Albany’s Philippine Independence Day Parade Takes Flight
June 2021 marked a significant moment for Filipino Americans in Albany as the city hosted its first Philippine Independence Day parade. This milestone celebration came at a time when travel restrictions were lifted and local nurses’ labor disputes finally led to a contract agreement. The four-word keyphrase “Philippine Independence Day parade” highlights this community milestone.
On June 26, 2021, the parade energized Washington Park, backed by the New York State Nurses Association and local groups. Albany’s Mayor Kathy Sheehan honored Filipinos for enriching the city’s culture, health care, and business sectors, emphasizing the parade’s importance to diversity and unity.
Sol Kapunan, the parade organizer, humorously noted the event’s timing: “This is the best opportunity to gather the support of local population because people are raring to go out after a long imprisonment.” Though the 2021 turnout was around 800, the numbers swelled remarkably in subsequent years.
Growing Pride and Community Unity
By June 28, 2025, attendance soared to nearly 4,000 marchers, with 26 vendors showcasing Philippine crafts, cuisine, and clothing throughout the park. Sol and his wife Mary Ann, both deeply invested in the event, credited the parade’s success to the expanding participation of Filipino organizations and alliances with the larger Asian and local communities.
“We gained traction,” Sol said, reflecting on the parade’s growth and impact. The event became a powerful platform for Filipino Americans in New York State to celebrate heritage and foster community ties.
The Birth of Kalayaan 1521
Kalayaan 1521, Albany’s own version of the Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDCI) which organizes the famed NYC parade, now leads the event. Sol explained the name’s meaning, clarifying common misconceptions: “People thought the ‘Kalayaan’ came from the declaration of independence from Spain in Kawit, Cavite. It was not. About ‘1521,’ they thought it’s about Lapu Lapu defeating Magellan. That’s not the reason.”
Instead, Kalayaan 1521 symbolizes a call to overcome the colonial mindset still present among Filipinos. “I said I wanted freedom from the colonial mentality that plagues us. That anything foreign is good. That we allow ourselves to be relegated to second-class citizens in this country. I see that in the inferiority complex of some of us. I want us to be superior in our own way. That’s the Kalayaan part. 1521 refers to the start of the colonialization of the Philippines,” Sol shared passionately.
Mary Ann, an ICU nurse and community leader, joined him in this mission. Together, they founded Kalayaan 1521 Council Inc., a nonprofit promoting Filipino culture and heritage in New York.
A Journey from Seminary to Advocacy
Sol’s story is as inspiring as the parade itself. Once a seminarian studying philosophy at the University of Santo Tomas, his path changed when he met Mary Ann, a nursing student. The couple immigrated to the U.S. in 2011 through a skilled visa program. Albany became their home because of Mary Ann’s job at a nearby nursing center.
Though modest about his role, Sol soon became involved in nursing labor issues in Albany, advocating alongside local nurses to improve working conditions. His activism connected him with city leaders and led to his election to the PIDCI board, where he now serves as president of the Alpha Phi Omega Alumni Association of Greater New York.
Community Impact and Official Recognition
Sol’s leadership in Filipino community events caught the attention of New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s office. An official praised his efforts to represent Asian Americans, encouraging him to continue his advocacy. Sol replied, “I told him I am not a politician but I will not sit idle on an opportunity that would help the Filipino community.”
At the 2025 parade, Sol thanked local officials for their support and urged Filipinos to proudly share their heritage. “We have to tell our story because if we do not tell our story, nobody will,” he said.
Looking Ahead for Albany’s Filipino Community
The parade concluded on a festive note despite heightened security measures. Participants lingered, unwilling to end the joyous gathering. Sol and Mary Ann remain committed to expanding the event, encouraging Filipinos throughout New York State to embrace their cultural legacy and responsibilities.
Addressing concerns about past organizational challenges, Sol assured transparency and independence for Kalayaan 1521. “People might think we’re a copycat. Kalayaan 1521 has a life of its own, has its own destiny. We will always observe transparency. It will not be another (old) PIDCI,” he affirmed.
For more news and updates on Philippine Independence Day parade, visit Filipinokami.com.
