114th Independence Day at Luneta Park

The whole country celebrated the 114th anniversary of the proclamation of the Philippine Independence last Tuesday (June 12). There were celebrations in the various historical sites around the country. The government hosted celebrations at the Aguinaldo Shrine and Barasoain Church. I went to the Independence Day celebration at Luneta Park.

.

It is a day of gusty wind with a threat of heavy rain but many people showed up for the Independence Day celebration. Majority of the people who showed up are job seekers who took their chances in the job fair located near Luneta Park's dancing fountain. Other people were attracted by the booths erected by different government agencies. The booth that became the crowd's favorite is the booth from the military because they featured their big guns.

.

Tanks and big guns of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

My favorite is this anti-aircraft gun:

.

I also like this howitzer:

.

I want to own the anti-aircraft gun and howitzer and display them in front of my house. Then I will buy a tank, which I can drive when I go to work. I bet that even the overspeeding bus drivers will have second thoughts before challenging me in my army tank. He he he.

The Philippine flag took the “center stage” since it is Independence Day. Luneta Park had numerous Philippine flags waving proudly in the wind.

.

How many Philippine flags are in this photo?

Of course, I didn't forget to take a photo of the most important monument in Luneta Park, which is the monument of Jose Rizal.

.

---

Visit Ahab Reviews and Tips and read about themes for Jollibee party package.

Follow me in Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Pinterest and Flickr.

The Historic Aguinaldo Shrine

Me and an officemate, which I name as Mr. Q, conducted a seminar in Cavite City last year. We traveled from Manila to Cavite City through the Coastal Road. Our travel is quick but boring until I saw a large white house, which I usually saw in television every Independence Day. Our driver told me that that large house is the Aguinaldo Shrine.
.

Cavite is a province rich in history. Cavite City, for instance, served as a naval base since Spanish Era. Cavite was the home port of galleons during the height of Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade. The presence of Aguinaldo Shrine in Cavite is a testament to its involvement in the Philippine War of Indepedence. Cavite is one of the first eight provinces that declared war against the Spanish Colonial Government during the 1896 Revolution.

I rarely go to Cavite that's why I asked Mr. Q to let me visit Aguinaldo Shrine before we go home after the seminar. I didn't want to miss the chance of visiting this historical place because I might not get another chance in the future. Thankfully, Mr. Q relented.
.

Aguinaldo Shrine viewed from afar.

The Aguinaldo Shrine is the place where the first Philippine president, Emilio Aguinaldo, declared Philippine Independence from Spanish rule on June 12,1898. The war is still raging and Americans are threatening to colonize the country but Emilio Aguinaldo proudly waved the nation's flag during that historic day. The declaration of Philippine Independence is vividly portrayed in the old 5-peso bill.
.

Caviteños preserved the Aguinaldo Shrine and made its ground a public park. A monument was erected to honor Emilio Aguinaldo.
.

Emilio Aguinaldo on horseback.

Aguinaldo Shrine was closed to the public when I visited so what I only did is to take photos of the front part of the shrine.
.

What I like with the Aguinaldo Shrine is that it is well maintained. The condition of this shrine is uncommon in the Philippines because majority of our historical shrines were neglected and vandalized.
.

Tower of Aguinaldo Shrine.

The front of Aguinaldo Shrine has intricate designs. Take a closer look of the shrine's historic balcony:
.

Do you notice the designs found on the eaves?  The Philippine flag and the three K's was also depicted on the wall located above the balcony.

Today, we celebrate the 114th year celebration of the proclamation of Philippine independence. I am glad that I got the chance to visit the historic Aguinaldo Shrine. Happy Independence Day my kababayans!

---

Visit Ahab Reviews and Tips and read about Jollibee mascots for Jollibee party.

Follow me in Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and Pinterest.