116th Philippine Independence Day

Theme: “Pagsunod sa Yapak ng mga Dakilang Pilipino, Tungo sa Malawakan at Permanenteng Pagbabago” (Following the Footsteps of Great Filipinos, Towards Widespread and Lasting Change)

1. Philippine Independence Day is also known as "Araw ng Kasarinlan", "Araw ng Kalayaan", and "Day of Freedom".
2. The currently celebrated Philippine Independence is actually a declaration of Independence from Spain which was declared between four and five in the afternoon on 12 June 1898 from the window of Emilio Aguinaldo’s home in Kawit, Cavite which was not recognized by the US, Spain and any other country in the world during that time.
3. The Act of the Declaration of Independence on 1898 was prepared, written, and read by Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista in Spanish.
4. The Philippine Declaration was signed by 98 persons including an American army officer named L.M. Johnson, Colonel of Artillery, who also witnessed the proclamation.
5. The current Philippine National Flag which was made in Hongkong by Mrs. Marcela Agoncillo, assisted by her daughter Lorenza and Jose Rizal’s niece Delfina Herbosa de Natividad, and completed in five days was unveiled on that day.
6. Their was also the performance of the Marcha Filipina Magdalo, which is  now known as Lupang Hinirang, composed by Julián Felipe and first played by the San Francisco de Malabon marching band on that day.
7. The Declaration is currently housed in the National Library of the Philippines and is not on public display but can be viewed with permission like any other document held by the National Library. It was reportedly stolen in the 1980s or 1990s but was returned to the National Library in 1994 by University of the Philippines professor Milagros Guerrero.

   

   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Philippine_independence.jpg

8. The United States granted independence on 4 July 1946 through the Treaty of Manila coinciding with their Independence Day celebration and was observed in the Philippines until 1962.
9. On May 12, 1962, President Diosdado Macapagal issued Presidential Proclamation No. 28, which declared June 12 a special public holiday throughout the Philippines, "... in commemoration of our people's declaration of their inherent and inalienable right to freedom and independence."
10. On 4 August 1964, Republic Act No. 4166 renamed July 4 holiday as "Philippine Republic Day", proclaimed June 12 as "Philippine Independence Day", and enjoined all citizens of the Philippines to observe the latter with befitting rites. Prior to 1964, June 12 had been observed as Flag Day, which was moved to 28 May (the date the Philippine Flag was first flown in battle in Alapan, Imus, Cavite in 1898).
11. Historically, there were already 6 declarations of Philippine Independence between 1895 and 1946. These dates were: April 12, 1895; August 23, 1896; October 31, 1896; June 12, 1898; October 14, 1943; and July 4, 1946. We can also include a 7th declaration, symbolically, on September 16, 1991 when the Philippine Senate refused to extend the U.S. lease of the Subic Bay Naval Station.
    
12. The following concluding words in the 1898 Declaration of Independence is historically debated because it describes the current Philippine flag as a commemoration of the flag of the United States of America.
    

    “It was resolved unanimously that this Nation, already free and independent as of this day, must use the same flag which up to now is being used, whose design and colors are found described in the attached drawing, the white triangle signifying the distinctive emblem of the famous Society of the Katipunan which by means of its blood compact inspired the masses to rise in revolution; the three stars, signifying the three principal Islands of this Archipelago—Luzon, Mindanao, and Panay where this revolutionary movement started; the sun representing the gigantic steps made by the sons of the country along the path of Progress and Civilization; the eight rays, signifying the eight provinces—Manila, Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Bataan, Laguna, and Batangas—which declared themselves in a state of war as soon as the first revolt was initiated; and the colors  Blue, Red, and White, commemorating the flag of the United States of North America, in manifestation of our profound gratitude towards this Great Nation for its disinterested protection which it lent us and continues lending us.”

    You decide.

Screenshot of Google's Doodle for the 116th Philippine Independence Day

References:

Independence Day (Philippines)
Kalayaan 2014: A lineup of events commemorating the country’s independence Independence Day 2014
DSWD supports 116th Philippine Independence Day celebration
Group wants August 23 as new Independence Day
Philippine Independence Day Foundation
July 4, 1946: True Philippine Independence Day
The Proclamation of Philippine Independence
Proclamation No. 28, s. 1962
15 Bicolano martyrs given honors in June 12 rites in Naga City
America in our Declaration of Independence
True independence
Philippine Trivia: Nice To Know!
Interesting Questions, Facts, and Information
The Proclamation of Philippine Independence
PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY TRIVIA
Independence Day in Philippines
Philippine Declaration of Independence
The First Unfurling of the Philippine National Flag
SurSur DILG reminds LGUs to celebrate 116th Philippine Independence Day
City Celebrates 116th Independence Day with Rep. Paduano as guest of honor
Philippine Independence Day Foundation
Singapore PM defends Philippine Independence rites