This is my friend and I at the Philippine Independence parade, and that thing we're doing with our hands is actually also on my shirt. Another shirt I've been wearing for five years, I might add.
I went to the parade several times over the years, but I think this is the only instance I spent significant time watching the parade. It was pretty lackluster. A couple of groups in native costume, the Knights of Rizal looking dapper in their barongs, a group of women dancing along in Maria Claras and a bunch of people just wearing t-shirts with "Filipino Accountants Association" on them. And like four precincts of police officers, bag pipe player and all.
Usually I just headed for the food tents for some pork barbecue and dinuguan, and then bailed because I'd eaten a ton and it was super hot. Afterwards I often wondered why I bothered to come into Manhattan for this. Sure, sometimes it was to meet up with friends, but even lacking that my sister and I would often make the trek all for some food we could have gotten in a restaurant in Queens or the East Village. Even though I disliked the massive crowds, I think part of me just loved seeing all of those Filipino descend on Madison Square Park and just take it over. All of the tourists in their hours long line for Shake Shack were treated to a browning of the park, complete with food for sale, clothes for sale, and a variety show (that I never stayed around for) for free.
Lucky them.
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