PRESS RELEASE NO. 65-2023
12 June 2023, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA – The Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu partnered with Dr. Raymund Liongson, former University of Hawaii professor, and the Filipino Community Center in Waipahu in the staging of the community-led presentation, Kasarinlan: A Journey to Independence, which was held at the Center last June 11 in commemoration of the 125th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence.
In his remarks, Consul General Emil Fernandez emphasized the importance of productions such as Kasarinlan to inform and educate the audience of the lessons of the Philippines’ past and the sacrifices its forebearers made for the freedom its people enjoy today.
Produced, written and directed by Dr. Liongson, Kasarinlan presented a re-enactment of the heritage and history of the Philippines from pre-colonial times to the struggle for freedom under Spanish rule and the declaration of independence in Kawit, Cavite on June 12, 1898. Performances from cultural groups, including BIBAK-Hawaii, Dabawenyos Community Foundation, Linglingay Filipino Cultural Dance Troupe, and other members of the Filipino community gave life to the story. Approximately 300 attendees packed the Center’s Casamina-Flores ballroom. (END)
BIBAK Hawaii leads a chant and dance of the Northern Cordilleras in Kasarinlan (left photo) /
Filipino community members portray the “babaylan” in pre-colonial Philippines. (right photo)
Consul General Fernandez (center) and Dr. Raymund Liongson with the cast and crew of Kasarinlan.
