Today, the Araneta Center holds a street concert in celebration of the 120th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence happening at Manhattan Row along Malvar Street in Araneta Center.
Billed Tugtugang Malaya, it showcases the best local acts representing select musical genres. Kicking off the concert at 4:00 p.m. is Silent Sanctuary, followed by R&B artist Quest, and by rising rapper a Shanti Dope.
But Independence Day isn’t all about fun and barkada gimmicks. Araneta Center’s “Independence 120: A Celebration of Filipino Identity” highlights several things that are tied to who we are as a people.
An ongoing exhibit in Ali Mall’s activity area features several paintings from local artists in partnership with Sining Kamalig. The set-up there also highlights Philippine history with replica images of some of Gateway Gallery’s “Sining Lakbay” Philippine history collection with Augmented Reality (AR) feature that triggers a video when you scan with the free app called Layar.
Pinoys are a proud and hardworking people, and a huge part of who we are is tied to providing for our families. As such, the Independence 120 event also highlights activities at the Farmers Plaza, including the Trabahong Pinoy job fair today. Employers like Microcadd, Specified Contractors, Capitol Steel, Wilcon, XTI Shell, Vibal Publishing, Bayanihan and many more will be looking to fill their ranks.
Also happening on Independence Day are free movie screenings in Gateway Gallery at the 5th level of Gateway Tower, featuring Apolinario Mabini: Talino at Paninindigan at 4:00 p.m., and Ang Kababaihan ng Malolos at 5:00 p.m..The gallery also holds free guided tours of their “Sining Saysay: Philippine History in Art” collection.
Meanwhile, a 60-foot x 120-foot Philippine flag adorns Cyberpark 1, one of the tallest buildings in Araneta Center, facing EDSA. It is hoped that the giant flag would be a reminder to everyone that we are all Filipinos and the only way to progress is through unity.