Saranac Lake celebrates President Quezon History Day

Guests learn about President Quezon’s life and legacy at a special exhibit at the Saranac Laboratory Museum. Photos from Amy Catania and Adrian Elmer Cruz

NEW YORK – Saranac Lake in New York recently celebrated President Quezon History Day, a day-long event honoring the life and legacy of Manuel L. Quezon, the second president of the Republic of the Philippines, who stayed in the historic village 80 years ago.

The opening ceremony took place at Harrietstown Town Hall with more than 300 people in attendance, many of whom were Filipino Americans from North Country and throughout the state.

A large group of Filipino Canadians representing various Filipino organizations based in Montreal also came for the event.

Guest speakers and local officials celebrated Filipino culture and history and paid tribute to Quezon, who served as president from Nov. 15, 1935 up to the time of his death in Saranac Lake on Aug. 1, 1944.

Attendees were treated to a delightful day of cultural performances, with festivities offering a sampling of Filipino culture. Photos from Francis Enaje, Consul General Senen Mangalile and Amy Catania

Consul General Senen Mangalile of the Philippine Consulate General in New York and Assembly member Steven Raga were invited as guest speakers.

Members of the Panday Tinig Chorus from Montreal sang the national anthems of the Philippines and Canada, while Filipino American Lisa Keegan sang the US national anthem.  There were also dance performances by KAS Dance Collective from New York City and the Golden Maidens from Montreal.

Saranac Lake residents and tourists enjoyed an afternoon celebration that included a street fair featuring flavorful Filipino food, booths selling hand-made merchandise, dance and music performances, and a special exhibit about President Quezon at the Saranac Laboratory Museum.

President Quezon Day, which marks the 80th^th death anniversary of President Manuel Quezon, is a project of the Historic Saranac Lake, a nonprofit architectural preservation organization, in partnership with Kalayaan 1521 Council.  Kalayaan 1521 Council, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that is devoted to preserving and promoting Filipino culture and heritage in the United States.

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