ASM, ISNTC and Raytec Marine Commemorates 112th Anniversary of Philippine Independence

ASM, ISNTC and Raytec Marine: As One

Written by: Mr. Oliver Aborque

On 12 June 1898 in the old town of Cavite el Viejo (now known as Kawit), with the public reading of the Act of the Declaration of Independence, Filipino revolutionary forces under General Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed the sovereignty of the Philippine Islands from the Spanish Crown. Exactly one day shy of its 112^th commemoration, ASM, ISNTC and Raytec Marine joined arms with Filipino seafarers and some guests to march and celebrate independence from modern-day maritime challenges.

 The event dubbed as, Araw ng Kalayaan 2010 (Independence Day 2010) unofficially started at the ground floor lobby with greetings from welcoming guards and cadets wearing traditional uniforms of the Philippine revolutionary forces. Waiting on the 5^th floor are friendly taho (soft tofu) and sorbetes vendors sporting native Filipino costumes and giving away free servings to eager employees and guests.

 The event definitely blew a warm breeze of independence and allowed everyone in attendance to experience freedom from hard work and daily hunger pangs as lip smacking food and drinks flowed from various corners of the country. Samples of cassava cake and crispy shrimps from Aklan province, balot, penoy and inutak from Pateros City, biko and maja mais from Luzon island, lambanog, pichi-pichi, lechon, ube halaya and pancit lucban from Southern Tagalog area, pancit puti, suman, mangoes, valenciana and espasol from Bulacan province, lokot lokot, coconut candy, satti and marang from Zamboanga provinces, ginataang halo-halo, palitaw, dinuguan at puto and sago’t gulaman courtesy of the employees and management trooped towards the 5^th floor of the CRI building in the historic City of Manila where the committee in-charge of festivities converted the waiting area into a mini stage and buffet zone. This zone was declared off limits to killjoys under the threat of experiencing hostilities similar to what 19^th century guardia civiles might get from the revolutionary forces.

 The program proper started at 1630H – just about the same time when the historical Declaration of Independence was read in Kawit. Formally declaring the beginning of festivities is ASM’s President & CEO, Mr. Alberto Gomez, with his battle cry, “Mabuhay and Pilipinas! Mabuhay ang marinong Pilipino! Mabuhay tayong lahat!” (Long live the Philippines! Long live the Filipino seafarers! Long live all of us!).

 The event was further made festive by spectacular showcases of cultural highlights and parade of regional costumes as home-grown talents competed for the Binibining at Ginoong Kalayaan 2010 contest. Rosejean Reynon and Segundo “Tuyay” Arpan Jr. bagged this year’s titles, respectively. Rosejean also got the audience’s choice award with her Igorot-inspired outfit while Mona Riza Magtibay and C/E Jovito Erive won Best in Costume in the female and male categories.

 But that’s not all! Live musical performances from local singers who vied for the Kundiman Singing contest serenaded the evening away as 3/O Joen Masiado took home the grand prize. The MDC band also lent their talents by rendering their own versions of hits from top local bands like the Tropical Depression, Juan Dela Cruz Band and Eraserheads, to name a few.

 It was indeed a night to remember and to look forward to as the management, through emcees Mache and RJ, announced that the Independence Day celebration will be an annual event moving forward. A time to celebrate the past, enjoy the present and anticipate a bright future ahead.