Against the backdrop of the NYC skyline, PHL Independence Day marches on
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 anniversary of Philippine Independence 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 massed on Madison Avenue happy to be one with friends, relatives, and compatriots, sharing food, life stories, and humor. 26th street off Madison became a fiesta atmosphere with food and non-food vendors, the iconic jeepney at the end of the block and the people line-dancing and enjoying karaoke singing in the middle of the street.
“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.
Bishop Efren Esmilla officiated the Independence Day Mass held at the Philippine Center. As the first Filipino bishop in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, his presence was especially significant.
This year also marked the presence of Philippine provinces such as Aurora, Pangasinan and Misamis Oriental. 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, one of their major industries, boasts their famous beaches and dive spots.
The ASEAN Consuls General from New York that included Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia and Singapore also marched.
PIDCI President Arman David, whose quiet leadership style demonstrated confidence and humility, looked calm and smiling throughout. At the Gala that followed days later, he spoke with more eloquence on how the parade passed with flying colors.
The true essence of the celebration, he said, was not in the grandeur of the parade or the beauty of the cultural displays. “It is in the warmth of our community, the laughter shared, the friendships formed, and the collective joy of being part of something greater than ourselves.”
He offered a toast to fellow PIDCI officers, member organizations, community leaders, generous sponsors, and numerous volunteers. He cheered as well past Grand Marshals, PIDCI founders, past Overall Chairs, and past Presidents for “ensuring that Filipino presence and pride are celebrated annually on the first Sunday of June, against the backdrop of the NYC skyline.” He said his board of directors worked hard to make the parade a successful one. “We tried our best to make it a fun Philippine Independence Day celebration that we can be proud of.”
“Vibrant and celebratory” was how lawyer Elizabeth Cueva depicted this year’s parade as it appeared to unify regions, youths and generations.
PIDCI, an organization once troubled by financial scandals, was a “breath of fresh air so that the cobwebs of the past were blown away,” she said.
“The vestiges may still be there, but the new leadership had infused it with renewed vigor and filled it with more promise and excitement,” she said.
Photos by Troi Santos, Joros Razon, Lino Ongteco and The FilAm
© The FilAm 2024
