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June 17, 2012, my siblings and I attended the annual Independence Day celebration here at Spain for the first time with our parents. Though I have seen the schedule of events on the invitation given, I was still wondering on what would happen, maybe more specifically. By the way, this celebration was arranged by the SIKAP Association.

We arrived at almost 4:20 pm, assuming that we're already late for mass. Mass supposed to start at 4pm sharp (because we're in Spain already), but because it is certain that Filipinos flooded the area, our time was followed. The priest even mocked before the mass started that it's already 4:30 pm, comparing on how it should have started. Anyway, it was another first for me to attend a tri-lingual, oh, quadro-lingual mass. The priest spoke 4 different languages. Castellano, English, Tagalog and Bisaya. Can you just imagine my confusion and kind of shock while listening to the mass. Like the first reading was in tagalog, and the other readings were in english, and the priest's homily was in English, Tagalog and Castellano, for the sake of the Spanish people invited in the event, and Bisaya just whenever the priest feels be in the B-mode. One trivia about the priest; tita Jean said that he stayed in the Philippines for like 20 years, specifically in Cebu that's why he can be fluent in whenever he would speak in Bisaya.

"Hinay-hinay basta kanunay"

In honor of our beloved country, the program started with the singing of ur National Anthem, "Lupang Hinirang", lead by Mrs. Edna Poblete. It's kinda weird coz it's been more or less than a year when I sang it.

Different Philippine Folk Dances were showcased by various talented Filipinos from Bilbao, Spain. These are just few of the dances Philippines is proud to present. There is Cariñosa, our national dance, Singkil, Subli, Maglalatik, Pandango sa Ilaw, Itik-Itik, and more...

Atin Cu Pung Singsing

Bulaklak

Bakya

Tinikling

Spanish guests trying out Tinikling

Salakot

Kids dancing Pearly Shell (not a folk dance, but cute!)

Sayaw sa Bangko

Part of the event was the Pansit Festival where anyone could join and cook their Pansit masterpiece. Judges were from different race, judging 13 works of art.

*Some dishes are the "handa".

While the judges were using their critical thinking skills, some people showcased their talent leaving the part for international entertainment. Even though Philippine's Independence Day was being celebrated, it doesn't mean that we have to go back to the very very and really old days where English isn't that an option. It's what being free means though. Hope you get what I mean.

Me, kuya pierro, tito manny and kuya efren mega wave while my sister sings with tita josie

Guests from Santander

Then we all had our dinner at the comidor. The place was cool 'cause it looks like a camping cafeteria.

After, the awarding for the top three pansit entries took place. I proudly say that my dad won the first place with his "Pansit Overload". (I named that!) He was so not aware of being called in front that he didn't even knew that he landed first until we told him. haha! Also, congrats to some certain people who won some more prizes from the raffle.

Here's my dad happily receiving his award

Candidates of Filipinas Mrs. Euskadi made a little catwalk in front for some exposure before their pageant night.

Party isn't over yet till the place was cleaned. Videoke was open for anyone, as well as the dance floor for groovy people.

There is one interesting part of the place there where some pictures, books, folk clothes and something about the Philippines and its history was displayed. It's interesting.
It was a fun day. Thanks to Sikap Association for making this thing possible! :)