Chicago celebrates Philippines Independence Day

CHICAGO (WLS) -- In June, Filipinos worldwide celebrate Philippine Independence from Spain. The island nation was heavily influenced by Spanish rule for 350 years. The United States acquired the Philippine Islands from Spain in the early 1900s, and ruled the islands for over 50 years before granting independence. Movies, music, and fashion became hugely important to the islanders. Elsie Sy-Niebar from the Philippine Independence Day Celebration and couturier Mar La Pena visited Eyewitness News to talk about the culture and to show a few of the fashionable designs inspired by the Philippines rich history.