AS June comes to an end, I find myself reflecting on one of the most memorable experiences of the month. It was my privilege to take part, for the first time, in the Philippines' 128th Independence Day celebrations in Manila. Experiencing this national day firsthand reminded me that independence celebrations are far more than official ceremonies. They are living expressions of history, identity and shared memory. They offer a unique opportunity to understand how a nation honors its past while looking confidently toward its future. This year's official theme, Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan. (Freedom, future, history) beautifully captured that spirit.