Kalayaan 2014: A lineup of events commemorating the country’s independence

Government and cultural organizations are celebrating Independence Day with a slew of activities in Metro Manila and across the Philippines. Below are some of the events they have lined up, from a schedule provided by the NHCP (National Historical Commission of the Philippines).

In the run-up to the day itself are several events, including Malikhaing Pilipino… Kalayaan at Pagbabago: An Independence Day Concert Series on the following dates:
June 9-12: SM Mall of Asia, 6:00 p.m.
June 11: SM BF Parañaque, 6:00 p.m.
June 12: Concert at the Park, 6:00 p.m.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines' bands will be performing at the Musikalayaan Concert, on June 11 at Rizal Park's Open Air Auditorium, to start at 6 p.m.

On Burnham Green in Rizal Park, NHCP publications will be available at discounted prices at the Kalayaan Book Sale on June 11 and 12, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

June 12 activities

On June 12, there will be simultaneous flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies at monuments and historical places nationwide at 8:00 a.m.

At Plaza Quince in Martires, Naga City, the guest of honor will be President Benigno Aquino III himself.

At Rizal National Monument, Rizal Park, Manila, it will be Vice President Jejomar Binay.

Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno will grace the flag ceremony at Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite.

At the ceremony at Barasoain Church Historical Landmark in Malolos City, Bulacan, MMDA Secretary Francis Tolentino will be the guest of honor.

At Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine in San Juan, it will be Senate President Franklin Drilon.

Flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies will also be held at the Mausoleo de los Veteranos de la Revolucion, Manila North Cemetery; the Bonifacio National Monument in Caloocan City; Pamintuan House, Angeles City; Cebu City and Davao City.

Several events will also be held at Rizal Park, many of them at Burnham Green:

There will be a "light and sound sculptural tableau" honoring Dr. Jose Rizal at the Execution Site in Rizal Park. “The Martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal: Light and Sound Presentation” dramatizes the national hero's final hours and features the works of National Artists Leandro Locsin, Lamberto Avellana, Lucio San Pedro and Rolando Tinio. There will be a day tour from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and evening shows at 7:00 and 8:00 p.m. Admission is free.

The Department of Health (DOH) will be the lead agency facilitating free medical and dental services in the shaded area of Burnham Green from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Services will include eye check-ups and free reading glasses as well as blood typing.

Military groups and bands will also be performing on Burnham Green. An AFP and PCG (Philippine Coast Guard) silent drill, slow drill and band exhibition will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon.

These will be followed at 2:00 p.m. by a Drum and Bugle Exhibition and a PNPA (Philippine National Police Academy) slow drill exhibition.

In the early evening, various artists will be performing a capella simultaneously at different areas of the park in Harana sa Rizal Park from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The day after Independence Day, June 13, Paco Park will host Himig Para sa Kalayaan, featuring the Manila Wind Ensemble from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Admission is free. — BM, GMA News