Philippine Independence Day

A little history for you.

Yesterday was Independence Day in the Philippines.  It was initially celebrated on the 4th of July.

Between 1941 and 1946, during World War II Japanese occupation, the Philippines remained a US territory. When General Douglas McArthur landed in Leyte, some of the Japanese continued to fight until the official surrender of the Empire of Japan on 2 September, 1945. The Philippines gained complete independence on July 4, 1946 via the Treaty of Manila. The treaty provided for the recognition of the independence of the Republic of the Philippines and the relinquishment of American sovereignty over the Philippine Islands.

Former President Diosdado Macapagal later moved Independence Day to June 12th, the date on which the Malolos Republic declared independence from Spain in 1898. Filipino-American Friendship Day was created in its place and it coincides with the United States' Independence Day on July 4. (from Wikipedia)

I need to do a better job of teaching the boys about their heritage.  I'm thinking this is also a good reason for a June celebration.  We need to cook up some good Filipino food and have a party at the house next year!

Lumpia (eggrolls)

Pancit (noodles)

CJ, Jake and a duck at Grandma and Grandpa's house in the Philippines in 2008.  What a memorable trip that was.