Araw Ng Kalayaan

By: Mark Mabaquiao

 

Every June 12th, Filipinos all over the world commemorate the Philippine Declaration of Independence from Spain. The term “Independence Day” or “Araw ng Kasarinlan” is also known as “Araw ng Kalayaan” or “Day of Freedom.” As I learn more and more about my country’s history, I have started to grasp the struggle and the sacrifice that courageous Filipinos endured in the past. Much has changed over the past hundred years for our people, but what has endured is the spirit of many to work hard and sacrifice at all cost to achieve a better life for themselves and their family. For example, many modern Filipinos have left behind children and loved ones in the Philippines to find work elsewhere so they can send resources back home. Just having the opportunity to provide and improve their standard of living is hopefully worth all the tears that are shed and the heartfelt longing for loved ones. Other Filipinos, such as those who migrated to America have worked hard as business owners and professionals for decades and have built reputations and lasting legacies. The day of freedom or araw ng kalayaan for many of these hard-working Filipinos is the day they retire. It has been a privilege for me to meet and help many Chicagoland “titas” and “titos” with their Medicare questions and concerns. Many tell me about their proud achievements such as their adult children who are in the medical or other professional field. Most of them though are just happy to have the “freedom” to do whatever they want to do – travel, spend time with grandkids, sleep-in, etc. As you reflect on our Philippine Independence Day, I hope you are inspired as I am by the heroes of our past and those people in our life who have sacrificed so we can have a better life today and in the future. **My Medicare Education Events Schedule**

– Tuesday, June 14th 3:30PM-4:30PM at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, Center for Advanced Care, Room 1220, 1700 Luther Lane, Park Ridge, IL 60068 – Tuesday, July 12th 9:00AM-10AM at Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Center for Advanced Care, Rooms 19179 & 19180, 935 North Nelson Street, Chicago, IL 60657

Mark Mabaquiao is a Financial Advisor since 2005. Currently an independent broker who is licensed in life & health and property & casualty. He has previously been recognized as a top sales agent for life and health products from multiple companies.