National Symbols of the Philippines

 

Flag of the Philippines

National Symbol of the Country

 

The flag is one of the most powerful symbols of the country. It has four colors: blue, red, white and yellow. Each color symbolizes a human virtue: blue for peace, red for heroism, white for purity of heart and yellow for clarity of mind. It has three stars and a sun inside the white triangle of the flag. The stars represent the 3 largest groups of islands of the country: Luzon, Mindanao and Visayas. The sun’s 8 rays represent the 8 provinces that started the armed struggle against Spanish rule in 1896.

 

 

Lupang Hinirang

National Anthem

 

This is the title of the national anthem of the Philippines and it is an anthem that is played with a "marching tune."

 

The music was composed by Julian Felipe in 1898 and the lyrics of the song were taken from the poem “Filipinas” by Jose Palma.

 

 

Jose Rizal

National Hero

 

He is considered by many Filipinos as the national hero of the Philippines. His works had a profound influence on Philippine nationalism during the last two decades of the 20th century. Many believe that his works, particularly the “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo,” helped change the course of history in the Philippines during that time.

 

 

Sampaguita Flower

National Flower

 

The flower comes from a shrub called sampaguita, and the plant produces small, white flowers that resemble the stars. The sampaguita flower has a very fragrant scent which is the main reason why it is quite well known. It symbolizes purity and simplicity as well as strength.

 

The sampaguita became the national flower of the Philippines when Governor General Frank Murphy issued Proclamation 652 in 1934.

 

 

Waling-Waling

National Flower

 

There are bills in the Philippine Senate and House of Representatives that were passed, making the waling-waling as one of the two national flowers of the Philippines. Waling-waling is a popular orchid and it is known scientifically as Vanda sanderiana.

 

 

Narra

National Tree

 

The wood of the narra tree is a very sturdy one and termites are unable to destroy it. This is the reason why it has been used in building homes and making furniture, even though the wood is expensive. The tree symbolizes the strength of character of the Filipino in times of crises.

 

The narra became the national tree of the Philippines during the time of Frank Murphy as Governor General in 1934.

 

 

Anahaw

National Leaf

 

Anahaw leaves come from a large tropical palm and the leaves are shaped like a fan. They are large and attractive and they can be used as a fan during hot days, although nowadays people use electric fans and air-cons to cool themselves during summer. Anahaw leaves are sometimes used as an award symbol.

 

 

Mangga or Mango

National Fruit

 

This is one fruit that Filipinos love to eat when ripe. It has a smooth, golden yellow skin and a very sweet taste. Usually, it is eaten as a dessert or as a light snack. As a snack, it is, sometimes, eaten in combination with suman, a Filipino food made of sticky rice. The unripe variety of the fruit is well liked, too. It is eaten as a side dish and often mixed with diced tomatoes and onions and bagoong, which a Filipino condiment.

 

 

Agila ng Pilipinas or Philippine Eagle

National Bird

 

This is a rare and endangered species, and it is an animal found only in the Philippines. The eagle became the national bird of the Philippines by virtue of an executive order issued in 1995.

 

 

Bangus or Milkfish

National Fish

 

The “bangus” is a favorite food of the Filipinos. Filipinos have learned to cook the "bangus" in a variety of ways. It can be fried, stewed, steamed or grilled. “Pritong bangus” (fried milkfish), “sinigang na bangus” (milkfish stew) and “inihaw na bangus” (grilled milkfish) are some main dishes in which the main ingredient is the "bangus.”

 

 

Litson or Lechon or Roasted Pig

National Food

 

This food is served during special occasions (birthdays, weddings, fiesta). It is cooked by roasting a pig whole in charcoal. The way it is roasted and the sauce of the lechon determine how good the food is.

 

 

Bahay Kubo or Nipa Hut

National House

 

This traditional type of house can still be seen in many parts of the country. It is a simple house made from wood that is available in the community and it has a thatched roof.

 

 

Arnis

National Martial Arts and Sport

 

Arnis is one kind of martial arts which originated in the Philippines. It involves the use of wooden batons for self-defense. It is the new national sport, replacing sipa.

 

 

Barong Tagalog

National Dress for Men

 

This traditional type of dress for men is made from pina or ramie or similar fabric. In the past, it is often used as formal attire but, nowadays, the short-sleeve version of the barong serves as semi-formal attire.

 

 

Baro’t Saya

National Dress for Women

 

This is a beautiful formal gown worn by Filipino women during special occasions or official functions. The gown symbolizes all that is good about the femininity of Filipino women.

 

 

Carinosa

National Dance

 

This is a traditional dance which is often performed on special occasions.

 

 

BACK TO: Philippines Country Profile and Various Topics

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Notes on the Filipino Culture

 

Christmas in the Philippines

philippines-atbp.jimdofree.com/ph-profile-filipino-culture-christmas-in-the-philippines/

 

Games Filipino Children Play

philippines-atbp.jimdofree.com/ph-profile-filipino-culture-games-filipino-children-play/

 

National Symbols of the Philippines

philippines-atbp.jimdofree.com/ph-profile-filipino-culture-national-symbols/