IT may have been a low-key celebration compared to those in downtown Manila, but Warrnambool’s Filipino community made sure they marked Independence Day yesterday.
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While streets in their home country came to a standstill for parades and other extravagant celebrations, a small group of expats marked the day with lunch and a cake at Warrnambool’s Lady Bay Resort.
Mayor Michael Neoh joined in to help the group celebrate. July 12 marks the Philippines’ independence from Spain in 1898.
Organiser Jessica Richardson said the group always marked the day in whatever way it could.
“It’s about remembering where we have come from,” she said.
“This year, because it fell on a weekday, it was hard to organise a big party because people work so we had a small celebration.
“In other years, when its been on a weekend, we have had big celebrations with traditional food.”
