photo essay about philippine flag

What Does The Philippine Flag Symbolise?

The history of the Philippine flag dates back to the year 1896, during the Philippine Revolution against the Spaniards. Filipinos had no national flag at the time, but when they had to revolt against Spain, the revolutionary group knew they had to raise a banner that would represent the Philippines. This led to a series of events that eventually gave birth to the Philippine flag we have come to know.

In the early days of the Revolutionary period, the flags being used to represent the Philippines were mostly created by the Katipuneros (members of the Katipunan , an anti-Spanish Filipino group formed to seek independence from Spain). The flag initially had two versions – one which had the letters ‘K.K.K.’ arranged in a row, whereas the other one featured the same letters but arranged in a way that it formed an equilateral triangle.

Later on, the number of letters was reduced to one. Another version featured the letter of an ancient Tagalog ‘K’ placed within the figure of a sun with eight rays. The ‘K’ represented the Katipunan.

All these flags were rectangular in shape and the cloth used was red in colour – to symbolise the Katipuneros’ revolutionary character.

But during the second phase of the Philippine Revolution, then-President General Emilio Aguinaldo thought of having a new flag for the Philippines. It was him and other revolutionary leaders who designed the current Philippine flag, which was hand-sewn by a group led by Marcela Mariño Agoncillo – wife of the first diplomat Felipe Agoncillo.

Today’s Philippine flag was first displayed during a battle in May 28, 1898 (hence, the date of the Philippine Flag Day). In June 12, 1898, it was unveiled at the Aguinaldos’ mansion in Kawit, Cavite in proclamation of the Philippine Independence. From 28th May to 12th June of each year, the display of the Philippine Flag is symbolic of the struggles and sacrifices of Filipino heroes who chose to fight for freedom and independence.

The flag was made of silk. The sun represents liberty and its eight rays represent the first eight provinces that revolted against Spain. The three stars stand for the three big islands of the Philippines, namely Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. As for the colours used, white represents hope for equality, while the blue stripe stands for peace, truth, and justice. Finally, the red stripe symbolises patriotism and valour. However, when the two stripes are interchanged, this signals that the country is in a state of war.

The Philippine flag, one of the national symbols of the country, has a rich story behind it as it ‘ stood as witness to the glorious events’ of Philippine history. While it symbolises the nation’s ideals, patriotism, and aspirations, the flag also stands for the freedom that Filipino revolution leaders and ancestors had fought and died for.

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PHILIPPINE FLAG – History Of The Creation Of The Flag

PHILIPPINE FLAG – In this topic, we will now discuss about the history of the creation and changes of the national Philippine flag.

This is based on an article by the Manuel L. Quezon III, the descendant of the 2nd President Manuel L Quezon.

The trace to search for its roots is surrounded by controversies and reliable sources. We will first begin in the Philippine Revolution, led by a movement called the Kataastaasang Kagalanggalangan Katipunan ng mga Anak Ng Bayan or Katipunan for short.

Their flag is commonly described as three Ks in a red field, where the red symbolizes the blood of where the members sign their oaths to be inducted in the society. There are two versions: One where the Ks are in a single line, and the other where the Ks from a triangle.

Before they declared independent, in May 28, 1898, Marcela Marino de Agoncillo, Lorenza Agoncillo, and Delfina Herbosa de Natividad sew the first ever Philippine flag and was flown in battle. It was at June 12, 1898, now known as the Philippine Independence day, that the flag was unfurled by the first president Emilio Aguinaldo.

The flag adapted the mythical sun with a face with eight rays representing the 8 provinces who revolted against the Spaniards: Manila, Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Bataan, Laguna and Batangas; the white triangle of masonry; the three stars; and the red and blue stripes, wherein if red is above the blue, it signifies war. The red and blue, according to history, is the same colors from the Cuban flag.

In 1919 onwards, according to historians , the cloths containing the colors of the American flag was available in most stores. Thus, the flag adapted the colors of navy blue and red, with the design

On March 25, 1936, Manuel L. Quezon issued Executive Order No. 23 which states that:

• Article XIII of the then-Constitution “prescribes what the Philippine National Flag should be without giving descriptions and specifications”;
• Act. 2928 described “the construction of the Philippine Flag without the necessary specifications of the different elements of the flag”;
• “[C]ompliance with this Act has not been uniformly carried out and has caused the making of Filipino flags in disproportionate sizes with different allegorical symbols of the flag.

The changes in the flag are as follows:

• The mythical sun was replaced by a standard sun and 8 rays
• The colors are still American navy blue and red
• The angle of the stars and the white triangle is codified.
• The ratio of the flag changed to 2:1

In February 12, 1998, Republic Act 8491 was approved and changed the blue stripe of the flag from navy blue to royal blue, thus this is the flag that we use today.

The RA states that:

SECTION 4. The flag of the Philippines shall be blue, white and red with an eight-rayed golden-yellow sun and three five-pointed stars, as consecrated and honored by the people.

SECTION 26. The period from May 28 to June 12 of each year is declared as Flag Days, during which period all offices, agencies and instrumentalities of government, business establishments, institutions of learning and private homes are enjoined to display the flag.

SECTION 27. The flag shall have the following proportions. The width of the flag, 1; the length of the flag, 2; and the sides of the white triangle, 1.

SECTION 28. The technical specifications shall be as follows: The blue color shall bear Cable No. 80173; the white color, Cable No. 80001; the red color, Cable No. 80108; and the golden yellow, Cable No. 80068.

READ ALSO: PHILIPPINE FOLK DANCES – List Of Filipino Dances

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Unveiling the Symbolism: A Dive into the History and Meaning of the Philippine Flag

18 february 2024.

The Philippine flag, with its vibrant colors and rich symbolism, stands as a powerful emblem of the nation’s history, identity, and aspirations. In this article, we embark on a journey to uncover the profound meaning behind each element of the flag, tracing its origins and significance throughout Philippine history.

Origins of the Philippine Flag:

The story of the Philippine flag dates back to the days of the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonization in the late 19th century. In 1897, General Emilio Aguinaldo, the leader of the revolutionary forces, commissioned the creation of the first Philippine flag in Hong Kong. This flag, known as the “Lupang Hinirang” or “chosen land,” symbolized the country’s quest for independence and sovereignty.

Symbolism of the Philippine Flag:

   – Blue: Represents peace, truth, and justice. It signifies the unity and harmony among the Filipino people.

   – Red: Symbolizes courage, sacrifice, and patriotism. It commemorates the blood shed by Filipino heroes in the struggle for freedom.

   – White: Signifies purity and the desire for peace. It embodies the noble aspirations of the Filipino people for a just and prosperous society.

• Sun and Stars:

   – Sun: Depicted with eight rays, each representing the first eight provinces that revolted against Spanish rule namely: Manila, Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Laguna, Tarlac, and Batangas. The sun symbolizes freedom, enlightenment, and the dawning of a new era for the Philippines.

   – Three Stars: Represent the three main geographical regions of the Philippines – Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. These stars embody the unity and solidarity of the Filipino people across the archipelago.

• Flag Design:

   – The flag consists of two horizontal bands of blue and red, with a white equilateral triangle on the hoist side. The blue band symbolizes peace and justice, while the red band represents courage and patriotism. The white triangle signifies equality and fraternity among Filipinos.

Historical Significance:

The Philippine flag has witnessed pivotal moments in the nation’s history, from the struggle for independence against colonial powers to the fight for democracy and human rights. It has served as a rallying point for Filipinos in times of adversity and a symbol of pride and unity during moments of triumph.

Today, the Philippine flag continues to fly proudly as a beacon of hope and inspiration for future generations. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by past heroes and the ongoing journey towards a better, more prosperous Philippines.

In essence, the Philippine flag is more than just a piece of cloth; it is a living embodiment of the Filipino spirit – resilient, courageous, and proud. Its colors and symbols speak volumes about the nation’s history, values, and aspirations. As Filipinos, we must honor and cherish our flag, for it represents the collective dreams and aspirations of a nation striving for greatness.

South Seattle Emerald

PHOTO ESSAY: Filipino Community Mobilizes Against Philippine President at Othello Park

by Ronnie Estoque

The Seattle Globalist was a daily online publication that covered the connections between local and global issues in Seattle. The Emerald is keeping alive its legacy of highlighting our city’s diverse voices by regularly publishing and re-publishing stories aligned with the Globalist’s mission. 

On Saturday, July 31, BAYAN Seattle and Malaya Movement coordinated a rally and carnival to launch the Duterte Wakasan Na Movement, which seeks the resignation of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte for human rights violations in the country. Human Rights Watch reports that extrajudicial killings in the country — often committed under the guise of a “war on drugs” — have increased dramatically during the pandemic. 

The weekend event also included several bouncy houses for kids, food and games, and local performances from artists as well as group dancing. Several notable speakers in attendance included Miss Washington Maricres Castro and Washington State Sen. Rebecca Saldaña. Both expressed support for local community organizers.

“Under current President Duterte, the unjust system in the Philippines participates in suppressing dissent both by weaponizing the law to facilitate human rights abuses and by failing to enforce legal protections,” said Saldaña, who has served as a sub commissioner on Investigate PH — an organization currently conducting independent investigations of human rights violation in the country.

Last April, the Emerald published a photo essay that documented protests at Seafood City in Tukwila from the same organizations that led Saturday’s event at Othello Park. 

The Pacific Northwest is home to one of the largest Filipino populations in the country.

Ronnie Estoque is a South Seattle-based freelance photographer and videographer. You can keep up with his work by checking out his website .

📸 Featured Image: The flag of the Philippines hangs over Othello Park as the crowd listens to a speaker. (Photo: Ronnie Estoque)

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A good year for Filipina photojournalists and documentary photographers

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This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

FILIPINA PHOTOGRAPHERS. From left to right: Kimberly dela Cruz, Xyza Cruz Bacani, Hannah Reyes Morales

Photos from their official websites

Year 2021 will be remembered as the year that three young Filipina photojournalists and documentary photographers gained worldwide recognition for their visual stories and commissioned work.

Here’s a look at some of them.

Kimberly dela Cruz

Kimberly dela Cruz won a W. Eugene Smith grant for humanistic documentary project for “Death of a Nation.” Dela Cruz is the first Philippines-based documentary photographer to win the prestigious award.

Hannah Reyes Morales

Hannah Reyes Morales was selected to do the Nobel Peace Prize Exhibit to honor Rappler CEO Maria Ressa, the Philippines’ first Nobel laureate.

Morales’ image of shark feeding made it to the Photos of the Year selection by The New York Times and The Guardian . She was also the winner of ICP’s 2020 Infinity Award for Documentary Practice and Visual Journalism.

Xyza Cruz Bacani

In 2021, Xyza Cruz Bacani started her master’s degree studies at New York University. Bacani was admitted without an undergraduate degree. She received a scholarship grant from the Hong Kong WMA Foundation, Tim Herman, and NYU to cover her tuition and expenses.

Bacani did two major commissioned works for Ayala Foundation, and for a unit of French food giant Danone SA’s program to help coconut farmers in the Philippines boost yields and double their incomes within five years. This is aside from feature stories related to COVID-19 that run on National Public Radio, CNN, and National Geographic.

Her book, We Are Like Air , is now on 3rd printing and a collector’s edition will be available soon. – Rappler.com

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What Solar Eclipse-Gazing Has Looked Like for the Past 2 Centuries

Millions of people on Monday will continue the tradition of experiencing and capturing solar eclipses, a pursuit that has spawned a lot of unusual gear.

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By Sarah Eckinger

• April 8, 2024

For centuries, people have been clamoring to glimpse solar eclipses. From astronomers with custom-built photographic equipment to groups huddled together with special glasses, this spectacle has captivated the human imagination.

Creating a Permanent Record

In 1860, Warren de la Rue captured what many sources describe as the first photograph of a total solar eclipse . He took it in Rivabellosa, Spain, with an instrument known as the Kew Photoheliograph . This combination of a telescope and camera was specifically built to photograph the sun.

Forty years later, Nevil Maskelyne, a magician and an astronomy enthusiast, filmed a total solar eclipse in North Carolina. The footage was lost, however, and only released in 2019 after it was rediscovered in the Royal Astronomical Society’s archives.

Telescopic Vision

For scientists and astronomers, eclipses provide an opportunity not only to view the moon’s umbra and gaze at the sun’s corona, but also to make observations that further their studies. Many observatories, or friendly neighbors with a telescope, also make their instruments available to the public during eclipses.

Fredrik Hjalmar Johansen, Fridtjof Nansen and Sigurd Scott Hansen observing a solar eclipse while on a polar expedition in 1894 .

Women from Wellesley College in Massachusetts and their professor tested out equipment ahead of their eclipse trip (to “catch old Sol in the act,” as the original New York Times article phrased it) to New London, Conn., in 1922.

A group from Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania traveled to Yerbaniz, Mexico, in 1923, with telescopes and a 65-foot camera to observe the sun’s corona .

Dr. J.J. Nassau, director of the Warner and Swasey Observatory at Case School of Applied Science in Cleveland, prepared to head to Douglas Hill, Maine, to study an eclipse in 1932. An entire freight car was required to transport the institution’s equipment.

Visitors viewed a solar eclipse at an observatory in Berlin in the mid-1930s.

A family set up two telescopes in Bar Harbor, Maine, in 1963. The two children placed stones on the base to help steady them.

An astronomer examined equipment for an eclipse in a desert in Mauritania in June 1973. We credit the hot climate for his choice in outfit.

Indirect Light

If you see people on Monday sprinting to your local park clutching pieces of paper, or with a cardboard box of their head, they are probably planning to reflect or project images of the solar eclipse onto a surface.

Cynthia Goulakos demonstrated a safe way to view a solar eclipse , with two pieces of cardboard to create a reflection of the shadowed sun, in Lowell, Mass., in 1970.

Another popular option is to create a pinhole camera. This woman did so in Central Park in 1963 by using a paper cup with a small hole in the bottom and a twin-lens reflex camera.

Amateur astronomers viewed a partial eclipse, projected from a telescope onto a screen, from atop the Empire State Building in 1967 .

Back in Central Park, in 1970, Irving Schwartz and his wife reflected an eclipse onto a piece of paper by holding binoculars on the edge of a garbage basket.

Children in Denver in 1979 used cardboard viewing boxes and pieces of paper with small pinholes to view projections of a partial eclipse.

A crowd gathered around a basin of water dyed with dark ink, waiting for the reflection of a solar eclipse to appear, in Hanoi, Vietnam, in 1995.

Staring at the Sun (or, How Not to Burn Your Retinas)

Eclipse-gazers have used different methods to protect their eyes throughout the years, some safer than others .

In 1927, women gathered at a window in a building in London to watch a total eclipse through smoked glass. This was popularized in France in the 1700s , but fell out of favor when physicians began writing papers on children whose vision was damaged.

Another trend was to use a strip of exposed photographic film, as seen below in Sydney, Australia, in 1948 and in Turkana, Kenya, in 1963. This method, which was even suggested by The Times in 1979 , has since been declared unsafe.

Solar eclipse glasses are a popular and safe way to view the event ( if you use models compliant with international safety standards ). Over the years there have been various styles, including these large hand-held options found in West Palm Beach, Fla., in 1979.

Parents and children watched a partial eclipse through their eclipse glasses in Tokyo in 1981.

Slimmer, more colorful options were used in Nabusimake, Colombia, in 1998.

In France in 1999.

And in Iran and England in 1999.

And the best way to see the eclipse? With family and friends at a watch party, like this one in Isalo National Park in Madagascar in 2001.

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