On June 12th, 1898, the Philippines gained their independence from the Spaniards with the help of the Americans. Spain however does not actually grant independence to the Philippines since they sold to the United States for 20 million dollars. The country really obtained its independence on July 4, 1946.

On the menu for this day, a Miss competition, basketball matches, the flagship sport in the Philippines. While walking on the stadium track, I mainly hear Tagalog spoken and I often have to communicate in English. But it was a great pleasure. I felt a bit there.