"This year, the committee thought maybe we should be more educational for the children," said Leo Rojas Gozar, chairman of the Philippines Celebrations Coordinating Committee of Hawaii. "We decided to go historical."

The choice to hold a re-enactment, or what organizers are calling a "tableau," led to the decision to hold this year's celebration on the grounds of the Philippine Consulate in Nu'uanu, Gozar said.

On June 12, 1898, in Kawit, Cavite, Philippine independence from the Spanish government was declared by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, speaking from the balcony of his home. The balcony of the Philippine Consulate in Nu'uanu will serve as a substitute for the one at Aguinaldo's home.

Shortly after the proclamation by Aguinaldo, the declaration of independence was read by Ambrosio Bautista and the current Philippine flag was flown for the first time. Those scenes will also be re-enacted.

In all, four scenes will be depicted by 30 to 40 actors, including members of the Filipino Veterans Association and the Knights of Rizal, decked out in period costumes, Gozar said.

Acting Philippine Consul General Eva Betita endorsed the re-enactment. "We want to give deeper meaning and understanding about the events that led up to independence," she said. "The Filipinos have a saying — 'You can take the Filipino out of the Philippines but you can't take the Philippines out of the Filipino.' "

The re-enactment and flag-raising will lead off the day's festivities at 9 a.m., lasting about half an hour.

That will be followed by an ecumenical service officiated by priests and ministers and the traditional toasts, known as Vin D'Honneur, to be given by Betita and Hawai'i Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona. After lunch, there will be musical and cultural entertainment from 1 to 3 p.m.

Up to 400 people are expected for the event.