Makati Celebrates 115th Independence with Philippine Bamboo Flag Museum

Just like a bamboo, secure and flexible, on this year's celebration of Philippine Independence, the country's fast-moving city, Makati, commemorates the rise from all challenges and adversities of our country through a  three-tiered event that is all in the same breath experiential, educational, and entertaining. And all of these started through the of the country’s first ever Philippine Bamboo Flag Museum.

Taking the lead in mounting a grand event to celebrate 115 remarkable years of Philippine Independence, Makati City proudly presented to the public yesterday a 5-foot tall and covering an almost 50-sqm area Philippine Bamboo Flag Museum, which is open to everyone and will be on display from June 11 until July 31, 2013.

Entitled “Grass: Routes of a Nation”, inside the well-crafted Philippine Bamboo Flag Museum, anyone can get a glimpse of an exhibit showcasing images and vignettes off our nation’s rich history. And through the amalgamation of new and old, this bamboo exhibit also carries QR codes that are ready to provide visitors an interactive way to know more about bamboos - its uses and  to mention the actual bamboo music instruments that are available inside, which kids and adults alike will surely enjoy.

The unveiling celebration also featured Filipino artistry at its finest starting with a variety of Philippine cultural shows by the Palihang Hagonoy, a dynamic organization committed to the propagation of Philippine arts and culture. The young and talented performers of Lawiswis Kawayan, a famous Waray folk song, also displayed their dancing prowess with Tinikling, Singkil and Palo Sebo dance numbers. Spectators were also treated with the traditional Balagtasan (Filipino poetry) that entertained the audience with the topic which is more beneficial, the Bamboo or the Coconut Tree? I really enjoyed this part, those two young ladies really brought the house down! Such an amazing talent they have! And lastly, the musically gifted Banda Kawayan from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines graced the occasion and awed the audience with their one-of-a-kind musical performances using bamboo instruments.     

But if you think that's everything we had last night, well, you are wrong. Because come June 15, art enthusiasts are gonna be gathering at Ayala Triangle Gardens for the Independence Sketchfest, an on-the-spot sketching competition where exciting cash prizes and consolation prizes await the winners. Meanwhile, to continuously promote Filipino sportsmanship, a giant chess installation at the lawn area of Ayala Triangle Gardens will be also available to the public from June 11th til July 30th. Expect an exciting and mind-boggling exhibition of chess games as various universities chess masters will be battling head-to-head while being supervised by the world renowned Filipino Chess Master himself, Eugene Torre.

The Independence Day celebration in Makati City is just one of the many celebrations that remind us the real and true meaning of June 12 in our lives. And as the Philippines keeps its freedom strong and sturdy, Makati has consistently asserted and solidified its reputation as the country’s leading city that makes it all happen, the perfect venue for a one-of-a-kind Independence Day celebration. 

How are you planning to celebrate your freedom? I hope its worthwhile and with a cause!
For more information about the Philippine Bamboo Flag Museum, you can visit www.makeitmakati.com or check out facebook.com/makeitmakati and twitter.com/makeitmakati!

Happy Independence day, Pinoy! Mabuhay tayong lahat!