Filipinos rally for Independence Day

Organized by the Labor Center of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO), an elaborate parade featuring colorful traditional costumes kicked off the day-long event at Taoyuan Covered Stadium.

None of the wet, dreary atmosphere outside seeped into the grand venue, where balloons, streamers, and other party paraphernalia made for the festive event, as children ran around playfully and families and friends chatted away on the stands.

Reynaldo C. Gopez, labor director of MECO, explained that Taoyuan was chosen as this year’s location because there are almost 22,000 Filipinos residing there.

While MECO has always organized gatherings to celebrate the Philippine Independence Day of June 12, this is the second year that MECO has organized such a large-scale event, which also celebrated the festivals of Sinulog, Masskara and Ati-Atihan, as well as the Flores de Mayo Festival with a Santa Cruzan parade.

“We are very grateful to the Taoyuan County Bureau of Labor Affairs and the Taoyuan City government for making this event possible this year,” said Gopez.

Taoyuan City Governor Chu Li-lun was equally appreciative to the Filipino community, who have helped the northern area’s economic and social development. “Your friendship and contribution is very much appreciated,” said Chu to the audience.

World-acclaimed UP Singing Ambassadors from the University of the Philippines entranced attendees with their melodical voices.

Catchy Tagalog tunes performed by Manila artists Francis Magalona, Kitchie Nadal, Rachel Alejandro, and Nanette Inventor moved the audience to dance and sing along.

Another crowdpleaser was a heated dance showdown between OFW Family Club and Gigster, and lively dance numbers by troupes donned in vibrant attire.

While there were certainly favorites among the audience, for Gopez there were no particular highlights. “We are very happy just to see everyone here and see them happy. That’s the whole point of the event.”

Genevieve Romero, 29, was certainly happy to be part of the festivities. “It’s so exciting to see so many people here!” said the Western Visayas native.

For Romero, who has worked as a customer service representative for the past five years, Taiwan is “a place where each individual has a place in society. They don’t disregard the person based on things like physical disabilities,” which she said she admires.

Although Romero admits she is sad to leave the country, her positive attitude remains unabated and looks forward to whatever the future might hold.

The accounting major plans to find another job back home or in the U.S. as a customer service representative or an accountant.

Either way, she is sure to keep her options open. “People get so frustrated in life because they stick to one goal only and feel bad if they don’t get there. I say ‘move on! Don’t stop!’”

“Filipinos are always friendly and are always smiling, even in times of crisis!” she added. Looking at the sea of smiles among the audience, Romero was quite right.

Another Filipina, Grace Mosquera, 30, who babysits for a Taipei family, echoed Romero’s sadness as she contemplates leaving the country soon.

“I like it here and I want to come back, preferably with the same family,” she said.

The Antique Province native, who calls herself “the woman of art,” is also an avid dancer, painter, photographer, and award-winning poet.

Not content with being idle like her compatriot Romero, she is also the president of Kasapi, the Filipino branch of NGO Taiwan International Workers’ Association (TIWA).

Looking forward, she plans to continue with her artistic career back home, as well as pursue it abroad.

Michael Miranda, 29, who has been working at a factory in Taoyuan for over a year, said what he likes the most about Taiwan are the people and the food. “But not pickled bamboo!” he cracks with a laugh.

The Education major plans to next work in Canada or the U.S., though he said he will miss the many good Taiwanese and Filipino friends he has made here — true to the Filipino spirit of camaraderie.

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