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| Filipino-American Monument in Corregidor http://www.haringlakbay.com/post/corregidor-filipino-american-friendship-park/ |
The relationship of Philippines and America is a rich vibrant palette of colors ranging from the brightest hue to the darkest shade. They shared memories worth to reminisce yet at the same time, moments better to be forgotten. The connection of both countries has been very visible in their culture, systems and alliances. Our culture has been influenced much by the Americans. It is no wonder why we are called Little Brown Americans by some as we embody most of their culture-from beauty pageants to eating fries and burgers. Our educational system, laws and even our constitution is a mere replica of that of the Americans’. Alliances also enrich the bond as Balikatan Exercises and other military and commercial partnerships were being engaged by both. History provides why Filipino-American Friendship day should be celebrated.
Not too many Americans know, but July 4th, beside a celebration of American independence and a celebration of freedom, is also Philippine-American Friendship Day. Philippine Republic Day, July 4, (also known as Filipino-American Friendship Day) is a day in the Philippines designated to commemorate the official recognition of Philippine independence by the United States of America. The country gained complete independence on July 4, 1946. Initially, the nation's Independence Day holiday (Araw ng Kalayaan) was held on July 4. Former President Diosdado Macapagal moved it to June 12, the date on which the Malolos Republic had declared independence from Spain in 1898. Philippine Republic Day was created in its place, and it coincides with the United States's Independence Day on July 4.
In the Philippines, fourteen American Corners were established in various universities and one of which is in the University of San Carlos. Through the AC, the Fil-Am Friendship Day was being celebrated by the academe but not limited to which. The corners provide a variety of activities- movie marathons, quiz bowls, trivia boards, information dissemination through social media and etc. The Friendship Day is filled with fun activities yet still relevant to the theme. The Department of Tourism celebrates the event through the revival of the friendship day accented with the sale exposition of variety products. Despite of the fun celebration, others are not in favor of the event initiating rallies on the roads and burning figures of Filipino and American politicians.
The celebration of the Fil-Am Friendship Day poses a controversy whether soft power is exhibited by means of cultural diplomacy. The introduction of American culture to the Filipino mentality is a question whether soft power is incorporated to achieve influence through beliefs and morals created by society (Kim, 2011). Even the ideal of democracy we continue to believe started during the American occupation. The erection of American Corners was also questioned as part of power expansionism of America wherein the embassy and consular offices were already established. Whether there is cultural diplomacy taking place or not, what matters most is the friendship of Filipinos and Americans nurtured by time in the light of liberalism.
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