GRAND PRAIRIE, TEXAS —Thousands of Filipino Americans and local residents gathered at Asia Times Square on Sunday, June 1, to celebrate Philippine Independence Day—marking one of the largest cultural events ever held by the North Texas Filipino community.
The event, organized by the Filipino Coalition of North Texas (FILCON), began with a flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony to honor Philippine heroes and veterans. The program included cultural performances, traditional street dances, Filipino cuisine, and art displays representing Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, the Philippines’ three main island groups.
Jil Lasaca, FILCON’s culture program director, noted that the event brought together multiple generations of Filipino Americans to acknowledge their heritage and community in North Texas.
Throughout the day, attendees participated in activities held at Pagoda Hall, which featured folk dances, live music, regional foods, and crafts. The event also served as a fundraiser, with proceeds directed to Bantay Bata and other FILCON humanitarian initiatives.
Gus Mercado, FILCON’s founder, commented on the growth of the Filipino community in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
“Fifty years ago, we were a small group of immigrants. Today, we are 90,000 strong in DFW,” Mercado stated. He added that the gathering reflected shared values between the Philippines and the United States, as well as the community’s contributions to the region.
Some attendees expressed a desire for younger generations to maintain a connection to their cultural roots. One guest, who attended with three generations of family, emphasized the importance of this connection.
Organizers reported that the turnout exceeded expectations and indicated plans for larger events in the future.
As the event concluded, the theme of “kalayaan,” or freedom, was reflected in the music, food, and community interactions throughout the day.
