The Philippine flag has been a symbol of freedom and independence for more than a century. It also represents the aspirations and sentiments of Filipinos as they strive for independence from foreign powers. It means the country's love of its homeland and its citizens' unceasing quest for independence. It also reminds us how much the Filipino people value unity, which binds them together.
History of the Philippine flag
Our nation's first flag was a red piece of cloth with the letters "K.K.K." arranged in a row in the center of the rectangular field, unfurled during the "First Cry of the Revolution" in August 1896. An earlier version of this flag had three K's arranged in an equilateral triangle, while later versions featured either one or two K's within an eight-rayed sun.
Emilio Aguinaldo and other revolutionary leaders designed the Philippine flag during the second phase of the Philippine Revolution against Spain. It was Marcela Mariño Agoncillo, wife of the first diplomat Felipe Agoncillo, who hand-sewed the new flag, with the help of her daughter Lorenza and Mrs. Delfina Herbosa de Natividad.
What does the Philippine flag symbolize?
The Philippine flag holds a fascinating history and representation. The sun symbolizes liberty, with its eight rays representing the first eight regions to revolt against Spain. The three stars represent the Philippines' three largest islands: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The blue stripe denotes peace, truth, and justice, while the white represents the aspiration for equality. Finally, the red stripe represents heroism and patriotism. If the two stripes are switched, the country is at war.
National Flag Days Philippines
To commemorate the Philippine flag, Republic Act No. 8491 Section 26 declares May 28 to June 12 yearly National Flag Days. The Philippine flag days are meant to celebrate the Philippines' flag and all that it stands for unity, freedom, and democracy. During the Philippine flag days, all offices, agencies, and instrumentalities of government, business establishments, learning institutions, and private homes are enjoined to display the flag.
Right now, the question is: Where is the original flag of the Philippines?
The flag flying over Kawit, Cavite, on June 12, 1898, is still flying.
It's not just a metaphor. The first Philippine flag is still in the care of the Aguinaldo Museum in Baguio City, where Emilio Aguinaldo himself unfurled it. He was then president of the Republic.
The Philippine flag is in danger of losing its battle with time. The Philippine flag is a relic of our history and heritage, but the elements slowly destroy it.
But if a descendant of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo has his way, the country's first flag would be restored and preserved.
This preservation method utilizes new technology to preserve the original state original Philippine flag and to avoid any damage. The original Philippines flag has been held in a "dimly lit, temperature-controlled room" at the General Emilio Aguinaldo Museum in Baguio's Happy Glen Loop. In this way, there is an assurance that the flag will last longer and will be preserved.
The flag has been kept at the National Museum in Manila for decades, but recently it was moved to a glass case so that people could see it. But even that hasn't been enough to keep it safe: it needs to be preserved before it becomes too degraded by time.
The descendants of Aguinaldo say that this flag was the most upfront about its ideals because the words "Libertad" and "Justicia" are stitched with gold silk thread on one side of the flag, while the phrase "Fuerzas Expedicionarias del Norte de Luzón," runs across the other side.
The 119-year-old flag is placed in a dark room where the air temperature and humidity are carefully controlled—and we're not talking about just any old dark room: It's dimly lit, too. This way, the original Philippine flag will be preserved.
That's why the museum is asking Filipinos to visit their summer capital Baguio City and see the relic while it remains intact. The flag is not just a symbol of our country, but this has been a testament to how we fought for our freedom and how our ancestors fought the battle for the next generation.
If you are planning to visit Baguio City, you might consider visiting the General Emilio Aguinaldo Museum in Aguinaldo Park, Happy Glen Loop. This Baguio tourist spot will not just feed your eyes but also ignite the fire you have within as a Filipino.
If you want to stay in a condo in Baguio near this place or other Baguio tourist spots, Vista Residences has an apartment in Baguio where you can visit. Take a look at Canyon Hill, Pinehill, and Brenthill Baguio.
Brenthill Baguio is where investors and tenants can enjoy a snug and colorful condominium living in a spot where break and hustle collide at this pre-selling apartment for sale in Baguio City. It has the standard unit kinds for residences, such as studios, one-bedrooms, and two-bedrooms with balconies.
Meanwhile, Pinehill will be a collection of studio and 1-bedroom apartments with a spectacular view and surrounded by a dense pine forest, excellent for students or families that want to live in the Summer Capital or visit. The 12-story vertical town will be a luxurious getaway set on a winding mountainside with a spectacular view of lush pine forests that fade away into valleys and quaint communities.
And for Canyon Hill this is a development of 2-bedroom condos with a fitness facility, multipurpose function rooms, game room, and commercial spaces in each building. It will be on Pacdal Road, among well-known academic institutions and attractions, including Wright Park and The Mansion.
These condo in Baguio will offer you an extra exciting Baguio experience. Try to add this to your bucket list and make your Baguio stay worth the experience.
For more information on Vista Residences, email [email protected], follow @VistaResidencesOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, or call the Marketing Office at 0999 886 4262 / 0917 582 5167.
