Independence 120: A Celebration of Filipino Identity

Today, the Araneta Center will hold a street concert in celebration of the 120th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence. Happening at Manhattan Row along Malvar St. (between residential condos Manhattan Parkway and Parkview) in Araneta Center, the concert, billed Tugtugang Malaya, will showcase the best local acts representing select musical genres.

Tugtugang Malaya kicks off at 4 p.m. with Silent Sanctuary, a rock band that popularized the song like Pasensiya Ka Na and followed by R&B artist Quest, whose Walang Hanggan is big among his followers. It also features Shanti Dope, who will perform Nadarang and his other songs.

But Independence Day isn’t all about fun and barkada gimmicks. Araneta Center’s Independence 120: A Celebration of Filipino Identity highlights several things that are tied to who we are as a people.

An ongoing exhibit at Ali Mall’s activity area features several paintings from local artists in partnership with Sining Kamalig. The set-up there also highlights Philippine history with replica images of some of Gateway Gallery’s Sining Lakbay Philippine history collection with Augmented Reality (AR) feature that triggers a video when you scan with the free app called Layar.

Pinoys are a proud, hardworking people, and a huge part of who we are is tied to providing for our families. As such, the event also highlights activities at the Farmers Plaza, including the Trabahong Pinoy job fair on June 12. Employers like Microcadd, Specified Contractors, Capitol Steel, Wilcon, XTI Shell, Vibal Publishing, Bayanihan and many more will be looking to fill their ranks.

Also happening on Independence Day are free movie screenings at Gateway Gallery, fifth level of Gateway Tower, featuring Apolinario Mabini: Talino at Paninindigan at 4 p.m., and Ang Kababaihan ng Malolos at 5 p.m. The gallery also holds free guided tours of Sining Saysay: Philippine History in Art collection on that day.

For details, follow Araneta Center on Facebook and Twitter (@AranetaCenter) and Instagram (@TheAranetaCenter).