LOS ANGELES – June 12 holds great significance in Philippine history as the day the country declared its independence from Spanish colonial rule in 1898. For millions of Filipino Americans, however, it has also evolved into a powerful expression of identity and community, shaped by their unique and shared experiences as part of the diaspora.

Across the United States, Philippine Independence Day has evolved from a historical commemoration into a celebration of Filipino culture and a call for visibility. From festive parades and cultural showcases to politically charged rallies, the celebrations reflect the complexity of an emerging global Filipino identity.

“Philippine Independence Day in the U.S. is not just about remembering the past,” says Professor Allan Aquino, a second-generation Filipino American and professor of Asian American Studies at California State University, Northridge (CSUN). “It’s a forward-looking affirmation of who we are.”

Professor Allan Aquino teaches Asian and Filipino American history and media arts at California State University in Northridge. CONTRIBUTED

Aquino, whose parents emigrated from Manila in 1971, was born in Chicago and raised in Los Angeles. Now marking 25 years as a university educator, he reflects on how the meaning and visibility of June 12 have changed over generations.

“In the 1980s, many of us had little understanding of Philippine history,” he recalls. “Our parents were focused on building stable lives. Culture, for them, was preserved through food, Catholic rituals, and family – but the historical context wasn’t often passed down.”

It wasn’t until the 1990s, Aquino notes, that a cultural awakening began to take hold among second-generation Filipino Americans.

“As more of us entered colleges and universities, we found ourselves through organizations like FANHS (Filipino American National Historical Society) and Filipino student clubs. That’s when Independence Day started to mean something personal,” he adds.

Today, Philippine Independence Day celebrations across the US serve multiple roles: cultural preservation, political advocacy and public education.

In cities like Los Angeles, Houston, New York, San Francisco and Seattle, events organized by groups such as Kalayaan Incorporated, FilAm Arts, SIPA (Search to Involve Pilipino Americans), Pilipino Workers Center, GABRIELA USA, and Anakbayan offer opportunities for Fil-Ams to celebrate – and appreciate – their homeland’s history through contemporary expression.

In June 2024, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors officially declared June 12 as Philippine Independence Day, recognizing the rich heritage and contributions of Filipino Americans. With over 500,000 Filipino Americans residing in the county, the recognition underscores their enduring impact on the region’s cultural diversity.

Louinn Lota, a community advocate and writer for Filipino publications and websites, offers her perspective on the celebration within the Filipino American community.

Louinn Lota (right) is a community advocate and writer for Filipino American publications and websites. Her mother, Lydia Solis (left) is a community leader and journalist. CONTRIBUTED

Having emigrated from the Philippines as a child, Lota’s participation in Independence Day events echoes the same traditions her mother upholds, such as attending the Kalayaan Incorporated awards, dinner and dance. Her mother, Lydia Solis – a Los Angeles-based community leader and journalist – served as president of Kalayaan Incorporated’s 2020 Independence Day activities.

Kalayaan Incorporated, a nonprofit public benefit corporation in Southern California, collaborates with the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles to organize annual Independence Day celebrations. Its annual gala showcases Filipino culture, heritage, and talent.

Kalayaan Gala on June 14

Proceeds support the group’s initiatives aimed at fostering cultural awareness and community engagement. This year’s Kalayaan Gala on June 14 is led by Carson community leader Moises “Jun” Aglipay and will feature Congressman-elect Chel Diokno as keynote speaker at the Universal Hilton in Universal City.

For Lota, witnessing her mother’s commitment to the organization over the years instilled a deep appreciation for the occasion’s historical and cultural importance.

“It’s a point of personal and cultural pride to celebrate this day as freedom from colonial Spain,” she explains, citing her hometown of Taal, Batangas – home to several revolutionaries who played pivotal roles in Philippine independence.

However, Lota also notes generational differences in how the day is observed. “I’m not sure second- or third-generation Filipino Americans even engage in celebrating this day, as they are often more American-Filipino, with American identity taking precedence,” she observes.

The influence of the diaspora is also visible in the cultural elements highlighted at these events. Lota points out that many performances are drawn from the country’s northern regions, with costumes and music influenced by Spanish colonial traditions.

“Not many of the southern traditions are showcased,” she notes, “despite the rich history of anti-colonial defiance exemplified by figures like Lapu Lapu, who famously killed Ferdinand Magellan in Mactan.”

Lota also sees potential for greater inclusion of Filipino American cultural contributions, such as exhibits featuring locally made products, art and regional delicacies.

Independence Day celebration in Carson on June 7

One of this year’s biggest events is the Independence Day celebration in Carson, California, scheduled for Saturday, June 7, at Veterans Park.

‘Concert King’ Martin Nievera, Carson City Councilmember Arleen Bocatija Roxas and Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz | Photo by Joe Cobilla

The event will feature cultural performances, traditional and modern Filipino cuisine, and live entertainment, with the Philippines’ “Concert King” Martin Nievera headlining the day-long festival. The event is open to the public, with free admission.

Aquino notes that while community celebrations often feature food vendors, dance performances and live music, they also carry deeper meaning. “Beyond the entertainment, there’s a deliberate effort to promote historical awareness and social justice,” he says.

That political dimension has grown in recent years. From calls for immigration reform and Filipino WWII veterans’ rights to discussions about human rights in the Philippines, US-based Independence Day events have highlighted both domestic and international issues facing the community.

The Pilipino Workers Center, a nonprofit organization that supports victims of wage theft, human trafficking and workplace hazards in Southern California, has used Philippine Independence Day as an opportunity to partner with artists and promote immigrant rights.

Similarly, SIPA celebrates Independence Day through various programs, including the Barangay Awards and Gala and the Katipunan Poetry Slam. These events honor individuals and organizations who contribute meaningfully to the Filipino American community, strengthening identity and pride.

For Aquino, the intergenerational nature of the celebrations is one of their greatest strengths. “Whether you’re second, third generation, or newly arrived, we all share that experience of feeling invisible in mainstream culture. These events bring us together – they affirm that we matter, that we’ve always been here.”

Still, he emphasizes that cultural preservation requires more than once-a-year events. “Cultural consciousness begins at home,” Aquino says. “It’s our responsibility to teach the next generation, support our community organizations and advocate for public funding – especially now, when many cultural programs are at risk due to government budget cuts.”

He cites recent challenges faced by the National Endowment for the Arts and the growing backlash against diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs in the U.S. as urgent threats to cultural sustainability. “We need to organize, fundraise and defend our spaces – just like our ancestors fought for theirs.”

Despite the changing landscape, Aquino remains optimistic. “What I appreciate most is that our celebrations are welcoming and rooted in values like hospitality and compassion. That’s the spirit we carry forward.”