KALAYAAN: Araneta Center celebrates PH Freedom Day
KALAYAAN: Araneta Center celebrates PH Freedom Day
Report: Raymund Thom Golez | Managing Editor
Media Coverage: Arvin Cabachete | Correspondent
Photos: Jerry Ilao | Contributing Photographer
TAMPA, Florida – Original Pilipino Music (OPM) reigned supreme as Araneta Center celebrates the 119th Philippine Independence Day through a street concert held last June 10 at Manhattan Row in Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines.
The street concert features new and promising bands from UP Underground Music Community such as The Sun Manager, Tard, Shirebound and Busking, Wish Sticks and With Fingers Crossed, who performed alternative and pop rock songs.
The concert was highlighted by the performance of the former lead vocalist of Mojofly, Kitchie Nadal. She performed her hit songs such as Huwag na Huwag Mong Sasabihin, Bulong at Isang Araw. Also gracing the show was Barbie Almabis who performed the famous song, Tabing Ilong.
Filipino Synco-pop/alternative rock band, Gracenote, also rocked the event by performing their songs such as Taciturn, Pause and among others.
While the concert was ongoing, a food bazaar was also held within the venue that features the best of Filipino delicacies. Exciting raffle prizes were also given to the attendees.
The whole event is entitled “KALAYAAN”. It aims to strengthen the Filipino sense of national identity with a lineup of entertaining activities promoting Philippine milieu, art, and culture. This year’s theme is Freedom of Speech and Expression, and the activities are done in cooperation with the National Center for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).
Aside from the street concert, a series of activities and exhibitions was organized by Araneta Center to promote different expressions of ‘Kalayaan’. Last June 9, humorous antics and unrehearsed skits of People's Improv Theater (SPIT) Manila was held at the Gateway Mall activity area. From June 10-June 16, shoppers at Ali Mall will be witnessing a mall-based live graffiti art show at the activity area by Ang Gerilya. It is a collective of multimedia artists whose works are inspired by Philippine history and influenced by Pinoy pop culture.
Last Sunday, June 11, Gawad Kalinga hold a toy-making workshop for paying registrants at the Farmers Plaza Activity Area. On June 9-12, shoppers had a wide variety of choice to buy the proudly Filipino-made arts and crafts by social entrepreneurs from GK, as well as Samahan ng mga Pilipina para sa Reporma at Kaunlaran (SPARK), Inc. also at the Farmers Activity Area.
Gateway Gallery is also kicking its annual mini film festival billed “Sineng Malaya 3” to coincide with “KALAYAAN.” Now on its third year, the Gallery will screen films on the Filipinos' struggle for true freedom on June 9, 12, and 13.
