Dear ACE Students,

As a foreigner in your country, I do admire and appreciate all the hospitality and kindness of the people here. Most of the things that foreigners expect are here in Japan like for examples, the disciplines and manners of everyone toward respecting the environment and other people personal matters. Even the nature itself are really beautiful and captivating. We are already halfway point the year 2019. The time has passed by so quickly that we can’t even imagine how days went by so fast and that summer has begun. We all need liquids especially water to quench our thirst from the heat and for all of us to avoid dehydration.

One of the most significant dates in the Philippine’s history is Independence Day because it marks the nation’s independence from the Spanish rule on June 12, 1898. Filipinos celebrate it annually on June 12. Philippines was colonized by Spaniards for 333 years. The US granted independence to the Philippines on 4 July 1946 through the Treaty of Manila. July 4, the date intentionally chosen by the United States because it corresponds to its Independence Day, was observed in the Philippines as Independence Day until 1962. On 12 May 1962, President Diosdado Macapagal issued Presidential Proclamation No. 28, which declared on June 12 a special public holiday throughout the Philippines. As this is the national Independence Day the day is spent with family bonding with friends and relatives and outdoor and indoor activities. All government offices are closed on that day as this is a national holiday and so also are schools (June marks the start of the school year) and private enterprises save for commercial establishments. As required by law the Flag of the Philippines, first flown on that day in 1898, flies proudly in homes and establishments from as early as May 28, Flag Day, to the 30th of the month. Fireworks displays are the norm in Manila on that day as well as other patriotic displays nationwide. 

Sincerely,

Lovely Ventanilla