ONLY four days from today (Tuesday), the 2009 Filipino-American Friendship Day celebrations will take center stage. I am talking about July 4, which is primarily the Independence Day celebration of the United State of America.

The red, white, and blue historical event used to be our country's Independence Day too until the late President Diosdado Macapagal through a Presidential Proclamation reset it to June 12 to acknowledge the heroism and patriotism of the Katipuneros and the significance of the first declaration of Philippine independence by President Emilio Aguinaldo on June 12, 1898 at Kawit, Cavite, where the first Philippine flag was unfurled and raised.

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In the Philippines, July 4th will be celebrated by the US Embassy in Manila in a very special manner. At the Embassy, that is, with US Ambassador Kristie Kenney at the helm.

In our fair city, which is known far and wide as "an American Dream," we are still waiting for information. Unfortunately, up to this writing, we do not know if Fil-Am Friendship Day will be observed here.

We do know that in 1991, July 1st that was, the American government turned over to the Philippine government its US military bases spread all over the country. We were at the turnover ceremonies at Camp John Hay where a throng of teary-eyed Filipino-US Armed Force war veterans and a few local government officials witnessed the historic occasion.

Since then, Camp John Hay authorities took over the reins of July 4th celebration in the city until all of a sudden it was blown away by the four winds. To where, we do not know!

In the year 2001, the National Correspondents Club of Baguio (NCCB) with the approval and inspiration of former city Mayor Bernardo Vergara, the national media aggrupation initiated the revival edition of Fil-Am Friendship Day celebrations in the city.

Yours truly served as the executive program coordinator of the special event. The friendship project was heartily supported by several personages and organizations.

At the forefront were the United States NVY Fleet Reserve Association, Baguio Chapter headed by Joseph Catacutan and Tom Morado, the department of Tourism-CAR, the Baguio Press club led by Gerry Evangelista Sr. who acted as my co-chairman and of course the US Embassy in Manila and the United States Armed Forces in the Philippines, Northern Luzon (USAFIP NL) World War II veterans. Consul Camille Purvis from the US Embassy was the principal guest of honor and speaker.

Because of stormy weather, our planned outdoor program including reception activities for VIPs were held at the office of the City Executive. Proudly, the Fil-Am Day sched, notwithstanding bad weather, went through with commendation. A fellowship luncheon hosted by Mayor "Bernie" held at Rose Bowl added luster and sweet memories on friendship bridge.

Suffice it to say that the NCCB under my humble leadership sustains its share in promoting stronger bonds of brotherhood, understanding, and mutual respect between Filipinos and Americans. Along with this vision, NCCB initiated and coordinated the construction of the Architect Daniel H. Burnham Monument in 1992 and that of Col. Lyman W. Kennon at scenic Zigzag Road in 1995. NCCB also led in the repair and beautification of the pre-war animal drinking trough along Abanao Street together with AZCKO Barangay.

The sculptured bust of Justice George Malcolm at Malcolm Square was also my idea, executed by my good friend "Apo Bernie" when he was our esteemed congressman.