A series of activities and exhibitions will highlight the Araneta Center’s celebration of Independence Day this year. From June 9-13, the Center hosts “KALAYAAN: 119th Philippine Independence Day Celebration” featuring a series of events in Ali Mall, Gateway Mall, Farmers Plaza, and Manhattan Row along Malvar Street.
“KALAYAAN” aims to strengthen our sense of national identity with a lineup of entertaining activities promoting Philippine milieu, art, and culture. This year’s theme is Freedom of Speech and Expression, and the activities are done in cooperation with the National Center for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).
Enjoy laughs with the humorous antics and unrehearsed skits of People’s Improv Theater (SPIT) Manila at the Gateway Mall activity area on Friday, June 9, at 6 pm. Register at the venue to enter for free.
On Saturday, June 10, shoppers at Ali Mall will witness a mall-based live graffiti art show at the activity area by Ang Gerilya, a collective of multimedia artists whose works are inspired by Philippine history and influenced by Pinoy pop culture. Mallers who post photos of the artworks on Instagram tagging the Araneta Center’s official account (@thearanetacenter) will get a chance to win gift certificates from National Bookstore. Ang Gerilya’s work will remain on display there until June 16.
A food bazaar will be enjoyed at Manhattan Row, located along Malvar Street between Manhattan Parkway and Manhattan Parkview. Featuring the best of Filipino delicacies, the free bazaar will be open from 4pm to 11pm on Saturday, and from 7am ‘til 5pm on Sunday, June 11.
Saturday’s festivities will reach fever pitch in the evening with an OPM street concert, also at Manhattan Row, featuring sought-after local artists Barbie Almalbis, Kitchie Nadal, Gracenote, and Pedicab. Indie acts from the UP Underground Music Community will also fire up the night with their respective sets. Watch for free by simply liking Araneta Center Facebook Page, and registering at the venue. Raffle prizes also await attendees.
Watch for free by simply liking Araneta Center Facebook Page, and registering at the venue. Raffle prizes also await attendees.
On Sunday, June 11, Gawad Kalinga will hold a toy-making workshop for paying registrants the whole day at the Farmers Plaza Activity Area. Shoppers, on the other hand, will have a wide variety of choices of proudly Filipino-made arts and crafts by social entrepreneurs from GK, as well as Samahan ng mga Pilipina para sa Reporma at Kaunlaran (SPARK), Inc. from June 9 to 12.
Gateway Gallery is also kicking its annual mini film festival billed “Sineng Malaya 3” to coincide with “KALAYAAN.” Now on its third year, the Gallery will screen films on the Filipinos’ struggle for true freedom on June 9, 12, and 13.
For more information on “KALAYAAN: 119th Philippine Independence Day Celebration,” visit www.aranetacenter.net, The Araneta Center Facebook page, as well as its Instagram and Twitter pages at @thearanetacenter.
