From a flag-raising ceremony to an evening ball and traditional Filipino dance performances, there are multiple events to help celebrate the 127th anniversary of Philippine Independence this week on Guam, where a large portion of the population are Filipino-Americans and Filipinos.

June 12 marks the 127th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine independence from Spanish rule.

This day in 1898, the Philippine flag was first raised in Kawit, Cavite to mark the beginning of independence for the Filipino people.

The Filipino Community of Guam, an umbrella network of 32 organizations, along with its partners, is hosting Philippine Independence Day events this week.

The events seek to foster opportunities for the islandwide community to learn about Philippine history, culture, and traditions.

Max’s Restaurant and its partners, including Micronesia Mall, have also prepared activities to celebrate Philippine Independence.

Flag-raising, Filipino breakfast

Kicking off the festivities will be the time-honored Philippine flag-raising ceremony at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 12, at Guam Reef Hotel in Tumon.

Filipino community leaders and Philippine government officials dressed in variations of the Philippine national costumes will gather around the flagpoles for the raising of the Philippine flag and the singing of the Philippine national anthem.

Guam Reef Hotel has been the venue for this ceremony for years.

It will be followed by the serving of traditional Filipino breakfast.

For more information, contact Chito De Guzman-Aguilo at (671) 727-2096 or chito.deguzman-aguilo@guamreef.com.

Proclamation signing

Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero will sign a proclamation declaring Philippine Independence Month at 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, at Adelup. The event was initially set for June 6.

The proclamation will highlight the historical and cultural connections between Guam and the Philippines, and their bonds of friendship, which remain strong to this day.

It will also talk about the Filipinos’ significant contributions to Guam’s economic development.

Max’s Restaurant: Filipino cultural dances, contests

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, Max’s Restaurant will be leading the celebration of Philippine Independence Day at Micronesia Mall’s center court, featuring a singing contest, fried chicken eating contest, ice cream samples, performances, giveaways, and prizes.

The Kabayan Dance Group will perform traditional Filipino cultural dances, while the Guam Dance Community will showcase contemporary dances.

Rock band Red Avenue, organized by the Guam Philharmonic Foundation, will hold performances.

They will all honor the Philippines’ rich heritage and vibrant community on Guam. All are welcome to attend this event and take part in the fun.

There will be free ice cream samples and kids’ activities courtesy of Häagen-Dazs.

Think you’ve got talent? Love fried chicken? Max’s Restaurant is also calling on singers and foodies across Guam to join the fun.

There will also be raffle prize giveaways sponsored by Pacific Grocers.

“Guam is home to one of the largest Filipino populations in the region, and we’re proud to celebrate that rich heritage through this event. This celebration is for the Filipino community—but it’s also an invitation for all of Guam and beyond to experience and appreciate Filipino culture in a way that’s both traditional and modern, familiar and fresh,” Max’s Restaurant said in a statement.

Independence Ball, FCG induction of officers

At 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, the Filipino Community of Guam will host a Philippine Independence Ball and induction of its officers, board of trustees, and board of directors at Dusit Thani Resort Guam in Tumon.

Archbishop Ryan P. Jimenez of the Archdiocese of Agana will be the keynote speaker.

Tickets are $150 per person. To purchase, contact Lynda Caasi, FCG 2nd vice president, at (671) 777-6865.

Wreath-laying at Mabini Shrine

On Sunday, June 15, FCG will be hosting a Thanksgiving Mass.

This will be followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Mabini Shrine at the War in the Pacific National Historical Park in Asan.

This is in honor of Apolinario Mabini, a Filipino revolutionary leader, educator, lawyer and statesman. He’s regarded as the “brain of the revolution.” He performed all his revolutionary and governmental activities despite having lost the use of both his legs to polio shortly before the Philippine Revolution of 1896.

During the American colonial rule in the country, Mabini was exiled to Guam by American colonial authorities for refusing to take the oath of allegiance to the U.S., and was allowed to return to the Philippines only two months before his eventual death in May 1903.

FCG will also have a 10 a.m. Philippine Independence Month radio show with Wave 105.1.

At a later date, FCG will also have a tree-planting with the University of Guam’s Guam Restoration of Watersheds, GROW, initiative, which aims to reforest areas affected by erosion, contributing to water quality and overall environmental health.

For media inquiries and further information, contact Louella Losinio, FCG public relations officer, at (671) 797-0205.