared choppy-sounding announcements. Despite the crude sound system, Filipinos were happy to be one with friends, relatives, and compatriots, sharing food, life stories, and humor.
“As I walked down Madison Avenue, I was filled with pride in the strength, resilience, and unity of the Filipino people,” said Grand Marshal Charina Amunategui. “I am proud to be part of such a remarkable tradition.” While walking down the 10 blocks, she told The FilAm, she was thinking, “Wow wow wow! The Filipinos have taken over Madison Avenue!”
For Philippine Nurses Association New York President Laarni Florencio, Madison Avenue felt like it “was my fashion runway, and it was my moment to showcase my pride as a Filipina.”
“To walk the most famous street in NYC in celebration of the Philippine Independence Day was a liberating experience,” she added. “It symbolized freedom from the cultural stereotypes that (Filipinos) are a timid and shy people.”
Consul General Senen Mangalile emphasized the importance of continuing the tradition of marching down Madison Avenue to showcase to the world “the rich heritage and vibrant culture of the Philippines.”
More than 130 groups participated. He noted how some Filipinos after walking with one group rejoins the parade wearing another group’s uniform.
“That’s characteristic of our culture, we are members of so many organizations, and we support so many causes,” he said.
Philippine National Bank General Manager and First Vice President Eric Bustamante said waving the Philippine Flag with his PNB New York family on Madison Avenue “gave me goosebumps.”
Imagine, he said, thousands of Filipinos and foreigners watching the parade with excitement.
“It gave me a sense of Filipino pride and honor that we are one of the best in the world,” he said.
Diwa ng Kalayaan Isabel Faustino, 16, who spoke to the press on meet-and-greet, said Independence Day is an occasion to “honor our culture” and the “elders who came before you.”
This year also marked the participation of representatives from Philippine provinces. Gingoog City in Misamis Oriental had 80 people marching in the parade. The province hosted a booth that offered their specialty products such as corn coffee, Tablea chocolate and Oolong tea.
Aurora province in Southern Tagalog had a float and a booth where they made available their taro and mushroom chips and their organic peanut butter under the Nanay Pacing brand. Tourism is one of their major industries, boasting their famous beaches and dive spots.
PIDCI President Arman David, a registered nurse, looked calm and smiling throughout. He thanked his team for their coordinated effort and how they resolved sticking points before they became full-blown problems.
“Para sa ating lahat ito,” he said. “Let us be proud of one another.”
(C) The FilAm 2024
