LOS ANGELES, CA—More than 2,000 attendees came out to celebrate Philippine Independence Day.  As in many Filipino events, there were chaos, celebrity sightings, singing and dancing, and of course, politics.  Event organizers say this year’s celebration has broken all previous attendance records.

Philippine senator Francis Escudero's speech was the highlight of the event.  It was the rising political star's introduction to Southern California, the area which has the most number of overseas absentee voters in the U.S.  He has a message to all Filipinos abroad.

“Parinig nila ang kanilang boses, magsalita, kung kinakailangan, sumigaw para batikusin kung ano ang mali at pagkukulang at lumahok sa halalan sa pamamagitan ng pagrehistro at pagboto,” Senator Escudero said.

The 39 year old senator said he will make a decision if he will run for president later this year.

Department of Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes was also at the event.  He admitted his intent to run for public office next election, but would not specify what office he will aspire to.

Fil-Am voters say that getting to know would-be candidates is a good thing.

“There is this sea change that is ongoing right now, and there are a lot of very young leaders, who are very passionate about what they do, and they have very good reputation,” said Rene Villaroman, a Filipino absentee voter.

“It's only now that I feel that it's very important to really vote because the current problems in the Philippines really is very political and we really need to make the right choice for our leaders,” said Ferdinand Nakila, another absentee voter. 

Overseas voters have until August to register.  The Philippine consulate in L.A. is mounting a full-blown effort to get Pinoys involved in the upcoming elections by registering many to vote.