Celebrating Friendship in the Philippines: Best Friends Day and Friendship Day

Friendship is one of life’s greatest gifts. Our friends are the family we choose – the ones who support us, laugh with us, and stick by our side through life’s ups and downs.

In the Philippines, the importance of friendship is recognized and celebrated through two special occasions each year: National Best Friends Day on June 8, and Friendship Day which is celebrated twice – Philippines-Australia Friendship Day on May 22 and Philippines-Spain Friendship Day on June 30.

Let’s take a closer look at how these heartwarming holidays came to be and the unique ways they are celebrated across the archipelago.

National Best Friends Day (June 8)

National Best Friends Day is celebrated worldwide on June 8 each year. This unofficial holiday originated in the United States in 1935, when the U.S. Congress decided to dedicate a day to honor the special bond between best friends.

They chose June 8, as the summer weather in most parts of the country is ideal for best friends to get together and celebrate.

In the Philippines, National Best Friends Day has gained popularity in recent years, especially among the younger generation. Social media plays a big role in spreading awareness about the occasion. On June 8, Filipino netizens flood Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter with photos, heartfelt messages, and funny memes celebrating their best friends.

The hashtag #NationalBestFriendsDay trends each year as Filipinos proudly showcase their unbreakable bonds.

Common ways to celebrate National Best Friends Day in the Philippines include:

Posting throwback photos and heartfelt messages on social media
Reminiscing about fun memories and inside jokes
Exchanging meaningful gifts like friendship bracelets or necklaces
Planning a fun day out together, like a road trip, beach day, or spa date
Staying in for a cozy movie marathon or sleepover party
Surprising your bestie at work or school with a special treat

The great thing about National Best Friends Day is that there are no set rules. It’s all about taking a moment to appreciate the special people who make our lives brighter and letting them know how much they mean to us.

Filipino-American Friendship Day (July 4)

Filipino-American Friendship Day, also known as Philippine Republic Day, is celebrated annually on July 4th to commemorate the strong relationship and historical ties between the Philippines and the United States. Some key facts about the holiday:

It was formerly celebrated as Philippine Independence Day on July 4th, the date the U.S. granted independence to the Philippines in 1946 after World War II. The Independence Day celebration was later moved to June 12th.
In 1955, Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay proclaimed July 4th as Philippine-American Day. This was moved by President Ferdinand Marcos in 1984 to July 4th and renamed Philippine-American Friendship Day.
The holiday celebrates the shared history, friendship, and cooperation between the two countries that has evolved from the colonial period to the present-day partnership.

Some common ways the day is celebrated:

Hosting cultural exchange potlucks with both Filipino and American dishes
Engaging in discussions and storytelling about the history of Filipino-American relations
Playing popular Filipino and American games together
Watching films from Filipino and American filmmakers
Creating arts and crafts inspired by symbols and elements from both cultures

The day also honors notable figures like Atty. Luis F. Samson, a World War II veteran who fought alongside American forces and later founded the University of Luzon in 1948. His life exemplified the dedication to Filipino-American friendship.

Philippines-Australia Friendship Day (May 22)

The Philippines and Australia have enjoyed a warm and enduring friendship for over 75 years. To celebrate this special bond, May 22 was officially declared Philippines-Australia Friendship Day in 2012.Each year, the Australian Embassy in the Philippines organizes a range of cultural events and activities to mark the occasion. In the past, Friendship Day celebrations have included:

Festivals and fairs showcasing Australian food, music, art, and culture
Sports tournaments and outdoor activities
Film screenings featuring Australian movies
Educational exchanges and alumni gatherings
Social media contests and online campaigns

In 2020 and 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Australian Embassy took the Friendship Day celebrations online. Filipinos were invited to join the festivities virtually using the hashtag #FilAussieDay.

The online event featured video messages from Australian and Filipino government officials, celebrities, and everyday citizens sharing their appreciation for the friendship between the two nations.

The online celebration also highlighted the strong people-to-people links between Australia and the Philippines.

Did you know that the first Filipino migrants to Australia were pearl divers who settled in the country’s north in the late 1800s? Today, over 300,000 Filipinos call Australia home, making up one of its largest migrant communities.

Education is another area where ties run deep. Each year, close to 20,000 Filipinos study and train in Australia. The Australian government also sponsors prestigious scholarships for Filipinos to earn advanced degrees at top Australian universities.

Upon returning home, these scholars join a vibrant alumni network and serve as ambassadors for the enduring friendship between the two countries.

As the world recovers from the pandemic, the Australian Embassy looks forward to holding in-person Friendship Day celebrations once again. Past festivals have taken place in key cities like Manila, Cebu, and Davao, allowing Filipinos across the country to join in the fun.

No matter what form the celebration takes, Philippines-Australia Friendship Day is a heartfelt reminder of the deep ties and shared values that unite these two nations from opposite sides of the globe. It’s a chance to honor the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to a bright future of continued mateship and bayanihan spirit.

Philippines-Spain Friendship Day (June 30)

June 30 marks another important friendship celebration in the Philippines – Philippines-Spain Friendship Day. This annual commemoration honors the deep historical and cultural ties between the Philippines and its former colonizer, Spain.

The Philippines was a Spanish colony for over 300 years, from the 16th to the 19th century. This long period of Spanish rule left an indelible mark on Filipino culture, from language and religion to art, architecture, and cuisine.

Today, Spanish influence can still be seen and felt all throughout the archipelago.

Philippines-Spain Friendship Day was first officially celebrated in 2003, thanks to the efforts of then-Senator Edgardo Angara. June 30 was chosen as the date because it was when Philippine President Emilio Aguinaldo issued a decree in 1899 declaring that Spanish soldiers who had been besieged in Baler, Aurora for almost a year should be treated not as enemies, but as friends.

Aguinaldo also granted them safe passage back to Spain, a gesture of goodwill that is remembered to this day.

The first Philippines-Spain Friendship Day celebration was held in Baler, the site of this historic siege. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and a special envoy from the King of Spain graced the occasion. Since then, the festivities have grown in scale and scope, taking place in different parts of the country and highlighting various aspects of Filipino-Spanish friendship.

Some of the events and activities that have been part of Philippines-Spain Friendship Day celebrations over the years include:

Cultural performances showcasing Spanish and Filipino music and dance
Exhibits featuring Spanish and Filipino art, literature, and historical artifacts
Academic conferences and symposia on Filipino-Spanish relations
Spanish film screenings
Food festivals highlighting Spanish and Filipino cuisine
Sports tournaments and games
Special masses and religious processions
Wreath-laying ceremonies at historical sites and monuments

One of the most iconic symbols of Philippines-Spain Friendship Day is the El Galeon, a replica of a Spanish galleon that was gifted by the Spanish government to the Philippines in 2003. The ship has become a floating museum and cultural center, traveling to different parts of the country to bring the story of Filipino-Spanish friendship to more Filipinos.

Philippines-Spain Friendship Day is also celebrated by Filipino and Spanish communities overseas. In Spain, the occasion is marked with cultural and academic events organized by the Philippine Embassy and Filipino community groups. These celebrations highlight the contributions of the Filipino diaspora to Spanish society and the enduring ties between the two peoples.

As the Philippines and Spain continue to build on their shared history and strengthen their modern-day partnership, Philippines-Spain Friendship Day serves as an annual reminder of the rich tapestry of cultural exchange and camaraderie that binds these two nations together. It’s a time to reflect on the past, appreciate the present, and nurture the friendship for future generations to cherish.

The Importance of Celebrating Friendship

In a world that can often feel divided and disconnected, taking time to celebrate friendship is more important than ever. Friendship Day and Best Friends Day remind us of the power of human connection and the joy that comes from nurturing meaningful relationships.

Studies have shown that having strong friendships can have a profound impact on our physical and mental well-being. Friends provide emotional support, reduce stress, boost our self-esteem, and even help us live longer. In the Philippines, where family and community ties are deeply valued, friendships are often just as cherished as blood relations.

Celebrating friendship is also a way to promote cultural understanding and build bridges between people from different backgrounds. The Philippines’ Friendship Day celebrations with Australia and Spain showcase how shared history, values, and interests can bring nations and peoples together in a spirit of amity and goodwill.

In a year marked by a global pandemic, political upheaval, and social unrest, the message of friendship and unity is perhaps more relevant than ever. As we navigate these challenging times, let us draw strength and inspiration from the bonds we share with our friends, both near and far.

Whether it’s a simple message of appreciation, a thoughtful gesture, or a grand celebration, taking time to honor the friends who enrich our lives is always worthwhile. So to all the best friends and lifelong pals out there, Happy Friendship Day!

May your connections continue to thrive and bring you joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories for years to come.

Celebrating Friendship Every Day

While it’s wonderful to have special days dedicated to honoring friendship, it’s important to remember that being a good friend is a daily practice. We shouldn’t wait for a holiday to show our friends how much they mean to us. Here are some simple ways we can celebrate and strengthen our friendships every day:

Check in regularly. A quick message or phone call to let your friend know you’re thinking of them can brighten their day and keep your bond strong, even when life gets busy.
Be a good listener. When your friend needs to vent or share something important, give them your full attention and lend a supportive ear.
Show up for the big moments. Whether it’s a birthday, graduation, wedding, or tough time, make an effort to be there for your friend during life’s milestones and challenges.
Make new memories together. Plan regular get-togethers or outings with your friends to create shared experiences and inside jokes that will strengthen your connection over time.
Express gratitude. Let your friends know how much you appreciate them and the role they play in your life. A heartfelt “thank you” can go a long way.
Forgive and forget. No friendship is perfect, and conflicts are bound to happen. When they do, be quick to forgive, let go of grudges, and focus on the positive aspects of your relationship.
Celebrate each other’s successes. Be your friend’s biggest cheerleader and celebrate their wins as if they were your own. A true friend is someone who wants to see you succeed and is genuinely happy for your achievements.

By weaving these practices into our daily lives, we can ensure that the spirit of Friendship Day lives on long after the festivities end. After all, friendship is not just a once-a-year celebration, but a lifelong commitment to love, support, and cherish the special people who make our world a brighter place.

Conclusion

In the Philippines, friendship is more than just a social nicety – it’s a deeply held value that shapes the fabric of society. From the tight-knit barangays to the global diaspora, Filipinos have always placed a premium on the bonds of friendship and the sense of community it fosters.

National Best Friends Day and Friendship Day celebrations in the Philippines offer a chance to reflect on the importance of these bonds and to honor the special people who enrich our lives in countless ways. Whether it’s celebrating the unbreakable ties between best friends, the enduring partnership between the Philippines and Australia, or the rich cultural heritage shared with Spain, these occasions remind us of the power of friendship to bridge divides and bring people together.

As we navigate an increasingly complex and challenging world, let us draw strength and inspiration from the friendships that sustain us. Let us cherish the laughter, the memories, and the unwavering support that true friends provide. And let us strive to be the kind of friends that we ourselves would want to have – loyal, compassionate, and always ready to lend a helping hand.

In the end, friendship is perhaps the greatest gift we can give and receive. It is a source of joy, strength, and resilience that helps us weather life’s storms and celebrate its triumphs. So let us hold our friends close, and never take for granted the precious bonds that make life worth living. Happy Friendship Day, Philippines! May your friendships continue to thrive and inspire, today and always.