​Independence Day 2026: Celebrate PH's 128th independence with Filipino-focused dishes, promos

The Philippines is set to celebrate its 128th Independence Day on June 12, which falls on a Friday this year. It has been declared a regular holiday.

Aside from free MRT-3 rides during select hours and "piso sale" airfare deals, Filipinos can also mark the occasion with special Filipino-inspired dining experiences, festivals, and promotions happening across the country throughout the long weekend.

Nustar Resort Cebu

In Cebu, Nustar Resort has the "Malaya: Flavors of Freedom,” a six-course, six-hands tasting menu in collaboration between Chef Miggy Moreno, the first and only Mindanaoan chef recognized by the Michelin Guide, alongside Nustar's Chef Lloyd Cabalhin and Executive Chef Martin Rebolledo Jr.

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Priced at P4,000+ per person, including beverage pairing, the Independence Day tasting menu is available only on June 12, 7 p.m. at Fina Restaurant.

Fina is located on G/F Nustar Resort and Casino, Kawit Island, Cebu City.

Holiday Inn & Suites Makati

Holiday Inn & Suites Makati's Flavors restaurant is hosting an Independence Day buffet on June 12. Priced at P2,800+ per person, the feast highlights whole lechon carving, regional live cooking stations, fresh buko served in-shell, and a fruit juice bar inspired by Philippine flavors.

The Independence Day buffet is available for lunch from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Holiday Inn Suites & Makati is located at Glorietta Mall, Palm Drive, Ayala Center, Makati City.

Diamond Hotel, Corniche

Diamond Hotel's Corniche restaurant is holding "Paleta Filipino: A Filipino Food Festival" from June 9 to 14, offering lunch and dinner buffets for P3,988+ per person.

The week-long culinary showcase features innovative interpretations of Filipino cuisine by eight Diamond Hotel chefs, with dishes such as purple yam soup, pako salad with crispy dilis, pinya at lechon paksiw pizza, and Pampanga sisig fried rice, among others.

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Diamond Hotel Philippines is located at Roxas Boulevard corner Dr. J. Quintos Street, Manila City.

Souk Independence Day pop-up

Souk is bringing ube front and center with its Independence Day pop-up to the TriNoma Activity Center from June 11 to 14.

Visitors can sample a variety of ube-inspired treats, including ube lattes, ube coffee, ube matcha, and ube hopia, while also browsing handmade accessories, local fashion finds, fresh flowers, and other products from Filipino brands.

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TriNoma is located at EDSA corner North Avenue, Bagong Pag-asa, Quezon City.

Siago Beach Resort Siargao

Guests visiting Siago Beach Resort in Siargao from June 8 to 14 can enjoy a special Independence Day menu showcasing Filipino flavors with a creative twist.

The week-long offering features dishes such as palabok negra, lomo saltado lumpia, arroz bringhe, sinigang, halo-halo tres leches, and saging con hielo.

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Siago Beach Resort is located at Purok V, General Luna, Siargao, Surigao del Norte.