Happy Philippine American friendship day

we don't celebrate July 4 as Independence day here in the Philippines: the independence from America was July 4, but our independence day was changed to when they declared independence from Spain...June 12.

Ironically, not too many people celebrate either holiday here, although they do in more sophisticated Manila.

Traditionally the Yanks living there have a big picnic in Manila, but this year with the shut down, it has been canceled.

However back in the USA, my granddaughters attended the picnic and fireworks celebration in Pennsylvania.

despite all the shutdown and threats of violence, a lot of folks commenting on Instapundit are noting fireworks being set off, and a lot of the commenters say some are not official displays but the neighbors celebrating. Is this a reaction to being inside too long, or is it the silent majority making noise? 

Here, fireworks for holidays are a big thing: The city square is down the street so we watch it from our roof, but in the past we also set off our own in the side street.... and local kids love to set off firecrackers. However, since the virus hit, things have been quiet.

since Lolo died, I don't go out and celebrate like we used to do.