5 interesting facts about Philippine Independence Day
On June 12, 1898, Philippines' independence from Spain was declared at Emilio Aguinaldo's house in Cavite el Viejo, now known as Kawit in the province of Cavite.
Today, as we celebrate our independence, let's take a look at the interesting facts surrounding this historical event.
1. Made in Hong Kong
The first official Philippine flag was designed by General Emilio Aguinaldo. He personally went to Hong Kong to ask Marcela Agoncillo to make the flag.
Made of fine silk, the flag was handmade by Agoncillo with the help of her daughter Lorenza Agoncillo and Dr. Jose Rizal's niece, Delfina Herbosa Natividad. The sun and the stars were embroidered by hand.
2. Sunday
June 12, 1898 was on a Sunday and the declaration was said to have happened between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
3. Music came first
The Philippine National Anthem was composed by a Filipino, again, in Hong Kong. But changes were made to the arrangement by Julian Felipe according to the request of General Emilio Aguinaldo.
The lyrics were written a year later, a revised version of an original poem by Jose Palma. And on September 3, 1899, the official lyrics to “Marcha Nacional Filipino” were published in the newspaper La Independencia.
4. Fourth of July
The 1898 declaration was not recognized by the United States of America. After winning against the Spaniards in the Battle of Manila Bay in May 1898, the Americans acquired the Philippines via the Treaty of Paris, also ending the Spanish-American War.
The Americans granted Philippine independence on July 4, 1946. From 1946 to 1961, the Philippines observed Independence Day every fourth of July.
5. Moving the date
It was only in 1962 when President Diosdado Macapagal moved the date of Philippine independence to June 12, in observance of the 1898 declaration.
MEANWHILE, CHECK OUT WHICH CELEBRITIES WHO HAS PORTRAYED A NATIONAL HERO IN THE GALLERY BELOW.
