6 July 2012- A week-long series of independence commemorative events were organized by the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco and the Kalayaan 2012 Bay Area Filipino American Community Committee, composed of various community leaders from the Bay area.
The event started with an open- air festival on June 10 and a Gala on June 17.
The theme set by the committee for this year's commemoration, "A New Generation of Heroes: Connect. Inspire. Empower", recognizes the vital role of younger generations of Filipinos and those of Filipino heritage in preserving the gains of our forefather's legacy of freedom.
Other events for the week included a networking, a mixer and talk on personal branding, and a network/mixer and a panel discussion on "Following one's Entrepreneurial Passion". A comedy night performance, a lecture and workshop on Bayabay: Ancient Philippine script and Movie / TV episode screenings were likewise done.
KALAYAAN FESTIVAL 2012, Union City, California
The spirit of celebration, camaraderie, volunteerism and community was in the air, which complemented the beautiful weather that staged the setting of whole-day open air festival and fair called Kalayaan Festival 2012. Held at the Charles Kennedy Park in Union City on June 10, the event was co-hosted by the Kalayaan 2012 Committee, the Consulate, and Union City.
Union City Vice Mayor Pat Gacoscos spearheaded detailed preparations on the part of the local host committee for the festival.
Arnold Pedrigal, Producer of Power ng Pinoy TV, was the Festival's Chairperson.
Mr. Pedrigal co-chairs the Bay Area Filipino American Community Kalayaan 2012 Executive Committee with San Francisco Entertainment Commissioner Al Perez.
The holding of the event in Union City was part of the goal of the Consulate that more and more Filipino-populated cities institutionalize the Independence Day celebrations. Kalayaan Festival 2012 provided this new template for such kind of celebration and collaboration.
The opening program featured dignitaries who came to grace the event led by Union City Mayor Mark Green and many other Union City Officials. California Senator Ellen Corbett and Assembly Member Bob Wieckowski likewise graced the event.
Filipino American officials from other Bay area cities also came to support the event such as Mayor Jose Esteves of Milpitas and Vice Mayor Joanne Del Rosario of Colma.
During the program, Mayor Green presented a Proclamation, while Senator Corbett and Assembly member Wieckowski presented a Joint Resolution honoring Philippine Independence Day.
The free-admission event featured live entertainment by local Filipino American talents including performances from comedy stand up acts, dancers, singers, bands, and school performing groups. A fashion parade by a local designer, as well as a Philippine Martial Arts exhibition added further highlights to the event. Kalayaan Festival was emceed by comedian and award-winning Director Bernardo Bernardo.
There were vendor booths throughout the festival grounds, many of them showcasing Filipino entrepreneurship and some featuring art pieces, Philippine products, delicacies, and more. Several food trucks were also on site to share their tasty dishes. A Consulate/Department of Tourism (DOT) booth promoting the latest campaign "It's More Fun in the Philippines" was set up during this whole day festival.
Event organizers estimate that whole-day festival drew a big turnout crowd of about 3,000 people. With the enthusiasm shared by the organizers, host officials, participants and numerous volunteers, many look forward to the 2013 holding of Kalayaan Festival.
Gala at San Francisco City Hall
Festooned with Philippine flags, Philippine-inspired decors, banners of Philippine tourism landmarks, and guests' formal Filipiniana attire marked an evening of Philippine elegance and refinement at the Gala held at San Francisco's grand and beautiful City Hall Rotunda on June 17. The Gala capped the week-long events organized by the Kalayaan 2012 Committee to commemorate the 114th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence.
Community leaders, members of the Consular Corps, officials from San Francisco and the rest of the Bay area attended the Gala. Students and young professionals likewise attended
the event in keeping with the theme of the commemoration.
The opening program of the Gala featured speakers that included Senator Leland Yee, Filipino American Hydra Mendoza, Vice President of San Francisco's Unified School Board representing Mayor Edwin Lee, the venue's host.
Featured speaker was young well-accomplished Filipina American, Ms. Jessica Cox. Though born without arms, Ms. Cox has accomplished many things in spite being differently-abled. One of the accomplishments she is noted for is being the first person to fly an airplane using only her feet. The said feat was likewise recognized by the Guiness World Records. With her story and her belief that with creativity, persistence and fearlessness - nothing is impossible, Jessica Cox is certainly the embodiment of our new generation of young heroes.