MANILA, Philippines - Even if the celebration’s costs are pared down comparatively (the traditional float parade is gone), Kalayaan 2012 is not sparing the show of talent and viva. In cooperation with the National Historical Council of the Philippines and the Department of Tourism, Rock Ed Philippines was invited to share the stage from 9 p.m. onwards for the year’s festivities.
For the entire day, the Quirino Grandstand and Luneta area will be bustling with activity, but by 9 p.m. it’s all rock and roll. The country’s top rock and pop musicians volunteered to celebrate Araw ng Kalayaan. Artists like Rico Blanco, Gloc-9, Itchyworms, Kamikazee, Paolo Santos, Flippin’ Soul Stompers, Radioactive Sago Project, Pupil, Sandwich, The Dawn, and Pedicab are all part of the festivities.
Rock Ed Philippines will also premiere its first fully animated music video for Lupang Hinirang that night. Animated and directed by graphic novel artist Arnold Arre, the video alone is reputed to be worth the trip.
Many skeptics have expressed concerns why it is necessary to take the time out to expend resources and time for Independence Day, when our country needs so much more of the basic needs. Rock Ed Philippines surmises that, “We cannot let June 12 pass without remembering what Filipinos of the past generations have sacrificed for us to be this free. At least let us take the effort to mark it, with joy and pride — and gratitude that Filipinos before us put our welfare before theirs. We cannot let this day pass with nothing… Araw ng Kalayaan is no ordinary day. The more we keep this in mind, the more chances we have of understanding our civil trends today, then we can optimize contributing to the nation’s literal tomorrow. What better field to celebrate a part of this freedom than through the arts? Wave that flag. Rock and roll.”