US landmarks light up for PH Independence Day

NEW YORK - Landmarks Across the United States lit up in Philippine flag colors to commemorate the country's 126th Independence Day.

In San Francisco, both the City Hall and San Francisco International Airport were illuminated with the colors of the Philippine flag.

In solidarity with Philippine Independence Day, San Francisco Mayor London Breed declared June 12 as Filipino-American Friendship and Heritage Day in the City and County of San Francisco.

In New York, 14 landmarks across the state were lit up with the colors of the Philippine flag, including:

• One World Trade Center
• Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
• Kosciuszko Bridge
• The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
• State Education Building
• Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
• Empire State Plaza
• State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center
• Niagara Falls
• Albany International Airport Gateway
• MTA LIRR - East End Gateway at Penn Station
• Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
• Moynihan Train Hall
• Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park

On June 29, the Philippine Consulate General of New York will host the very first "Pistahang Bayan” event in Lincoln Park in Jersey City, New Jersey which will be attended by the Filipino-American community on the East Coast. There will be traditional Filipino games such as patintero, tumbang preso, and piko.

Following the adoption of the resolution declaring June 12 as Philippine Independence Day in New York State, there will be another celebration of the Filipino community at the New York State Capitol in Albany.

"Kalayaan 1521" will also celebrate Philippine Independence, featuring a parade showcasing the culture and heritage of the Philippines.

Different Filipino foods will be part of the closing day of the month-long celebration of Philippine Independence Day on June 30. —VAL, GMA Integrated News