Fellow Filipinos, happy 120th celebration of Philippine Independence. Just done with the flag raising at Lapu-lapu Shrine, Mactan attended by most government employees and guests with this flag in this picture.

When the flag was raised and everybody sang the national anthem Lupang Hinirang patriotism filled the venue especially that we were near to the statue of our Philippine National Hero, Lapu-lapu.

I felt like contemplating the difficulties encountered by our country's heroes just to have liberty at last and thinking a lot of self-centered citizens today who enjoy freedom in a way of not considering the welfare of their fellowmen.

I was struct and appreciated the message of the city mayor Paz Radaza during her speech in a short program after the flag raising ceremony.

She said that,

Independence is not simply enjoying of being freed from foreign colonizers but real freedom is exercising the rights of a law-abiding citizen and enjoying the bounty of the city.

And the mayor was counting on the city's title being The Historic Resort City and campaigning for clean seas and beaches. If you remember my two previous blogs in coastal cleaning which were the mayor's drive and our offer to participate diligently.

The mayor with her team brought the famous young celebrity Alden Richards who also sang together with the DepEd choir during the flag raising with a Makabayan Song. Though the crowd was overwhelmed with his participation but the patriotism prevails and solemnity was observed.

Allow me to show pictures I took during the event.

The shrine sorrounded by scouts bringing the Philippine flags

Groups of student performers who rendered folk dances

The DepEd Choir who led the community singing

The crowd of government employees

The male teachers lead the scouts to control the crowd

Now, going back with the question, how to exercise our freedom?

Literally, a democratic country citizen often claims for a freedom of speech, freedom of actions, freedom to do thy will and desires.
Does it mean that we are free to utter harsh words to bully others? Or to physically and emotionally hurt others? That we can have a lot lovers? Plenty wives or husbands? That as leader, we have to nag our subordinates in public? Abandon our children? Or eat what we want though a physician prohibits some?

Huh, these are some worst practices unrelated to the liberty we acquired on independence day. The day reminds us to become better individuals that are responsible in our own actions and watchful not to touch other lives. If we may touch them, it must be in a form of helping or sharing our talents that can make them smile.

Always be a ulogger who celebrates Independence Day everyday.