Flag of the Philippines

TheFlag of the Philippinesis indeed symbolic, not just because it represents the country, its identity and independence, but also because it represents many other things. The distinguished three stars and sun that makes the flag unique to the lines and choice of colors, and how these are positioned in relation to one another.

Across the nation, they who consider themselves nationalistic will recognize the phrase “three stars and a sun” as an allusion to the country’s flag and consequently to all that is represented by the flag, that being the Philippines in its entirety. The three stars represent the three major islands of the country: Luzon, Visayas (Panay), and Mindanao. These three stars are placed – one at very corner – in a white triangle at the flag’s hoist.

The sun at the center of the white triangle has eight rays representing the eight provinces that dared start to revolt against the oppressive rule of the Spanish officials and friars in the country and hence was placed under martial law.

The white triangle, although associated with pseudo-masonry and according to the 1898 Proclamation of Philippine Independence represents the Katipunan, the fraternity of Filipino patriots who rebelled against the Spanish colonizers, signifies equality and fraternity according to current official explanation.

The blue band, the shade of which underwent controversies and hence variations from sky blue to navy blue to the present royal blue, represents justice, truth, and peace. The red (scarlet red) band, on the other hand, represents fervor and valor. The Philippine flag is displayed in a way that the blue band is above the red band; or, when hung vertically, to the left side of observers. When placed contrary to these positions, it means the country is in a state of war.