CEBU, Philippines - America celebrates July 4 as Independence Day because it was on July 4, 1776 that members of Congress adopted the final draft of the Declaration of Independence.

Following its adoption, whenever the Declaration was read, patriots erupted in cheers and celebration. Over time, various other activities also came to be associated with the Fourth of July.

The Philippines, because of its long standing friendship and strong ties with America, has through the years taken on this celebration, as well.

Cebu City was honored with the presence of Kristie Kenny, the first female U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, as she graced the event at the Shangri La Mactan Resort and Spa that ushered in the property’s week-long Fourth of July celebration.

Straight from the airport, Ambassador Kenny motored directly to the hotel where she was met by 6 western style horsemen led by Eduard Loop, president of the Cebu Equine Owners Breeders and Sportsmen Association (CEOBSA) and escorted along the winding entrance that led to the main lobby.

Newly appointed General Manager Joachim Schutte and Lesley Tan, welcomed the Ambassador who, after her brief speech, gamely partook of the ceremonial slicing of the gargantuan gourmet burger that signaled the start of the American Food Festival, appropriately dubbed Stars and Stripes.

And speaking of burgers, Shangri La Mactan has the biggest display of burger with 380 grams of beef patty, crunchy bacon strips smoked to perfection, crisp lettuce, succulent tomatoes and melt-in-your-mouth cheese in a freshly baked sesame seed bun. It is truly a mouth watering experience that awaits the adventurous palates.

Ideal for sharing with family and friends, the Big Bite Burger is big enough to feed three people. It could also be relished by one person for a truly BIG dining experience. Each burger is served with a bib proudly declaring “I conquered the big bite burger” from June 27 to July 31.

Members of the American Chamber of Commerce and American nationals (in-house and residents of Cebu) are treated to a 25 percent discount on lunch and dinner buffets. To avail themselves of the promotion, dining guests need to present their American passport or valid ID for verification.

Much too soon, it was time for the Ambassador to leave for her next appointment, but not before graciously entertaining some questions and concerns from the media. She commended Cebu for its unrelenting efforts in protecting and cleaning the coasts and its environment. She added that “my hope would be that as people look at the coming elections, they would keep in mind someone who will address environmental issues.”