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“You have spent many lives and much treasure to bring freedom to many lands that were reluctant to receive it. And here you have a people who won it by themselves and need only the help to preserve it.” Cory Aquino
Commemorating a historical event sometimes turns heads of disagreement among modern youths and not so old Filipinos. It seems this is so insignificant especially as far as our busy days are concerned where no holiday is imposed for this kind of event outside the Philippines. We are not even sure if our foreign employers would allow us to have even simple ceremony.
Also, many find this national celebration to be so corny and just a waste of time especially after a whole day of work. But not to the pioneers of Astig Pinoy, this event is one of the much awaited and preparations start in the long wooden seat of Cabin 80 at PPI Camp, Camp Taji, Iraq.
In the 2007, the celebration of the Philippine Independence Day was successfully launched even during the height of skirmishes and bombing at Saddam Hussein’s most precious nations, where mortars barrage is nothing but a usual sound of greeting courtesy of Iraqi rebels.
In that year, we paid courtesy call to the then Mayor of Camp Taji (Base Commander) Lt. Col. McDonald at his office, The Astig even granted a photo-session on top of the building with some US Army officials. That was first and premier all-pinoys effort exerted to have close relations with US Army Officials. Lots of activities were done during that 109th Philippine Independence Celebration, not to mention we had a swimming party at the KBR Swimming pool where only expatriates are allowed to use. This was of course after the Mayor and the KBR granted us the authorization to do so.
In this year, the idea to make another celebration for the 110th Independence Day for the Pinoy had faced a challenge and actually came almost impromptu. While Astig Marlon and Astig Bomzz were walking toward the hooch, the idea of launching this year’s Independence Day suddenly became a topic for us. PARTY is the main name of the game! The first idea was that this would be exclusive for the Astig Pinoys, but of course we could not help to do it since Astig Pinoys are not the only Filipinos in the camp. So we called the rest of the troop
and tried to seat around to discuss things about the possibility of a celebration initiated by the group.
It was painstaking because of jealousy which is really imbedded to Filipino mentality. If one has able to come up with the idea ahead of the others, however noble and however bright this idea was-critics and opposition would rise and contradict.
After thorough campaign and man-to-man explanation, the 110th Philippine Independence Day was celebrated successfully
where it was last until 2AM the next morning. It was so solemn that everyone paid attention to all formalities of the program
and was so hip during the dance and sound hours.
It only showed that no matter where we are, whatever is around us or whoever with us, celebrating our historic root is never corny and never insignificant.
MABUHAY ang Astig Pinoy!
Mabuhay ang Lahing Filipino!
Mabuhay ang mga Bayaning Filipino nag nagbuwis at namuno ng KALAYANG FILIPINO..
Article by: Astig Rio Bizjoker
AstigPinoy t-shirt Designed by Astig Rio Bizjoker
P.S. This entry was posted on our Astigpinoy blog (before),In just in case you might ask. why we dont celebrate this year...well i have planned for it. My Bandmates plan to have a mini concert (nakss) and a short program... its juts lack of support. this the times that i really miss those who have a big heart for this kind of event the ASTIG PINOY (die hards).i guess i have to celebrate it by my self with a silent prayer. I prayed for those who give there life to have this Freedom..
Salamat
Bomzz
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