Are you wondering about what the Filipino flag is all about and what it represents? In this post, we will walk you through all the interesting facts you need to know about the watawat or flag of the Philippines so that you confidently talk about this with the locals. In addition, we will share with you the Philippine national anthem, which is also an important concept related to the country's flag. So, if you are up for that, then let the learning begin!
The national flag of countries is deeply important because it symbolizes the citizens' patriotism, commitment, and pride. While it may simply look like a regular piece of cloth, the intricate designs and colors have individual meanings and are used to display the insignia of the country, an organization, an office, or a specific group. If we are going to talk about history, flags used to be mainly present only during wars to show fierceness and serve as identification. In fact, almost every flag today have their own nicknames aside from the universally accepted name.
As for the case of the flag of the Philippines, it is popularly known by the locals as the Pambansang Watawat ng Pilipinas (Philippine national flag) or simply the Tatlong Bituin at Isang Araw (three stars and a sun).
The design of the Philippine flag has not changed much throughout the years. The main differences are only with changes in the shade of blue and red fields and the design of the sun. To get to know more about its history, continue reading below.
Ever since the dawn of time, the Philippines has always been conquered by different countries, including Spain, the United States, Japan, Netherlands, Portugal, and Great Britain. During this time, the country adopted all the flags of those foreign nations. However, there are also instances recorded in history where Chinese pirates and invaders from Brunei, Malaysia, and Indonesia have been on the shore of the country.
With all these considered, we cannot deny that the Filipino people understand what it feels like to be invaded and not have an identity of their own. After years of oppression, the revolution started, and this has started the burning desire of the locals to fight for their country.
As a start of the philippine revolution, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo designed the first-ever Filipino flag, and it is still the same design that is being used today. The first Philippine flag was sewn by three women at 535 Morrison Hill Road in Hongkong.
The three women include Doña Marcela Mariño Agoncillo (who is now known as the Mother of the Philippine Flag), Lorenza Mariño Agoncillo, and Delfina Herbosa de Natividad (who is also a niece of Dr. Jose Rizal, the Philippine National Hero).
The Philippine flag is made of silk, and it was first hoisted during the declaration of the Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898, in Kawit, Cavite. This date later became officially proclaimed as the National Independence Day of the Philippines.
Since the whole design is still new, other provinces in the country have adopted it but modified it to include Spanish texts such as Fuerzas Expedicionarias del Norte de Luzon (Northern Luzon Expeditionary Forces) and Libertad Justicia e Ygualdad (Liberty, Justice, and Equality).
During the American period, the country had no choice but to use the American flag. By March 26, 1920, the Philippine flag was again displayed but with a minor modification on its color. Instead of using a bright blue and red color, it now resembles the colors used in the American flag to represent that the country is still under the American government.
By 1942 - 1943, the Japanese flag was used, but the Philippine revolution was successful is. By October of 1943, the Philippine flag was displayed once again. This was hoisted upon the proclamation of the Second Republic of the Philippines under president Dr. Jose P. Laurel.
From 1946 to the present, the Philippines stayed independent and have been using their official flag, and the only difference that can be seen is the change of shades. However, since 1998, the Filipino flag is following the colors stipulated in the Republic Act. 8491 (S. 1998).
The original concept of the Philippine national flag reflects particular ideals, dreams, and aspirations of the Filipino people. There is basically five major symbolism that you can find, and this includes the following:
Since flags are important in today's generation, the country has very specific protocols regarding their use. To help you get to know what these are and to avoid coming off as disrespectful, check out these five important facts you need to know below.
In order to ensure that you will instantly recognize the national anthem when you hear it, please do check out the lyrics below along with the official translation.
| Official Tagalog Lyrics | Official English Lyrics |
| Bayang magiliw, Perlas ng silanganan, Alab ng puso Sa dibdib mo’y buhay. Lupang hinirang, Duyan ka ng magiting, Sa manlulupig Di ka pasisiil. Sa dagat at bundok, Sa simoy at sa langit mong bughaw, May dilag ang tula At awit sa paglayang minamahal. Ang kislap ng watawat mo’y Tagumpay na nagniningning; Ang bituin at araw niya, Kailan pa ma’y di magdidilim. Lupa ng araw, ng luwalhati’t pagsinta, Buhay ay langit sa piling mo; Aming ligaya na ‘pag may mang-aapi, Ang mamatay nang dahil sa ‘yo. |
Land of the morning, Child of the sun returning, With fervor burning Thee do our souls adore. Land dear and holy, Cradle of noble heroes, Ne’er shall invaders Trample thy sacred shores. Ever within thy skies and through thy clouds, And o’er thy hills and seas, Do we behold the radiance, feel the throb Of glorious liberty. Thy banner dear to all our hearts, Its sun and stars alight, Oh, never shall its shining fields Be dimmed by tyrant’s might! Beautiful land of love, o land of light, In thine embrace ‘tis rapture to lie, But it is glory ever, when thou art wronged, For us, thy sons to suffer and die |
As we reach this part of the post, we hope that you were able to learn everything there is to know about the Philippine Flag. So, if you enjoyed this post, please be sure to check out our previous articles related to the Philippines and its languages, as the history of the Tagalog language, the best movies to watch to learn Tagalog, and the epic differences between Tagalog and Spanish.
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