Gerald Genus (Sac-Town, Cali)
by Cross Creek Tattoo in NC
“The Flag in tribal-ish style, a little bit different than the rest.”

Speaking of TRIBAL, did you know that as of 1990s a 100 plus highland tribal groups or a 3% of indigenous people have been known to be living in the Philippines?

Various tribes of various culture ranges from Luzon to Mindanao. We have the Bontoc, Ibaloi, Ifugao and more from our Igorot tribes of Cordillera, the T’boli and B’laan which are the two indigenous groups found in Mindanao, and let us not forget the Aetas that are mostly located in Zambales. The list goes on and we don’t want to bore you enumerating all.

Thumbs up for the Philippine government for their continuous effort of preserving our tribal groups. Indigenous people are encourage to speak in their native language, dress in their traditional clothing, and celebrate their tradition and culture.

Charlee (Ontario)
Filipino Flag by Pleasure & Pain

Okay. We all know that the three stars represent LuzViMinda, the three largest regions. Its sun’s eight rays are the first eight provinces that revolted against the Spanish regime. Is there anything new or more interesting about the Philippine Flag that we need to know than these usual stuff?

There are certain places that, by law, must display the Philippine Flag and have it illuminated at night. The shades of the colors red and blue have been changed several times, which was dependent to the leaders and whatever country ruling the Philippines. Zambales and the Moslem Islands tried to be the ninth ray claiming that their provinces were also at war during the colonial era. Both petitions were rejected. A Flag Law forbidding the Filipinos to use or display the flag anywhere lasted for 12 years.

There are always more than the infamous three stars and a sun of the Philippine Flag that are worth-knowing. Let’s not be that frivolous.