The Filipino community of Wagga came together as one on Saturday to celebrate the country's 121st year of independence.
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The hall of Henschke Primary School was filled with those celebrating the Philippine Independence Day along with like likes of Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack, Wagga's State MP Joe McGirr and Mayor Greg Conkey who all enjoyed lunch and performances by young Filipino talent.
Annebelle Borja was one Filipino lady of Wagga celebrating her history.
"This year will be the 121st celebration, it's a commemoration of our freedom from the Spanish Colonialism back in 1898," she said.
"It's also to commemorate the heroic sacrifices of those who fought and gave their lives to make sure that we have the independence we enjoy now."
Mrs Borja said for her, the day was about more than just celebrating the past.
"At the same time, it is also like celebrating the modern heroes, and every one of us, all the Filipinos here like myself, we are modern heroes as mothers, community members and working people," she said.
"It's so nice to have the whole community come together because it's very seldom that we gather as one and this is the perfect opportunity to do so."
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