Filipino-American Friendship Day to be held at Cerritos, California

Filipinos and Americans celebrate Philippine Republic Day, also known as Filipino-American Friendship Day, on July 4 every year. It is historical because it began as a hostile relationship between two countries that developed into camaraderie.

(Credits to Asian Journal Press)

“Together We Rise. The Time Is Now!” is the year’s theme for Filipino-American Friendship Day celebration in California. Instead of the official date of the Filipino-American Friendship Day, it will be held on July 9 in the City of Cerritos (Don Knabe Community Regional Park on 19700 S. Bloomfield Ave). The program will start from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. 

 

Non-stop musical entertainment, Philippine cultural presentations, inspirational messages, product booths, food vendors, and workshops are the activities for the attendees hosted by National Federation of Filipino American Federation Associations (NaFFAA), Greater Los Angeles in partnership with Los Angeles County’s 4th District Janice Hahn and LA Sheriff Alex Villanueva. 

There have been changes in how to celebrate Filipino-American Friendship Day as the COVID-19 pandemic occurs. Before the pandemic, it was celebrated in Baguio City, Philippines with wreath-laying ceremonies held at Malcolm Square, Kennon Road, the Arch Daniel Burnham Bust, and the Philippine Commission Marker on Gov. Pack Road.

Furthermore, there was a festival in Jersey City, United States (Lincoln Park) which featured food, music, entertainment, and performances by Filipino artists. However, due to precautionary measures that everyone needs to follow, it was celebrated virtually in the year 2020.

Despite the pandemic, unforeseen circumstances, and with all that we’ve gone through, this day is worth commemorating. Let us celebrate this friendship as all of us must cherish it deeply! 

Happy Filipino-American Friendship Day!

Written by Jewel Badillo

Christyn Jewel Badillo is currently a Digital Marketing Intern of PS Media Enterprise, and a 3rd year Bachelor of Arts in Communication student of Adamson University.

References:

• https://nationaltoday.com/filipino-american-friendship-day/#:~:text=President%20Ferdinand%20Marcos%20issues%20a,as%20Filipino%2DAmerican%20Friendship%20Day.&text=Celebration%20of%20the%20day%20as,female%20president%3B%20President%20Coraz%C3%B3n%20Aquino.
• https://ph.usembassy.gov/tag/philippine-american-friendship-day/
• https://mb.com.ph/2021/07/04/philippine-american-friendship-day-ties-that-bind/
• https://www.baguio.gov.ph/content/flag-independence-and-fil-am-friendship-day-activities-set
• https://www.xaverianmissionaries.org/july-4th-is-philippine-american-friendship-day/
• https://www.asianjournal.com/entertainment/events/philippine-american-friendship-day-to-be-held-on-july-9-in-cerritos-ca/