Ma'amSir | Philippine National Day 2008 | Toronto | June 12, 2008 at Schema : more than ethnic

Ma'amSir | Philippine National Day 2008 | Toronto | June 12, 2008

Philippine National Day (PND) aka "Philippines Independence Day" is essentially the July 4th of the Philippines. This year marks the 110th year of independence from hundreds of years of Spanish colonial rule. But that didn't actually mean sovereignty, as Spain handed the Philippines over to the "global protector of democracy" (that was facetious). What does a heritage of constant struggle with colonial rule mean to one of Canada's largest Asian Canadian populations? It means they take independence very seriously.

Perhaps WE need to step up and define what June 12 means to our generation. The following event is a great start: (from Kapisanan Philippine Centre)

In the spirit of PND, Melissa Clemente Designs and Passion (formerly Saigon Sister) present Ma'amSir, an inspired showcase of Filipino Canadian talent. Featuring a photography installation in the upstairs gallery, paint, illustration and mixed media and craft exhibition in the lounge and patio. Includes:

MSTQ, Audrey Lopez, Michael Palma, Eric Tigley, Melissa Clemente Designs, It's your life, Kapisanan Philippine Center, Carlos Bulosan Theatre, The Pinoy Poetics, The Pinoygraphers, Eric Quebrall, DJ R-vin, Jeff Garcia, Ilona Fiddy, Minerva Records, Jen Maramba, Kevin Marzo, Jen Tigley AND MANY MORE ...

THURSDAY JUNE 12TH 2008
PASSION | 774 YONGE STREET - TORONTO
$5 @ the door | reduced guest list available
Exhibition opens at 7pm | Performances @ 8pm
Special Passion Tapas Menu Available

Media and Press RSVP contact | melissaclementedesigns@gmail.com
Artist inquiries and reduced guest list contact | originalfiddy@gmail.com

MORE: Kapisanan Philippine Centre | Passion Restaurant is happy to support the Filipino Artist community during PND 2008 | Philippine History on Wikipedia

The numbers are in! Filipinos are the third-largest immigrant community in Vancouver and the fourth-largest visibly-diverse demographic group in Toronto. Winnipeg is the home to more Filipinos than anywhere in the world, outside of the Philippines. Perhaps the most integrated Asian Canadian community in Canada, it's surprising that PND is not more visible.

The Philippines celebrates its Independence Day on June 12, 1898 when the Philippines declared independence from Spain, although its independence was only recognized on July 4, 1946 by the United States. From 1946 to 1961, Independence Day was observed on July 4, but President Diosdado Macapagal, upon the advice of historians, reverted to the June 12 date, which up to that time had been observed as Flag Day. (from Wikipedia)

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Comments

"...is essentially the July 4th of the Philippines."

don't you mean july 1st? or have you found that you now have more US readers than CDN on schema?

Thanks for noticing. I believe the comparison to July 4th is accurate.

July 4th is "Independence Day" for Americans -- marking their Declaration of Independence from the UK. This parallels the PH's Declaration of Independence from Spain (although not recognized by Spain or the US until much later). July 1st marks the establishment of Canada as a federation, with its own constitution. However, Canada remains tied to the UK as a member of the Commonwealth, and its allegiance to the Crown (symbolic). All Canadian Citizens symbolically pledge allegiance to the Queen.

Unlike the US Declaration of Independence -- although a sovereign state -- Canada does not have clear-cut independence from the UK. Although the remnants of colonial Spain remain in the culture of PH, it has no political or symbolic ties to Spain or Spanish monarchy. Therefore, July 4th is the more appropriate comparison to PH June 12th.

We have a story called. "The Story Of Lydia".We will be presenting it at Martyr Shrine for 5,ooo.oo ppilippino.It will be held on Aug 9,2008.I would like to talk with the person that does stories.

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