MANILA, Philippines - If not taking part in "offline" Independence Day celebrations, Filipinos showed their gratitude as the country celebrates its 115th year of freedom from Spanish colonial rule in cyberspace.
Social media users urged fellow Filipinos on Wednesday to "remember" those who fought to acquire independence as the topic "Happy Independence Day" occupied a top spot in microblogging site Twitter's trending keywords
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Oh and happy independence day to the Philippines. I chose you, I care about you,I am working to help you.
— Mina V. Esguerra (@minavesguerra) June 12, 2013
It's a gift to be free and live in a country that allows everyone to be themselves in faith, work, life. Happy Independence Day!
— Twinky Lagdameo (@twinkylagdameo) June 12, 2013
Happy Independence Day everyone! Leap of faith and calculated risks, something to learn from our heroes.
— Adrian Ayalin (@adrianayalin) June 12, 2013
Happy Independence Day guys! Let's all remember our fatherland's sacrifice to gain our freedom today.
— Paolo Roldan (@PinoyPridePaolo) June 12, 2013
Overseas Filipinos, too, did not forget their homeland's important day.
Spanish-Filipino football player Juani Guirado of Racing Lermeño and the Philippines' Azkals greeted fans on Twitter, praising the country for being "united, free and prosperous."
Qatar-based Ayen Molina also remembered her land of birth.
One flag, one land, one heart. Happy Independence Day PI. Let freedom never perish in your hands.
— Ayen Molina (@ayencachomolina) June 12, 2013
Celebrities like basketball star Kiefer Ravena also did not skip out on the chance to inspire their followers to be more patriotic.
happy independence day everyone! learn to love and appreciate what we have as one country! #MabuhayPinas
— Kiefer Ravena (@kieferravena) June 12, 2013
Those from other countries also sent a message to Filipinos on their anniversary.
Happy Independence Day Philipines !!! long live and keep up the good growth of economical quality ,with love from #INDONESIA
— D I M A S(@dmssptro) June 12, 2013