WAGAYWAY FESTIVAL

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The newest Philippine festival with a historical twist unfolded in Cavite, the country’s seat of independence. In time for the Independence Day, the town of Imus in Cavite, commemorates every May 24th the victory of the Battle of Alapan that paved way to the first Philippine Republic when the Philippine Flag was first unfurled on May 28, 1898. Imus, dubbed as the country’s flag capital, celebrate the Wagayway Festival every May 24th-28th as a commencement of Kalayaan 2008.

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The festival’s name “Wagayway” is a Filipino term that means wave, display or unfurl something that is folded such as a flag or banner. Wagayway Festival hopes to recognize National Flag Day and Imus as a new tourist destination with the same caliber as Cebu’s Sinulog Festival, Bacolod’s Masskara Festival and the like.

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Contrary to public beliefs, it was after the victory of the Battle of Alapan when then President Emilio Aguinaldo first waved the flag made by Marcela Agoncilio. Aguinaldo again unfurled the same flag in nearby town of Kawit on June 12 of the same year along with the declaration of Philippine independence.

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It is hoped that the country’s newest festival will establish the town’s identity as a historical place. The festival should push Filipinos to be more patriotic to the flag. Unlike other festivals which are religious in nature, this is a festival with historical and nationalistic theme.

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The event will also highlight the bravery and patriotism of the revolutionaries against the Spanish forces. The festival will be celebrated highlighting the bravery and patriotism of the revolutionaries who won the Battle of Alapan despite tremendous odds.

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