SAN FRANCISCO—A big bash marking 115th Anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence will take over this city’s historic Union Square, ironically, right in the shadow of the monument to Admiral Dewey’s “Victory in Manila Bay.”
Artists, dancers and musical groups will start entertaining the crowd on Saturday, June 15 starting at noon. Big business as well as entrepreneurs will mingle under a big tent to promote their various services and products. The highlight of the event is a concert at 6 p.m. in headlined by no less than Apl de Ap of the Black Eyed Peas.
This year’s theme is “Kalayaan 2013: Celebrating the legacy of Filipino Creativity, Talent and Ingenuity.” A two-day business seminar on June 13 and 14 dubbed “Philippine Business and Tech Expo and Conference” will showcase the Philippines as one of the most important business and tech Destinations globally.
Organized by the Science and Technology Advisory Council (STAC), the conference will be held at the Philippine Center on Sutter Street. Its theme, “Latitude-Longitude Emerging Markets,” will focus on the Philippines as Asia’s best-kept secret and a Gateway to ASEAN. Topics will range from emerging industries, the rise of start-ups, social enterprise/sustainability and case studies of real companies that are innovating and benefiting from the wave of change in the country.
Al Perez, chair of the Kalayaan Celebration Steering Committee, explained that this year’s celebration is more than an ordinary Independence Day fiesta. “Filipinos are known for their talent in the performing arts, but we have actually played a significant role in so many other fields.”
There are many talented young artists and professionals making waves in up-and-coming industries such as animation, gaming and design, Perez added. “We have invited them to be part of our celebration. We hope people who come to the event will not only enjoy the program and the showcases, but come away with a better understanding of how Filipinos and Filipino-Americans have contributed to their community.”
Holding the celebration at a touristy venue like Union Square “gives the mainstream a chance to experience what the Philippines is today and what it will be in the future”, Al further explained. Last year, a similar outdoor festival was held at Union City,” Perez added.
This community-led celebration is a collaborative effort by the Filipino American Community leaders from the San Francisco Bay Area with the support of the Philippine Consulate General.
Opportunity for sponsorships for the event and rental of booths during the event are available. For more information on this exciting event, email: KalayaanSF@gmail.com.