I read somewhere, (Of course I can’t remember),
that the reason why Americans raise and wave their flags so high
is because they worked so hard for their freedom
and they always take it to heart.

Do not take it for granted, folks.
This may be our last.

Happy Independence Day to all.

Happy 4th of July, U.S.A.!
Be safe with the flames.

I can smell the barbecues starting,
the flooding of beers in the streets,
and the blasting of Sweet Home Alabama in every corner.

Happy Independence Day to you!

—

“Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor;
it must be demanded by the oppressed.”
– [Martin Luther King Jr.]

So how did you celebrate this momentous day?

Me?
I sat on my couch like the loser that I am.
Doing absolutely nothing.

(more…)

Happy Independence Day!
Happy Fireworks Day!
Happy Beer Day!
Happy 4th of July!

You know what I don’t understand sometimes?
Is when people keep on lighting their firecrackers even before today.

It’s fine when you test one or two,
just to see if you didn’t get a bad batch.

(more…)

I think that is the real reason for today’s celebration.
Although it is more known as 4th of July,
People here actually say “Happy 4th of July!”
Which would be the same as saying, “Happy 25th of December!”
(I assume people already know today’s date.)

Like, I always say,
Holidays and celebrations are not just about Fireworks, Food and Family.
(Okay, maybe food is good)
As long as people truly know the reason behind today’s event, it’s all fine.

Last month, we visited the “Liberty Bell” and the “Independence Hall” in Philadelphia.
The place truly is a great historic site.
That place moved me even though I am not an American.
(Okay, the strange feeling was probably from the Philly Cheese Steak)

But it’s also amazing to see, that when we were there for the tour,
and the tour guide was asking random questions about American History to the crowd,
most of the answers he got were wrong.
At first there was silence, which I thought everyone was just shy to answer the question,
but the real reason was that no one knew the correct response.

First, I snickered a little bit,
realizing how most Americans don’t know much about their history.
Then it hit me.

I realized how much I do not know about Philippine History.
Canadian History, I know some,
because I had to take the Citizenship exam.
Plus I had to swear allegiance to the Queen, Freddie Mercury.

But if I got asked about Philippine History,
I’ll be like a monkey trying to solve a math problem.

I shouldn’t say that, I do know some.
But I am sure I don’t know the major reasons why my country became what it is today.

Like,
Why did she become a Republic?
Why and how did she get involved in the Second World War?
How did we come about celebrating our own Independence Day of June 12?
What really happened in the Spanish Colonialism?
The war of Independence?
The Japanese Occupation?
Her return to Democracy?
Why do we like Spicy foods?
Why are we obsessed with wrestling?
And why do we point with our lips?

Oh man! I have a lot of reading to do.
My high school history teacher would kill me.

Happy Independence Day to all.
And a Happy Filipino-American Friendship day to my folks back home.

Thank a Veteran for your Freedom!
And know your history.

Click On the Black Box and Enjoy!

Happy 4th of July to my peeps in the States and
Happy Phil – Am Friendship Day to my Amigos in the Philippines

Happy 4th of July to my peeps in the states.
Hope the holidays were fun for everyone there.

Though it’s a bit sad how the Americans celebrate their most important day
with fear in their hearts.
Paranoia has always been in the air since the Sept. 11 tragedy.
Security has never been so tight.

But sometimes, security and prevention is not enough.
I am sure you have heard about the shootings in a Los Angeles airport.

This guy came in and started shooting everyone in his sight right by the Israel El Al Airlines.
Killing three people and injuring four others.
Terror does strike anywhere, anytime.

But, come on!!
How can a guy with 2 guns and a 6 inch knife enter this airport?

Why? I’ll tell you why?

I bet you he was dressed nicely with a coat and tie or something,
looking like an average businessman or somebody who looks important.
I know security does not check these people.

Like,
“Hey that guy does not have any turban on his head,
or any other foreign kind of clothes.
He can’t be a terrorist.”

(tsk tsk tsk .. mistake number 1 guys!!)

For all you know it could be that quiet person living next to you.
Isn’t that what they all say every time they interview the neighbors?

“He’s very private. We never hear any noise from his apartment,
except when he bursts his villain type of laugh..
Bwaaahahaaaaaaa… Bwaahhaaaaaahhaaa!!

I bet you my landlord is one.
I am sure he is the devil.

Happy Independence Day to everyone in the States.
Now..I am not gonna make fun of you guys..
since everybody in the world does that already..
I am not gonna bash your Leader..
since I know nobody is perfect.

He just started his term..
and we might as well give him a break…
(Maybe he’ll finally bomb Saddam..who knows?).

You know what …
contrary to the popular notion that Americans are loud mouthed, obnoxious, not a care in the world type of people.
I have to disagree,
coz I have met some nice, understanding and the most caring people in the States…

Though….why don’t you guys take it easy with them guns…
What’s up with them school shootings?…
You think the kids are safer in schools since they all carry guns?

You guys do have an astounding history…do not take it for granted…
thank a veteran for your freedom.

To all my friends who live there, Have a safe and wonderful holiday!
Also..Happy Filipino-American friendship day in my home land..
(Hey. I gotta represent!)