National celebrations are a time of togetherness, honouring the past, and sharing optimism for the future.  

For the Philippines — a country that has celebrated its national holiday on June 12th since 1978 — it’s no different.  

This day marks the anniversary of Philippine independence from Spain, a momentous occasion that is celebrated with great enthusiasm. 

This year, celebrants around the world will come together to honour the 127th anniversary of a noteworthy chapter of history with community, food, and the traditions that make Filipino heritage shine. 

In the Pembina Valley, the vibrant festivities will take place on Saturday. 

Spain’s impact on the Philippines  

June 12th is now an occasion for celebration, but its roots originate in a sombre time in Filipino history.  

Although the Philippines’ independence from Spain happened over a century ago, Sean Arcilla, a member of the local Filipino community, says the vestiges of colonization are still present today. 

“We’ve been resilient.”

Sean Arcilla on how the Filipino have endured a history of colonization.

Arcilla says the circumstances, which lasted over 300 years, influenced culture, introduced Catholicism to the country, and also still makes itself present in the majority of the surnames in the Philippines.  

For Arcilla, colonization is an undeniable part of the Philippines’ history, and it did not stop with Spain.  

After gaining independence from the country, the United States also controlled the Philippines for a brief period, followed by Japan.  

Throughout the rocky history of colonization, one thing that Arcilla can say about the Filipino people is that they endured.  

“We’ve been resilient,” he says.  

An opportunity to celebrate 

The spirit of Philippine independence will underpin the celebration taking place in Morden at Suncatch Park this Saturday.  

The event, which strives both to honour the ancestors whose courage led to the country’s independence and to celebrate the vitality of Filipino culture, will be an affair for the whole community to enjoy.  

“This is actually the second year we’ve done it,” says Jewel White, the event committee chair of the Pembina Valley’s Filipino community. “We tried it last year and it was very successful.”  

Jewel White, wearing traditional Filipino clothing, and Jayme Giesbrecht. 

White says that the day will include food and non-food vendors, entrancing cultural performances, and traditional Filipino games. 

The organization of the event will be reminiscent of a similar event in the Philippines. 

“We will have Kultura, which is the Asian food store, there,” she says. “Back home, we don’t have Superstore or Walmart, we have little stores, and Kultura will try to mimic something like that [with a little shop].” 

The vendors will begin serving the public at noon, and the day’s programming, which includes games, musical performances, addresses from dignitaries, and a fashion show, will run from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  

White suggests bringing cash and a lawn chair to the fun.  

‘We are very hospitable’ 

For Arcilla, the upcoming celebration is also an opportunity to showcase some of the associations with Filipino people that make him proud.

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“We are known to be very hard-working in any aspect of our lives,” he says. “We are also very hospitable in a way that is, I feel, very distinct among different cultures.”  

Arcilla is also proud of the reputation for kindness that Filipino people have.  

To experience the history and culture of the Philippines firsthand this weekend, visit Suncatch Park in Morden on Saturday. 

With files from Ty Hildebrand and Jayme Giesbrecht