America in 3D Pinoy style

AMERICA paved the way for us to gain our independence. What will become of us without their help? Let’s admit we owe a part of our freedom to them.

America in one way portrays a challenging role in our history. America influences us in areas of education, business and trade, industries and infrastructures, agriculture and warfare.

The English language was introduced to us and is spoken all over the country as a second language. Kennon Road, Kneedler Road, Laubach Road, Leonard Wood Road, Malcolm Square, Session Road, Worcester Road and Wright Park are places in Baguio named after the Americans to recognize their contribution to our city’s progress.

Many years back, I was lucky to experience the celebration of the American Friendship Day. Whenever July 4 came, we took a lot of preparation to celebrate this day, the president that time declared it a holiday.

Government, public and private schools other organizations prepared programs such as drama presentation of MacArthur's "I shall return"; re -enactment of the early American settlers in the city; the first Thomasite teachers; and watching documentaries of Uncle Sam.

I got excited with my brother watching parades held in the town proper as we could see brave American Soldiers parading in full Military uniforms and other American personnel riding in horses. This inspired my big brother to enter the US Navy and while serving America he has great stories to tell.

The celebration continued last July 4. The City Tourism Office initiated the commemoration of the American Friendship Day with a program, “America in 3D Baguio Pinoy Style” attended by our city officials, including Representative Bernardo Vergara, Mayor Mauricio Domogan and city councilors.

Invited guest speaker was Commander Weygan L. Totanes, commander, Veterans of Foreign, FRA, LAFRA. The Fleet Reserved Association war veterans and RFA Ladies Choir also graced the event.

The celebration was marked by a concert entertainment performance rendered by the Baguio City National High School Band led by National Awardee Band Master Carmencita J. Zuniga with a repertoire playing American classical music such as pop collection of the 60s music pioneered by American artists such as the gang that sung "Heart of my heart," “Five foot two, eyes so blue,” “Magnificent,” “Gonna fly now (theme from Rocky),” “Sway” by Michael Bubble, Fireflies, “Hey Soul Sisters” by Owl City.

BCNHS Theater and Dance, a short play story of the Americans stay in the Philippines led by their mentors Merly Garcia and Marilyn S. Apiit and songs from BCNHS chorale led by Rosalinda R. Jamorabon. The guest find their way dancing with the Fusion Band led by Arch. Joanifer O. Abubo playing reggae hits, jazz and Jim Chapel.

Totanes narrated their experiences during World War II; how they bravely fought the Japanese forces as soldiers stuck together like real brothers protecting and fighting for the sovereignty of our country. “The resourcefulness of the American troops found themselves in region of Pines, thus Baguio was born. America Is a powerful instrument in the building of Baguio structures, business sections, core in education-teachers camp, libraries.”

He added they won the battle fighting for our independence because of American troops assisting them throughout the battle.

We are now moving into another phase of our relationship with America. We both shared great memories of time. They became a part of our struggles; they fought with us against our adversaries; we shared common goals and aspirations of a government that is ruled by democracy; and we both wanted freedom to our land.

So let us strengthen this relationship of brotherhood that we had established from our history that will go on beyond generations to come. Long live the Philippines. Long live America.