More than 200 people gathered to celebrate — with music, dancing and food — the 110th anniversary of the independence of the Philippines on Sunday.

The independence of the Pacific Ocean archipelago is marked on June 12, 1898 for the riddance of Spanish rule — only to have American governance for the next 36 years. Though it ceded from America in 1935, the Philippines fell under Japanese occupation during the Second World War in 1942.

Finally in 1946, the Republic of the Philippines gained its independence and now each year millions of Filipinos celebrate it on or near June 12.

The Island's celebration was organised by the Association of Filipinos in Bermuda, and was held between 7 and 11.30 p.m. at St. Paul's Church in Paget on Sunday. There are more than 1,000 Filipinos working and residing in Bermuda which makes the day especially important, said the president of the association, Antonia Paygane.

"It was a success," she said of the celebration. "More than 200 people came to the party with singers, dancers and a band.

"We organise this day so we can help our own Filipino members here in Bermuda to have the familiar gatherings so we don't feel so homesick.

"The Opposition leader Kim Swan came with his wife and he gave a few words. "He even stayed till the end of the programme."

Unfortunately Minister of Cultural Affairs Dale Butler had to cancel due to prior commitments.

The Sunday event also marked the tenth anniversary of the Island's Association, which hopes, because of the large number of Filipinos in Bermuda already, to have a consul here on the Island to help with any issues that might arise.

Currently, anybody holding a Philippines passport must send it to Washington, DC in America in order to apply for a visa on their own.

Sonia Loudermilk, who is a former president of the association and the current adviser, said those already here can always go to the group for help if they need it.

She said: "To lessen expenses, I put passports together and send them at one time. Then I divide the charges among the group."

The association can also help if someone needs a translator or other services. To contact them for more information call Ms. Paygane at: 293-2609 or at: 536-0045 or email at: filipinos@bermuda.com.