The , "" Composed by Julian Felipe on June 12, 1898 Language: Tagalog English Version

Bayang magiliw, perlas ng silanganan. Land of the morning Alab ng puso, sa dibdib mo'y buhay. Child of the sun returning Lupang hinirang, duyan ka ng magiting With fervor burning Sa manlulupig, di ka pasisiil. Thee do our souls adore.

Sa dagat at bundok, sa simoy at Land dear and holy, sa langit mong bughaw, Cradle of noble heroes, may dilag ang tula at awit Ne'er shall invaders sa paglayang minamahal. Trample thy sacred shores. Ang kislap ng watawat mo'y Ever within thy skies and through thy clouds tagumpay na nagniningning. And o'er thy hills and seas; Ang bituin at araw niya Do we behold thy radiance, feel the throb kailan pa may di magdidilim. Of glorious liberty. Lupa ng araw, ng lualhati't pagsinta, buhay ay langit sa piling mo. Thy banner dear to all hearts Aming ligaya na pag may mang-aapi, Its sun and stars alright, ang mamatay ng dahil sa iyo Oh, never shall its shining fields Be dimmed by tyrants might.

The national anthem

vocal midi (instrumental) ♫ ║ ► ║ ♫

Hit the (midi) arrowbutton to hear the instrumental version

"Lupang Hinirang", why composed in 1898?

The period before liberty; Liberty, brought by the ?

In 1521 the Spanish period started with the arrival of a After 327 years under Spanish rule, the Spanish-American small fleet in the coastal waters of island. After a War ended the Spanish colonial period. The period of struggle, the organized resistance of the locals thought that they won independence in 1898. But that was was definitely broken in 1565. a wishful thinking! The was controlled by the Americans from 1900-1942. Then a short Japanese A long period of Spanish influence followed. Colonial occupation period 1942-1945 followed, before the buildings and religious places gave the Philippines, at that Americans defeated the Japanese army. Freedom at last! In time called 'Las Islas Felipinas', more and more a 1946 the people of the Philippines attained their Spanish and Catholic character. independence, 148 years later than the freedom which was written down by Julian Felipe in the "Lupang Hinirang".

http://www.philippines.hvu.nl/flag.htm Lupang Hinirang

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Lupang Hinirang

English: Chosen Land

National anthem of Philippines

Also known as

English: Beloved Country

Lyrics José Palma, 1899

Music Julián Felipe, 1898

Adopted 1898

Music sample

Lupang Hinirang (Instrumental)

Lupang Hinirang is the national anthem of the Philippines. Its music was composed in 1898 by Julián Felipe, with lyrics in Spanish adapted from the poem Filipinas, written by José Palma in 1899.

Originally written as incidental music, it did not have words when it was adopted as the national anthem of the Philippines and subsequently played during the proclamation of Philippine independence on June 12, 1898. During the American occupation of the Philippines, the colonial government banned the song from being played with the passage of the Law.[1] The law was repealed in 1919 and the song was translated into English and would be legalized as the "Philippine Hymn". The anthem was translated into Tagalog beginning in the 1940s. A 1956 Pilipino (standardised Tagalog) version, revised in the 1960s, serves as the present anthem. Lupang Hinirang in Filipino or Tagalog means "Chosen Land" in English. Some English sources erroneously translate Lupang Hinirang as "Beloved Land" or "Beloved Country"; [2][3] however, "Beloved Land" is a translation of the first line of Filipinas, which would be Tiérra adorada, and "Beloved Country" is likewise a translation of the first line of the current version of the anthem, which would be Bayang Magiliw. The anthem is also colloquially known as Bayang Magiliw. Contents

[hide] • 1 Historical background • 2 Lyrics • 3 Usage and legal regulation

• 4 Notes [edit] Historical background

Julián Felipe

The Lupang Hinirang began as an instrumental march which commissioned for use in the proclamation of Philippine independence from Spain. This task was given to Julián Felipe and was to replace a march which Aguinaldo did not find to be satisfactory. The title of the new march was Marcha Filipina ("Magdalo Philippine March") and was later changed to Marcha Nacional Filipina ("Philippine National March") upon its adoption as the national anthem of the First Philippine Republic on June 11, 1898, a day before the date when Philippine independence was to be proclaimed. It was played by the San Francisco de marching band during the proclamation on June 12, 1898.

In August 1899, José Palma wrote the poem Filipinas in Spanish. The poem was published for the first time in the newspaper La Independencia on September 3, 1899. It was subsequently adopted as the lyrics to the anthem.[4][5] Philippine law requires that the anthem always be rendered in accordance with the musical arrangement and composition of Julián Felipe, but the original holograph cannot be located.[6][7] In the 1920s, the time signature was changed to 4/4 to facilitate its singing and the key was changed from the original C major to G. [7]

During the 1920s, with the repeal of the Flag Law, which banned the use of all Filipino national symbols, the American colonial government decided to translate the national hymn from Spanish to English. The first translation was written around that time by Paz Marquez Benitez of the University of the Philippines, who was also a famous poet during that time. The most popular translation, called the "Philippine Hymn", was written by senator Camilo Osías and an American, Mary A. Lane. The "Philippine Hymn" was legalized by an act of the Philippine Congress in 1938.

Tagalog translations started appearing during the 1940s, with the first translation known as Diwa ng Bayan ("Spirit of the Country"), which was sung during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines, followed by the next most popular O Sintang Lupa ("O Beloved Land") by Julian Cruz Balmaceda, , and Francisco Caballo. O Sintang Lupa was approved as the national anthem in 1948. Upon the adoption of Diwa ng Bayan, the song Awit sa Paglikha ng Bagong Pilipinas and the Japanese national anthem was replaced.[8]

During the term of President , Education Secretary Gregorio Hernández formed a commission to revise the Tagalog lyrics. On May 26, 1956, the national anthem, Lupang Hinirang, was finally sung in Pilipino. Minor revisions were made in the 1960s, and it is this version, made by Felipe Padilla de León, which is in use today. The Filipino[9] lyrics have been confirmed by a new national symbols law (Republic Act No. 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines) in 1998, but not the English and Spanish.[6]

As historian has noted, some of the original meaning of the poem Filipinas has been lost in translation; for example, the original Hija del sol de oriente literally means "Daughter of the Orient (Eastern) Sun." It becomes "Child of the sun returning" in the Philippine Hymn and "Pearl of the Orient" in the present official version.[10]

The translation of Lupang Hinirang was used by Felipe Padilla de Leon as his inspiration for Awit sa Paglikha ng Bagong Pilipinas, commissioned by the government of the Japanese Occupation of the Philippines during World War II, and adapted during the Martial Law period under .

In the late 1990s, then Chief Executive Officer of the GMA Network, Menardo Jimenez, proposed that various recording artists record their respective versions of the national anthem; this is, however, prohibited by law.[7]

Lupang Hinirang was not the first Filipino national anthem to be conceived. The composer and revolutionist composed Marangal na Dalit ng Katagalugan (Honorable Hymn of Katagalugan), which later called Salve Patria (Save our Motherland). Which was intended as the official anthem of the , the secret society that spearheaded the Revolution. It is considered a national anthem because Andrés Bonifacio, the chief founder of the Katipunan, converted the organization into a revolutionary government - with himself as president - known as the Republika ng Katagalugan (Tagalog Republic) just before hostilities erupted.[11] The Katipunan or Republika ng Katagalugan was superseded by Aguinaldo's Republica Filipina. The anthem, later renamed Himno Nacional, was never adopted by Aguinaldo for unspecified reasons. It should be noted that Katagalugan, in its usage in the anthem, meant the Philippines as a whole and not just the Tagalog-speaking Filipinos.

Several versions of the anthem in various Philippine languages exist, but these are unofficial:

• An Ilocano language version was once used in Ilocos, but was stopped because of the status of the Filipino version as the only legal way of singing the national anthem. • A Chavacano language version was made for Zamboanga City in , but was never enforced due to the same legal reasons as above [edit] Lyrics

Wikisource has original text related to this article: Lupang Hinirang

The following Spanish, Tagalog/Filipino and English versions of the national anthem have been given official status throughout Philippine history. However, only the latest and current Filipino version is officially recognized by law. The Flag and Heraldic Code, approved on February 12, 1998, specifies, "The National Anthem shall always be sung in the within or without the country", and provides fine and imprisonment penalties for violations.[6]

Official Filipino lyrics: Unofficial English translation: Lupang Hinirang (1958, rev. 1960s)[6] Chosen Land[12][13]

Bayang magiliw, Country Beloved, Perlas ng Silanganan Pearl of the Orient, Alab ng puso, The burning [fervour] of the heart Sa Dibdib mo'y buhay. In thy chest is alive.

Lupang Hinirang, Chosen Land, Duyan ka ng magiting, Cradle Thou [art] of the valourous. Sa manlulupig, To the invaders, Di ka pasisiil. Thou shalt never submit. Sa dagat at bundok, In [the] seas and [the] mountains, Sa simoy at sa langit mong bughaw, in [the] air, and in skies of Thine azure, May dilag ang tula, There is beauty in the poem At awit sa paglayang minamahal. And [in the] song for freedom beloved.

Ang kislap ng watawat mo'y The sparkle of the flag of Thine Tagumpay na nagniningning, Is victory that is shining. Ang bituin at araw niya, The Stars and Sun of it Kailan pa ma'y di magdidilim, Forevermore shall never dim.

Lupa ng araw ng luwalhati't pagsinta, Land of the sun, of glory, and loving, Buhay ay langit sa piling mo, Life is Heaven in Thine embrace. Aming ligaya na pag may mang-aapi, 'Tis our joy, when there be oppressors, Ang mamatay ng dahil sa iyo. To die because of Thee. Official Commonwealth-era English Original Spanish version: version: Filipinas (1899)[4][5] The Philippine Hymn (1938)[14][15]

Tierra adorada, Land of the morning, hija del sol de Oriente, Child of the sun returning, su fuego ardiente With fervor burning, en ti latiendo está. Thee do our souls adore.

Tierra de amores, Land dear and holy, del heroísmo cuna, Cradle of noble heroes, los invasores Ne'er shall invaders no te hollarán jamás. Trample thy sacred shore.

En tu azul cielo, en tus auras, Ever within thy skies and through thy clouds en tus montes y en tu mar And o'er thy hills and sea, esplende y late el poema Do we behold the radiance, feel the throb, de tu amada libertad. Of glorious liberty.

Tu pabellón que en las lides Thy banner, dear to all our hearts, la victoria iluminó, Its sun and stars alight, no verá nunca apagados O never shall its shining field sus estrellas ni su sol. Be dimmed by tyrant's might!

Tierra de dichas, de sol y amores Beautiful land of love, o land of light, en tu regazo dulce es vivir; In thine embrace 'tis rapture to lie, es una gloria para tus hijos, But it is glory ever, when thou art wronged, cuando te ofenden, por ti morir. For us, thy sons to suffer and die. Official Japanese-era Tagalog version: Unofficial English translation: Diwa ng Bayan (1943)[citation needed] Spirit of the Country[12][16] Lupang mapalad, Land that is blesséd, Na mutya ng silangan; that is Pearl of the East; Bayang kasuyo, Nation in union Ng sangkalikasan. with [the whole of] nature.

Buhay at yaman, The life and riches Ng kapilipinuhan; Of the Filipino people Kuha't bawi, Taken and reclaimed Sa banyagang kamay. From foreign hands.

Sa iyong langit, bundok, In Thy skies, mountains, batis, dagat na pinalupig; Springs, seas that were invaded Nailibing na ang karimlan, Buried already is the darkness Ng kahapong pagtitiis. Of yesterday's suffering.

Sakit at luha, hirap, Pain and tears, hardship, Sisa at sumpa sa pagaamis; Difficulty and curse of oppression ay wala nang lahat at naligtas, Are all gone and [we] are saved Sa ibig manlupit. From those who wish to be cruel [to us].

Hayo't magdiwang lahi kong minamahal, Let us celebrate, my beloved race, Iyong watawat ang siyang tanglaw; With Thy flag as our guiding light; At kung sakaling ikaw ay muling And if ever Thou are once more threatened, pagbantaan, Our corpses will stand in the way. Aming bangkay ang siyang hahadlang. Official post-World War II Tagalog Unofficial English translation: version: O Beloved Land[12][16] O Sintang Lupa (1948)[citation needed]

O Sintang Lupa, O beloved land, Perlas ng Silanganan; Pearl of the Orient, Diwang apoy kang A fiery spirit art thou Sa araw nagmula. Coming from the sun.

Lupang magiliw, Land of our affection, Pugad ng kagitingan, Cradle of bravery, Sa manlulupig To the conquerors 'Di ka papaslang. Thou shall never fall.

Sa iyong langit, simoy, parang, Through thy skies, air, meadows, Dagat at kabundukan, Seas and mountains, Laganap ang tibok ng puso Widespread is the heartbeat Sa paglayang walang hanggan. For eternal freedom.

Sagisag ng watawat Mong mahal Thy dear flag symbolizes Ningning at tagumpay; Brilliance and victory; Araw't Bituin niyang maalab Its radiant sun and stars Ang s'yang lagi naming tanglaw. Will always be our guiding light.

Sa iyong lupa ng ligaya't pagsinta, In thee, land of joy and affection, Tamis mabuhay na yakap Mo, Sweet life in thine embrace. Datapwa't Langit ding kung ikaw ay apihin Though heaven will it be too, if thou art Ay mamatay ng dahil sa 'Yo oppressed To die because of thee. [edit] Usage and legal regulation

Article XVI, Section 2 of the present Philippine Constitution specifies that "The Congress may, by law, adopt a new name for the country, a national anthem, or a national seal, which shall be truly reflective and symbolic of the ideals, history, and traditions of the people. Such law shall take effect only upon its ratification by the people in a national referendum."[17] At present, the 1998 Republic Act (R.A.) 8491.[6] (the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines) regulates the usage of the Philippine national anthem. It also contains the complete lyrics of Lupang Hinirang.[6]

R.A. 8491 specifies that Lupang Hinirang "shall be in accordance with the musical arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe." However, when literally followed, this means that the national anthem should only be performed by a pianist or by a brass band, as these were the only versions that were produced by Julian Felipe. Moreover, because the original version was composed in duple time (i.e. in a time signature of 2/4) as compared to the present quadruple time (4/4), it is uncertain if this will either slow down or even double the music's speed, making it difficult for singers to keep up with the music.[7] Regardless of this, the national anthem is still sung with the lyrics. R.A. 8491 also states that Lupang Hinirang "shall always be sung in the national language" regardless if performed inside or outside the Philippines, and specifies that the singing must be done with fervor.

The National Anthem is usually played during public gatherings in the Philippines or in foreign countries where the Filipino audience is sizable. R.A. 8491 also provides that it be played at other occasions as may be allowed by the National Historical Institute. R.A. 8491 prohibits its playing or singing for mere recreation, amusement, or entertainment except during the following occasions:

1. International competitions where the Philippines is the host or has a representative; 2. Local competitions; 3. During the "signing off" and "signing on" of radio broadcasting and television stations; and 4. Before the initial and last screening of films and before the opening of theater performances. R.A. 8491 specifies fine or imprisonment penalties for any person or juridical entity which violates its provisions.[6] A public or government official or employee who fails to observe the regulations of R.A. 8491 may face administrative sanctions in addition to the penalties imposed by law. This also applies to persons connected with government-held corporations, public schools, and state colleges and universities.[citation needed] [edit] Notes

1. ^ Pomeroy, William J. (Published 1992). The Philippines: Colonialism, Collaboration, and Resistance. International Publishers Co.. p. 10. ISBN 0717806928. http://books.google.com/?id=vQPpEa02N5kC&pg=PA10&dq=Philippines+%22flag+law %22. Retrieved 26 January 2008; excerpted quote: "In 1909 an entire band was sent to prison for playing the Philippine National Anthem at a festival in Quiapo, .", citing Agoncillo, Teodoro A. (2005). The Revolt of the Masses: The Story of Bonifacio and the Katipunan. City: University of the Philippines Press 2. ^ Colleen A. Sexton (2006). Philippines in Pictures. Twenty-First Century Books. p. 69. ISBN 9780822526773. http://books.google.com/?id=ffGdShrIrQAC 3. ^ Marshall Cavendish Corporation (September 2007). World and Its Peoples: , Philippines, Singapore, and Brunei. Marshall Cavendish. p. 1242. ISBN 9780761476429. http://books.google.com/?id=72VwCFtYHCgC 4. ^ a b The original text, as published in Barcelona, Spain in 1912: Palma, José (1912). Melancólicas : coleccion de poesías. Manila, Philippines: Liberería Manila Filatélica. (Digital copy found online at HathiTrust Digital Library on 2010-03-31) 5. ^ a b Contemporary restatements of and comments about the original text: ^ "The Making of Filipinas". The Philippines Centennial. msc.edu.ph. http://www.msc.edu.ph/centennial/filipinas.html. Retrieved 2008-11-12 ^ "The Philippine National Anthem". Filipinas Heritage Library. filipinaslibrary.org.ph. http://www.filipinaslibrary.org.ph/filipiniana/nationalanthem.asp. Retrieved 2010-03-30 6. ^ a b c d e f g "Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines". The LawPhil Project. http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1998/ra_8491_1998.html. Retrieved March 30, 2010. 7. ^ a b c d Ocampo, Ambeth R. (May 24, 2005). The right way to sing the National Anthem. Philippines Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on May 26, 2005. http://web.archive.org/web/20050526123412/http://news.inq7.net/opinion/index.php? index=2&story_id=38046&col=80 (archived from the original on 26 May 2005) 8. ^ Cribb, Robert; Narangoa Li (2003-07-22). mperial Japan and National Identities in Asia, 1895-1945. Routledge. pp. 28. ISBN 0700714820. http://books.google.com/?id=DGQMKex16AsC&pg=PA269&dq=%22Diwa+ng+Bayan %22&q=%22Diwa%20ng%20Bayan%22. 9. ^ spelled with an F since 1973, affirmed in 1987 - see respective Constitutions 10. ^ Ocampo, Ambeth R. (1995). Mabini's Ghost. City, Philippines: Anvil Publishing. 11. ^ Guerrero, Milagros C.. "Andres Bonifacio and the 1896 Revolution". National Commission for culture and the Arts (NCCA). Archived from the original on 18 January 2008. http://web.archive.org/web/20080118020717/http://www.ncca.gov.ph/about_cultarts/artic les.php?artcl_Id=5. Retrieved 26 September 2007. (archived from the original) on 2008- 01-18). 12. ^ a b c This translation is not intended to be sung, as the words do not correspond with the music. 13. ^ This translation is recommended for accurate translation of only currently official Philippine version of the Philippine national anthem into other language editions of Wikipedia. In addition, this text differs from that of the Philippine Hymn of 1938, since the latter is a direct translation from the original Spanish version Filipinas. 14. ^ Official lyrics, according to CA 382. 15. ^ "The Philippines Flag and the National Anthem". eSerbisyo. Government of the Republic of the Philippines. 2008. http://www.eserbisyo.gov.ph/Default.aspx? ssid=84&aid=1760. Retrieved 2010-05-04. 16. ^ a b This translation is intended for illustrating the evolution of the Philippine national anthem. 17. ^ "1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines". RP Government. Archived from the original on 30 September 2007. http://web.archive.org/web/20070930160301/http://www.gov.ph/aboutphil/a16.asp. Retrieved 26 September 2007 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lupang_Hinirang

Pilipinas Kong Mahal

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search This article does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (December 2009)

2009 version of the "Pilipinas Kong Mahal" poster that depicts the title of the song and the Philippine Flag above it. Used on (May 28) and Independence Day.

Pilipinas Kong Mahal (English: My Beloved Philippines) is one of the most popular patriotic songs in the Philippines, others being ("My Country") and Magkaisa ("Unite"). In the Philippines, patriotic songs are often sung by people at political rallies, protests and demonstrations. These are also performed in plays and patriotic song or dance numbers, especially in schools during Araw ng Kasarinlán (Independence Day) celebrations in June and Buwan ng Wikà (National Language Month) in August.

This specific song is usually sung during flag retreat. [edit] Lyrics

Filipino Ang bayan ko'y tanging ikáw Pilipinas Kong Mahál Ang puso ko at buhay man Sa iyó'y ibibigay

Tungkulin kong gagampanán na lagi kang paglíngkurán Ang laya mo'y babantayán Pilipinas kong Hirang...

English Version I love my own native land Philippines, my Philippines To thee I give my heart and hand Philippines, my Philippines. the trees that crown thy mountains grand, the seas that beat upon thy strand Awake my heart to thy command, Philippines, my Philippines.

English Literal Translation My one and only country Philippines, my love My heart and my life For you I'll freely give.

I willingly perform my duty, To always serve my country Your freedom I will protect, Philippines, my love. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilipinas_Kong_Mahal

Flag of the Philippines

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search "Bandila" redirects here. For the television program, see Bandila (TV program).

Name Pambansang Watawat (""), Tatlong bituin at isang araw (Three Stars and a Sun)

Use National flag and ensign

Proportion 1:2

Adopted June 12, 1898

Design A horizontal bicolor of blue over red, with a equilateral triangle at the hoist containing three, 5-pointed gold stars at its vertices, and an 8-rayed gold sun at its center.

Designed by Emilio Aguinaldo

Variant flag of the Philippines

Use National flag and ensign Proportion 1:2

Design As above, with the blue and red stripes switched to indicate a state of war.

Designed by Executive Order No. 321 of Elpidio

The national flag of the Philippines (Tagalog: Pambansang Watawat ng Pilipinas) is a horizontal flag bicolor with equal bands of royal blue and scarlet red, and with a white equilateral triangle at the hoist; in the center of the triangle is a golden sun with eight primary rays, each containing three individual rays, which represent the country's provinces; and at each vertex of the triangle is a five-pointed golden yellow , each of which, represent the country's 3 main islands, , and Mindanao. This flag can indicate a state of war if it is displayed with the red side on top.[1] Contents

[hide] • 1 Design o 1.1 Construction o 1.2 Usage as war ensign o 1.3 Symbolism • 2 History o 2.1 Historical o 2.2 Current design o 2.3 Design changes . 2.3.1 Colour . 2.3.2 Sun's rays o 2.4 Governmental flag o 2.5 Flags used • 3 Usage o 3.1 Flag protocol o 3.2 Half-mast o 3.3 Prohibited acts • 4 Pledge • 5 See also • 6 References

• 7 External links [edit] Design [edit] Construction

The flag's length is twice its width, which translates into an aspect ratio of 1:2. The length of all the sides of the white triangle are equal to the width of the flag. Each star is oriented in such manner that one of its tips points towards the vertex at which it is located.[2]

Construction sheet of the Philippine flag.

The flag's colors are specified by Republic Act 8491 in terms of their cable number in the system developed by the Color Association of the United States.[2][3] The official colors and their approximations in other color spaces are listed below:[4]

Scheme Blue Red White Yellow Cable 80173 80108 80001 80068 No. 286 186 n.a. 116 255-255- 252-209- RGB 0-56-168 206-17-38 255 22 C100- C0-M90- C0-M18- CMYK M60-Y0- n.a. Y65-K10 Y85-K0 K5 HEX #0038A8 #CE1126 #FFFFFF #FCD116

[edit] Usage as war ensign

The Philippines does not utilize a separate ; instead, the national flag itself is used for this purpose. This flag is unique in the sense that it can indicate a state of war when the red field is displayed on top, or on the observer's left when the flag is displayed vertically (i.e., with the white equilateral triangle at the top).[2] In times of peace, however, the blue area is the superior field (as seen in the above illustrations). Historical examples of this wartime reversal in orientation are during the Revolution of 1896, World War II, and some flags carried by the demonstrators who stormed Malacañang Palace during the EDSA Revolution in 1986.[2]

[edit] Symbolism

Detail of the eight-ray sun

Philippine Government "Flag and Anthem" web page states that the white triangle stands for equality and fraternity; the blue field for peace, truth and justice; and red field for patriotism and valor. The sun for unity, freedom and People's Democracy. While the eight rays of the sun stand for eight provinces to revolt against the Spanish colonizers.[5] [not in citation given] The three stars symbolize Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.[6] The 8 rays represent the 8 provinces that took part in the initial revolution against the Spanish. Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista, who wrote the Philippine Declaration of Independence and who read it on the occasion of its proclamation on June 12, 1898, has listed the eight provinces as Manila, , , , , , , and , saying that these eight were declared in a state of war almost from the start of the revolution.[6] Historian Ambeth Ocampo has supported this,[7] as have other sources. Ocampo has also included Tarlac among the eight listed instead of ,[8] as have other sources.[9]

The symbolism given in the 1898 Proclamation of Philippine Independence differs from the current official explanation. It says that the white triangle signifies the emblem of the Katipunan, the secret society that opposed Spanish rule. It says the flag's colors commemorate the flag of the United States as a manifestation of gratitude for American protection against the Spanish during the . It also says that one of the three stars represents the island of , rather than the entire Visayan islands. The proclamation also declares that the sun represents the gigantic steps made by the sons of the country along the path of Progress and Civilization, and lists Bataan among the eight provinces symbolized by the sun's rays.[10] [edit] History [edit] Historical flags See also: Flags of the Philippine Revolution

It has been common since the 1960s to trace the development of the Philippine flag to the various war standards of the individual leaders of the Katipunan, a pseudo-masonic revolutionary movement that opposed Spanish rule in the Philippines and led the Philippine Revolution.[11] However, while some symbols common to the Katipunan flags would be adopted into the iconography of the Revolution, it is inconclusive whether these war standards can be considered precursors to the present Philippine flag.[11]

•

The first flag of the Katipunan.

•

Flag of the Magdalo Katipunan faction of Cavite.

•

Flag of the Magdiwang Katipunan faction of Cavite.

•

The flag adopted by the Katipunan in 1897.

The first flag of the Katipunan was a red rectangular flag with a horizontal alignment of three white Ks (an acronym for the Katipunan's full name, Kataas-taasang Kagalang- galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan - Supreme and Venerable Society of the Sons of the Nation). The flag's red field symbolized blood, as members of the Katipunan signed their membership papers in their own blood.[11]

The various leaders of the Katipunan, such as Andrés Bonifacio, Mariano Llanera, and Pio del Pilar, also had individual war standards. The organization was represented in Cavite province by two factions: the Magdiwang faction and the Magdalo faction, with each adopting a flag. Both used a white sun. Instead of the letter K the flags bore the symbol for the syllable ka in the pre-Hispanic writing system.

The Katipunan adopted a new flag in 1897 during an assembly at , Cavite. This new flag was red and depicted a white sun with a face. The sun had eight rays, representing the eight provinces that Spain had placed under martial law.

[edit] Current design

The modern design of the Philippine flag was conceptualized by President Emilio Aguinaldo during his exile in in 1897. The first flag was sewn by Marcela Marino de Agoncillo with the help of her daughter Lorenza and Delfina Herbosa de Natividad (a niece of Propagandista José ). It was displayed in battle on May 28, 1898.

Flag of the Philippines at the Philippine International Convention Center

The flag was formally unfurled during the proclamation of independence on June 12, 1898 in , Cavite.[12] However, a Manila Times article by Augusto de Viana, Chief History Researcher, National Historical Institute, mentions assertions in history textbooks and commemorative rites that the flag was first raised in Alapan, , Cavite, on May 28, 1898, citing Presidential Proclamation No. 374, issued by then-President on March 6, 1965.[13] The article goes on to claim that historical records indicate that the first display of the Philippine flag took place in , when General Aguinaldo displayed it during the first fight of the Philippine Revolution.

The flag's original symbolism was enumerated in the text of the independence proclamation, which makes reference to an attached drawing, though no record of the drawing has surfaced.[11] The original design of the flag adopted a mythical sun with a face, a symbol common to several former Spanish colonies. The particular shade of blue of the original flag has been a source of controversy. Based on anecdotal evidence and the few surviving flags from the era, historians argue that the colors of the original flag were the same blue and red as found on the flag of Cuba.[11]

The flag of Cuba influenced the design of the flag of the Philippines as Cuba's revolution against Spain inspired, to some degree, the Philippine Revolution. Hostilities broke out between the Philippines and the United States in 1899. The flag was first flown with the red field up on February 4, 1899 to show that a state of war existed. Aguinaldo was captured by the Americans two years later, and swore allegiance to the United States.

The detail of 's The Making of the Philippine flag depicting Agoncillo and company's manual sewing

With the defeat of the Philippine Republic, the Philippines was placed under American colonial rule and the display of the Philippine flag was declared illegal by the Sedition Act of 1907. This law was repealed on October 30, 1919.[11] With the legalization of the Philippine flag, the cloth available in most stores was the red and blue of the flag of the United States, so the flag from 1919 onwards adopted the navy blue color. The passed Act. No 2928 on March 26, 1920, which legally adopted the Philippine flag as the official flag of the Philippine Islands. Up until the eve of World War II, Flag Day was celebrated on annually on October 30, commemorating the date the ban on the flag was lifted.

The Commonwealth of the Philippines was inaugurated in 1935. On March 25, 1936, President Manuel L. Quezon issued Executive Order No. 23 which provided for the technical description and specifications of the flag.[11] Among the provisions of the order was the definition of the triangle at the hoist as an equilateral triangle, the definition of the aspect ratio at 1:2, the precise angles of the stars, the geometric and aesthetic design of the sun, and the formal elimination of the mythical face on the sun. The exact shades of colors, however, were not precisely defined. These specifications have remained unchanged and in effect to the present. In 1941, Flag Day was officially moved to June 12, commemorating the date that Philippine independence was proclaimed in 1898.

The flag was once again banned with the Japanese invasion and occupation of the Philippines beginning December 1941, to be hoisted again with the establishment of the Japanese-sponsored Second Republic of the Philippines. In ceremonies held in October 1943, Emilio Aguinaldo hoisted the flag with the original Cuban blue and red colors restored. The flag was initially flown with the blue stripe up, until President Jose P. Laurel proclaimed the existence of a state of war with the Allied Powers in 1944. The Commonwealth government-in-exile in Washington DC continued to use the flag with the American colors, and had flown it with the red stripe up since the initial invasion of the Japanese. With the combined forces of the Filipino & American soldiers and the liberation of the Philippines in 1944 to 1945, the flag with the American colors was restored, and it was this flag that was hoisted upon the granting of Philippine independence from the United States on July 4, 1946.

[edit] Design changes

[edit] Colour

The shade of blue used in the flag has varied over time, beginning with the original colour azul oscura. The exact nature of this shade is uncertain, but a likely candidate is the blue of the Cuban flag, which a theory says influenced the flag's design. Specifications for the flag's colours with shades matching those used in the American flag were adopted by the National Historical Institute in 1955. President Ferdinand Marcos ordered the colours restored to the original light blue and red of the Cuban flag in 1985, but this was immediately rescinded after the 1986 that removed him from power. For the 1998 independence centennial celebrations, the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines (RA 8491) was passed, designating royal blue as the official variant.[14]

[edit] Sun's rays

Prior to the 1998 independence centennial celebrations, the provincial government of lobbied that the sunburst design accommodate a ninth ray, reasoning that their province was also in a state of rebellion in 1896. The Centennial Commission however refuted this change, based on research by the National Historical Institute.[15] In 2009, a senate bill was introduced to add an additional ray to represent the Moro, and as of September 24, 2009, it is in the process of bill reconciliation in Congress.[16]

[edit] Governmental flag

•

Presidential Standard

• Vice Presidential Standard

[edit] Flags used

•

Flag used when the Philippines was a part of from 1535 to 1821

•

Flag used during the British occupation of the Philippines from 1762 to 1764 (Spanish colonial capital Manila with the principal Spanish naval port Cavite, both on Manila Bay)

•

Flag of Spain used during period (1821-1898)

•

The flag of the Philippines as conceived by Emilio Aguinaldo. Used from 1898 to 1901 (the shade of blue is still a matter of debate. 3 shades have sprung up and were used by the next administrations)

•

Flag used from 1901 to 1908 when the Philippines was administered directly from the United States •

Flag used from 1908, when became a U.S. state, to 1912

•

Flag used from 1912, when and became U.S. states, to 1919

•

Flag used from 1919 to 1981. The shade of Blue used here is Navy Blue, following suit from the American Flag.

•

Flag used during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines from 1942 to 1945

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The flag of the Philippines from 1943 to 1944 by the Second Philippine Republic

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Flag used from 1981 to 1986. The shade of Blue used here is Light Blue, similar to the shade used in Cuban Flag at the time of the proclamation of the Philippine Declaration of Independence. •

Flag used from 1986 to 1998. This was used after the People Power Revolution.

•

Flag used from 1998 to present. The shade of Blue used here is Royal, as a compromise. This was used for the Philippine Centennial Celebration [edit] Usage

Section 10 of RA 8491 states that when the flag is displayed on a wall during peacetime, the blue field is to the observers' left, as shown here.[2] [edit] Flag protocol

The flag should be displayed in all government buildings, official residences, public plazas, and schools every day throughout the year. The days of the 28th of May (National Flag Day) and the 12th of June (Independence Day) are designated as flag days, during which all offices, agencies and instrumentalities of government, business establishments, institutions of learning and private homes are enjoined to display the flag.[2] But in recent years, the flag days are now from May 28 to June 30 yearly.

By law, the Philippine flag must be permanently hoisted and illuminated at night at the following locations:[2]

• Malacañang Palace , the Presidential Residence • The Congress of the Philippines buildings: o Senate of the Philippines building o House of Representatives of the Philippines building (Batasang Pambansa Complex) • Supreme Court of the Philippines building • The Rizal Monument in Luneta, Manila • in Kawit, Cavite • Barasoain Shrine in Malolos, Bulacan • Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers • Mausoleo de los Veteranos de la Revolución • All international ports of entry • All other places as may be designated by the National Historical Institute.

[edit] Half-mast

The flag of the Philippines flown at half-mast in back Bonifacio Shrine in Manila.

The flag may be flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning.[2] Upon the official announcement of the death of the President or a former President, the flag should be flown at half-mast for ten days. The flag should be flown at half-mast for seven days following the death of the Vice President, the Chief Justice, the President of the Senate or the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

The flag may also be required to fly at half-mast upon the death of other persons to be determined by the National Historical Institute, for a period less than seven days. The flag shall be flown at half-mast on all the buildings and places where the decedent was holding office, on the day of death until the day of interment of an incumbent member of the Supreme Court, the Cabinet, the Senate or the House of Representatives, and such other persons as may be determined by the National Historical Institute.

When flown at half-mast, the flag should be first hoisted to the peak for a moment then lowered to the half-mast position. It should be raised to the peak again before it is lowered for the day.

The flag may also be used to cover the caskets of the dead of the military, veterans of previous wars, national artists, and outstanding civilians as determined by the local government. In such cases, the flag must be placed such that the white triangle is at the head and the blue portion covers the right side of the casket. The flag should not be lowered to the grave or allowed to touch the ground, but should be solemnly folded and handed to the heirs of the deceased.

[edit] Prohibited acts

According to Republic Act 8491 itself, the flag cannot be used in the following rationales:

1. Defacing or ridiculing the flag by dipping the flag as a , or adding additional marks on the flag, 2. As a drapery, festoon, tablecloth, a covering, or as a part of a costume or a uniform, 3. As a trademark or for commercial or agricultural labels or designs, 4. As part of merchandise or in any advertisement or infomercial, 5. As a pennant in the hood, side, back and top of motor vehicles.

Moreover, the flag may not be displayed "horizontally face-up, or under any painting, picture or platform." It may also not be displayed in "discotheques, cockpits, night and day clubs, casinos, gambling joints and places of vice or where frivolity prevails." [edit] Pledge

Main article: Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Watawat

The Pledge of Allegiance to the Philippine flag (distinct from the Patriotic Oath of Allegiance) should be recited while standing with the right hand with palm open raised shoulder high. Individuals whose faith or religious beliefs prohibit them from making such pledge are permitted to excuse themselves, but are required by law to show full respect when the pledge is being rendered by standing at attention.[2]

Filipino English translation Ako ay Pilipino I am a Filipino Buong katapatang nanunumpa I pledge my allegiance Sa watawat ng Pilipinas To the flag of the Philippines At sa bansang kanyang sinasagisag And to the country it represents Na may dangal, katarungan at kalayaan With honor, justice and freedom Na pinakikilos ng sambayanang Put in motion by one nation Maka-Diyos For God Maka-tao for the People, Makakalikasan at for Nature and Makabansa. for the Country.

The law makes no statement regarding the language in which the pledge must be recited, but the pledge is written (and therefore recited) in the . [edit] See also

• Flags of the Philippine provinces • Flags of the Philippine Revolution • Naval Jack of the Philippines [edit] References

1. ^ http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20100927- 294642/RP-flag-blooper-in-New-York-not-intentionalUS-embassy 2. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Republic Act No. 8491". Archived from the original on 2007-12- 05. http://web.archive.org/web/20071205235342/http://www.gov.ph/aboutphil/RA8491.asp. Retrieved 2009-06-08. (archived from the original on 2007-12-05). 3. ^ "Dictionary of Vexillology:C". Flags of the World. http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/vxt-dv-c.html#cablenumber. Retrieved 2007-06-06. 4. ^ "Philippines". Vexilla Mundi. http://www.vexilla- mundi.com/philippines_flag.html. Retrieved 2007-06-06. 5. ^ Renato Perdon (2010). Footnotes to Philippine History. Universal-Publishers. p. 41. ISBN 9781599428420. http://books.google.com/books?id=vqKsKUUSNNQC. 6. ^ a b Albert P. Blaustein; Jay A. Sigler; Benjamin R. Beede (July 1977). Independence documents of the world. Brill Archive. p. 570. ISBN 9780379007954. http://books.google.com/books?id=3FzT7IFsSKoC. 7. ^ Ambeth R. Ocampo (1998). The centennial countdown. Published and exclusively distributed by Anvil Pub.. pp. 162. ISBN 9789712707780. http://books.google.com/books?id=vvtwAAAAMAAJ. 8. ^ Ambeth R. Ocampo (1993). Aguinaldo's breakfast & more Looking back essays (2 ed.). Anvil Publishing. p. 65. ISBN 9789712702815. http://books.google.com.ph/books?id=1WlwAAAAMAAJ. 9. ^ Stewart Lone (2007). Daily lives of civilians in wartime Asia: from the Taiping Rebellion to the Vietnam War. Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 50. ISBN 9780313336843. http://books.google.com/books?id=qmSnTIAPnoUC. ^ Carpio; Et Al. My Country and My People 5. Rex Bookstore, Inc.. p. 139. ISBN 9789712322549. http://books.google.com/books?id=7UUuHLJYdlMC. ^ Antonio; Et Al. Side by Side 5' 2002 Ed.. Rex Bookstore, Inc.. p. 26. ISBN 9789712333002. http://books.google.com/books?id=qoNNkzGNqYgC. 10. ^ "Philippine Declaration of Independence". http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Philippine_Declaration_of_Independence. Retrieved 2009- 06-12. 11. ^ a b c d e f g Quezon, Manuel L. III (2002-04-02). "History of the Philippines Flag". Flags of the World. http://www.fotw.net/flags/ph-hist.html#desc. Retrieved 2007- 06-06. 12. ^ Renato Perdon (2010). Footnotes to Philippine History. Universal-Publishers. p. 38. ISBN 9781599428420. http://books.google.com/books?id=vqKsKUUSNNQC. 13. ^ Augusto de Viana (May 28, 2008). "Where was the Filipino Flag first unfurled?". . Archived from the original on 2008-06-24. http://web.archive.org/web/20080624033029/http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/ may/28/yehey/opinion/20080528opi7.html. Retrieved 2008-05-28. 14. ^ Quezon III, Manuel L. (2002-04-12). "Philippines: the shade of blue". Flags of the World. http://www.fotw.net/flags/ph-blue.html. Retrieved 2007-12-22. 15. ^ "Adjusting the rays of the flag?". Flags of the World. 1998-03-09. http://www.fotw.us/flags/ph-hist2.html#rays. Retrieved 2008-06-15. 16. ^ Michael Lim Ubac, RP flag to have 9th ray to the sun, Philippine Daily Inquirer, September 24, 2009.

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[edit] External links

• The Controversial Philippine National Flag . National Historical Institute of the Philippines. May 14, 2008. http://www.nhi.gov.ph/index2.php? option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=26. Retrieved 2008-05-30 • The Official Website of the Republic of the Philippines • Philippine at Flags of the World • Flags & Heraldic Items NHI • Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines at Flags of the World • History of Present Flag • Historical Philippine Flags http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_the_Philippines