Kalayaan 2013 -115th Independence day activities within Liwasang Bonifacio

Liwasang Bonifacio , Ermita , Manila -Philippines

Liwasang Bonifacio

Liwasang Bonifacio  also called  as Plaza Lawton is this year’s venue of the historic flag raising activity for the 115 anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence.  The entire plaza had some clean-up drive several days before the event which included cleaning the fountain area ,  installation of new plant boxes, trimming of trees and putting of yellow ribbons  within the vicinity .

National Museum director Mr. Jeremy Barns , Ms. Maura  Baghari-Regis and Postmaster General Maria Josefina dela Cruz

former Postmaster General and Congressman Honorable  Roilo Golez and TESDA chairman Honorable Joel Villanueva

United States Ambassador – Honorable Harry Thomas , Philpost employees and Mr. Wilfredo Bas – National Historical Commission of the Philippines

Ambassador Harry Thomas is his final leg of his tour of duty in the Philippines.  Based on the photo opportunity requests by the ordinary people , He is one of the most well-loved ambassadors in recent memories . His ability to speak Filipino language makes him an instant click to ordinary people .

Manila Central Post Office

The Manila Central Post Office is an architectural jewel that is found in the middle of the old capital city ( Intramuros ) and Extramuros ( Binondo ) .The historical building was built in 1926 almost the same time with the National Arts Gallery ( National Museum ) by triumvirate Architect Juan Arellano , Ralph Duane and Tomas Mapua .  The upper floors were draped with Philippine  ceremonial tri-color cloth  . It adds a touch of class and formality to the event.

President Benigno Simeon Aquino III  during the flag raising ceremony at the grounds of Philippine Postal Corporation

President Benigno Aquino III  led the country in commemorating the 115th year of its proclamation of  independence from Spanish colonial rule.

President Aquino together with Dr. Maria Serena I. Diokno during the wreath laying ceremonies at the Bonifacio statute in the middle of Liwasang Bonifacio

President Aquino chose to kick off Independence Day dubbed as Kalayaan 2013 with the theme ” Ambangan tungo sa Malawakang Kaunlaran ”  instead  of choosing Luneta ( traditional flag raising venue site ) .

television crew PTV channel 4 coverage during the wreath laying ceremonies

He led the traditional flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies at the Liwasang Bonifacio, a plaza named after revolutionary leader Gat Andres Bonifacio which marks  his 150th birth anniversary this year. He was welcomed by Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, National Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, Postmaster General Maria Josefina dela Cruz  and National Historical Commission head Dr. Maria Serena I. Diokno.

L-R Honorable Roilo Golez,  Secretary Manuel ” Mar ” Roxas ,  MMDA chairperson Atty. Francis Tolentino ,  APMG Operations Mama S. Lalanto al haj and Postmaster General Maria Josefina dela Cruz -Philippine Postal Corporation

This also marks the kick-off event of the year-long anniversary which will culminate on November 30, 2013 with festive ceremonies ,  fun run , Bonifacio trail , art competition , exhibits  and stamp launching event .

foreign dignitaries together with Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario ( far right in white barong )

After the flag raising ceremony and independence day speech . President PNOY went to the holding room E-Post Shop within the Philippine Postal Corporation building .  Due to security protocols  , only 2 official press photographer from the ( Office of the President ) and NHCP  were  allowed .

Philippine Postal Corporation catering

This according a  Malacañan protocol officer , It was a private function – He was presented with the 150th Malacañang Palace framed stamps and First Day Covers together with Alfredo S. Lim .

(Photo courtesy of Mr. Gil Nartea/Malacañang Photo Bureau)

Postmaster General and CEO  Maria Josefina dela Cruz, Philpost  Chairperson Cesar Sarino , President Benigno Aquino and Dr. Maria Serena I. Diokno

From the Facebook account of the President : http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.589106487788769.1073741873.141976959168393&type=1

  Malacañang Palace 150th commemorative stamps and first day cover

Philpost E-post Shop

He probably stayed for about 10 minutes inside before leaving .  Then our group was invited by Postmaster General Maria Josefina dela Cruz for an early lunch .

Philippine Postal Corporation officials and vips

Gat Andres Bonifacio statute  with floral wreath from the Office of the President and Grand Masonic Lodge of the Philippines

The event is spearheaded by National Historical Commission of the Philippines , Philippine Postal Corporation ,   Department of Public Works and Highways , Metro Manila Development Authority , Office of the President and  City of Manila. 

Note: I would like to ” Thank” NHCP , Philpost and the City of Manila for all the accommodation given to me during the event.

NHCP: http://www.nhcp.gov.ph/

TESDA: http://www.tesda.gov.ph/

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