Phil Independence Day in NYC draws larger post-pandemic crowd in 2025

By Marivir R. Montebon

New York - Filipinos in the Big Apple successfully celebrated the 127th Philippine Independence Day on June 1, 2025 on Madison Avenue and Madison Park with a visibly larger participation in the post-pandemic celebrations.

There were 145 contingents in the parade on Madison Avenue and and estimated 75,000 participants and spectators. Arman David, president of the Philippine Independence Day Council (PIDCI) said that the large turn-out was mainly because of the presence of popular Filipino performers and the participation of large Filipino organizations.

PIDCI Grand Marshals Dr. Emilio and Angie Cruz Quines and honorary Grand Marshals Engr. Ismael and Josie Jampayas, congratulated the winners during the parade.

The Bayanihan Association of the Capital District wins the Marcher Category with its vibrant performance of tribal, indigenous, and religious dances blended with a modern flare. (Photo by Catherine Dulay)

For the Marcher category: GRAND PRIZE: Bayanihan Association of the Capital District;
SECOND PLACE: Talisay Association USA, Inc., and THIRD PLACE: Philippine Normal University Global Alumni Association, Inc.

For the Float category: GRAND PRIZE: Filipino Social Club of NY, Inc.; SECOND PLACE: Philippine American Friendship Community, Inc.; and THIRD PLACE: Philippine Association of Medical Technologists, Inc., NY.

Kadayawan sa Dabaw float of the Filipino Social Club, Grand Prize winner - Float category.

Bahay Kubo float of the Philippine American Friendship Community - 2nd place.

Philippine Association of Medical Technologists (PAMET) float - 3rd place.

Philippine balladeer Martin Nievera

The Voice champion Sofronio Vasquez

P-Pop girl group Bini

4th Impact and fans

The presence of big Philippine entertainers balladeer Martin Nievera, The Voice champion Sofronio Vasquez, P-Pop girl group Bini, and 4th Impact drew large crowds of participants in this year’s parade.

PIDCI President Arman David with Grand Marshal Dr. Emilio Quines

In retrospect, David said that leading the big parade for the Filipino community was a “truly humbling experience.”

“Witnessing the unity and diversity of our people during the parade makes it more invaluable, each member of the community that participated whether by marching, cheering, or simply being present makes the heart and soul of this event, their positive energy creates an atmosphere of joy and connection that unites us all. I am deeply thankful to our PIDCI directors and officers for all their hardwork, also to our GMs, HGMs, sponsors and volunteers who worked tirelessly to bring this celebration to life, and to my family who have given me all out support throught this journey,” he said.

The scent of Filipino barbecue in the city was a natural attraction by itself.

Sweet pineapple and a sweet smile too.

New York City, with over 100,000 Filipinos, holds the largest Philippine Independence Day celebration overseas. The Philippines is the first Republic in Asia, officially inaugurated on June 12, 1898 as Filipinos fought against colonizer Spain. The national freedom was however short-lived as the Philippines was ceded by Spain to the US in December 1898 under the Treaty of Paris, making the Philippines the new colony of the US for over 50 years. #