BAGUIO CITY – Preparations for a 15-day celebration of the Philippine National Flag and Philippine Independence Day are soon to commence. Coined the “Lakbay Kasarinlan Festival” or “The Road to Philippine Independence Celebrations,” the festival was conceptualized and designed by the General Emilio Aguinaldo Foundation Inc. and puts the very first Philippine Flag as its centrepiece.
The simultaneous celebration is set to take place at the Aguinaldo Park and the Aguinaldo Museum in Baguio City. Starting 28th of May and to end on June 12, the event starts on the first day of the fifteen Philippine Flag Days and concludes on Philippine Independence Day.
The Festival will include several activities and entertainment events like the Art Expo showcasing the talents of the country’s artists in honouring the Philippine Flag and the country.
Additional activities include several bonfire nights for patriots and interested individuals who want to share the warmth of the fire and the feeling of camaraderie just as the nation’s noble ancestors did, a Bazaar and Food Expo to showcase Philippine cuisine with a focus on the flavours of the north, a free-admission Film Expo featuring the best and most patriotic films on the Philippines, Poetry and Literature Days, War Games, and Music Expo featuring music for the flag and the country.
According to Arvin, LKF Coordinator, “the LKF targets everyone as the audience, from the younger generation to preserve culture, to foreign tourists to give them knowledge about our history and culture.”
Further, he said, “it aims to inoculate a strong sense of nationalism and patriotism amongst the current generation of today as we envision to build a nation with a strong compassion for our country and fellow Filipinos through exposing them to history and slated activities that would make feel nostalgic and excited.”
A Flag Run is to take place on the final day of the celebrations along with an Independence Vigil in the early morning, before culminating in an evening display of fireworks as a final tribute to the Philippine Independence Day.
By Jesus Essa Calacala