It was another grand and memorable community picnic. The fiesta-like Independence Day celebrations on June 9 at the Spaarnwoudepark in Haarlem gathered thousands of picnickers in a whole day of fun, food and sunny festivity.

As in previous years, this year's Picnic was a colorful and enjoyable event for everyone: for the young and not-so-young, for families and friends, and for new-comers and old-timers from near and far. According to the Coalition organizers, the record number of people who joined the celebrations proves the ever-increasing popularity of the Picnic as a community tradition in observance of national freedom day: it has become the biggest, most sought-after "talagang Pinoy" annual reunion in the Netherlands.

People Power at the Picnic

The continuous stream of cars and people to the picnic grounds began as early as 7 AM and continued up to 4 PM. Notwithstanding the rain clouds and the wet grass in the morning, picnickers eagerly unrolled their picnic mats, and by noon-time, hundreds of picnic tents have sprung across the sprawling greenery.

There were over 900 cars controlled at the park entrance. Guests from abroad were clearly not wanting, with autos bearing plates from as far as Germany, Belgium and France occasionally seen.

To many, it was a family day. Barbecue smoke wafted everywhere while children and their pets ran around and played under the sun. Even lolos and lolas cheerfully carried folding chairs and baons from the parking grounds to their picnic tents. And a big family reunion it was: numerous picnickers basked in the delight of seeing and greeting long-time-no-see relatives, friends, and kababayans at the Picnic.

It was a real fiesta, with the tradition of family, food, friendship, and festive sharing outdoors dominating the scene. Among the many happy words said about the picnic, the following comment (emailed by Ms. Rose Rivera, an officer at Cordaid who will return home to the Philippines soon) sums up the social atmosphere last June 9: "Bread was multiplied in the picnic ... We came without a tent and but found ourselves welcomed in so many tents. We came without provision but had our fill. What was amazing most of all was that while conflict exists in some of our Filipino organizations and yet the picnic became an exceptional venue of solidarity. They were all there! On the lighter side, there was the latest craze in dancing and singing in the Philippines done by the performers. I was updated ... Around this time next year, I shall probably be reckoning the Netherland's picnic experience, being in the Philippines by then. When I shall do that I will wear a smile and feel a certain pride of my countrymen living in the Netherlands."

Echte Entertainment at the Picnic

The spirit of community solidarity and kumustahan on Independence Day was highlighted by Ambassador Arguelles who opened the on-stage programme early in afternoon with an inspirational message. And in keeping with tradition, all embassy officials were introduced to the picnic crowd. Afterwards, emcees Rose Ann and Ramil unpacked a full programme of high-quality entertainment on-stage

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