Miss World Megan Young, apl. de. ap. of The Black Eyed Peas
Article By Joy Chiang Ling
Photo by Rex Romero
Every first Sunday of June, the Filipino American community hosts an annual Philippine Independence Day Celebration at Madison Avenue. It began in 1993 to raise awareness about Filipino culture, and to raise funds for charity projects in both the Philippines and the United States. This year, the Filipino Independence Day Parade was held on June 1st, amid perfect spring weather. It was the 116th Philippine Independence Anniversary Commemoration.
Miss World Megan Young
People participating in the parade included notable Filipino figures such as Miss World Megan Young, Kuh Ledesma and Cecile Azarcon. A number of Filipino communities also marched down the parade, including the Phillipine Nurses Association, Filipino members of the Alpha Phi Omega fraternity, and various church groups. In addition, a union of college students spoke out about social issues afflicting their motherland, and encouraged donations to a relief fund for victims of Typhoon Haiyan.
Bacolod Masskara NY Edition
Participants were also garbed in a variety of traditional wear. Men wore barong tagalogs, while women wore filipiniana and patadyong dresses. People also donned large and colorful feathered masks inspired by Venician and Rio Carnival masks, and danced in beaded tribal outfits.
Parade Grand Marshals Drs Emilio and Felicisima Quines
Towards the end of the parade was a street fair selling Filipino food, ranging from desserts like halo-halo to meaty meals like adobo and tapas. Also present was a concert that featured singers such as Ogie Alcasid, performing artists, dancers, and pageant women. Both the street fair and the parade provide a great way for people to be exposed to Filipino culture. The food, music, outfits and dances were spectacular, and plenty of friendly people were present to introduce others to the Filipino-American community.
apl. de. ap. of The Black Eyed Peas
Kuh Ledesma
Ogie Alcasid
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