NEW YORK-The Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDCI) is inviting everyone to this year’s 114th Philippine Independence anniversary to be held at Madison Avenue on June 3.
This event is the “largest one-day gathering of Filipinos outside of the Philippines,” said organizer Fe Martinez. Last year’s attendance was estimated to be 100,000 as reported by the NYPD. “This year’s theme is ‘The New Filipino: New Independence, New Purpose, New Oneness.'”
The 23rd annual celebration supported by the Philippine Consulate General in New York will feature a parade, a cultural program, trade fair and a flea market of crafts and Filipino comfort food like barbecue and “halo-halo.”
Dignitaries from the Philippines and government leaders in the tri-state have been invited, organizers said.
The lineup of performers includes local and Philippine-based celebrities namely, the stars of GMA Pinoy TV, Ryan Cayabyab and his singers, choral group Mga Anak ni Inang Daigdig and Broadway singer Anna Maria Perez de Tagle. Comedian Air Tabigue and WPIX news anchor Frances Rivera will host the festivities.
The non-profit, 266-member organization run by volunteers has kicked off its 10th anniversary with a series of charitable events in March. Dr. Prospero Lim is this year’s grand marshal while Margie Wisotsky was crowned the first Mrs. Kalayaan winner last month.
Before the big event in June, the “Diwa ng Kalayaan” (Spirit of Independence), a fundraising pageant for young women is slated May 5 at Sheraton Hotel in New Jersey.
GMA Pinoy TV is the exclusive corporate media sponsor of this year’s celebration. Money transfer giant Western Union committed to become a major sponsor. Community publications Filipino Reporter, Filipino Express, Filipino Times, International Tribune, Asian Journal and online magazine the FilAm.net are media partners. Visit pidci.org or contact the group via email at [email protected] for inquiries.
