More than 100 people of many cultures came together to enjoy food, dance, awards and speeches prepared by the Clutha Filipino society.
"Let us remember the struggles of the past, the triumphs of our present and the hopes of our future," Liezle Olaveja said in her speech.
"We come together as one person, united in our diversity, strengthened by our differences and inspired by our shared values of freedom, justice and equality."
Consisting of over 7600 islands, the Philippines have been inhabited for at least 47,000 years.
The archipelago was named for King Phillip II of Spain, soon after the arrival of Ferdinand Magellan in 1521, and was ceded by Spain to the United States in 1898.
The native peoples regularly revolted against colonial powers and the US recognised the independence of the Philippines in 1946.
"Freedom is a precious gift worth fighting for. May we continue to strive for a world where we can all live free, proud and united," Mrs Olaveja said.
The Clutha Filipino Society will be performing in Matariki Celebrations at Te Pou O Mata-Au today, and hopes to hold next year’s independence day in the same venue.
