Our Flags make a Statement

The national flag of the Philippines was first introduced on the 12^th of June 1898, following the United States overthrowing Spanish rule in the nation. However, since then the blue of the flag has undergone minor modifications regarding its shade. The original design was created by Emilio Aguinaldo, who was a soldier and politician that had an important role in the revolution against the Spanish. Since then, the shade of blue has changed numerous times including throughout the country's time under US colonial rule. The most recent change to the flag of the Philippines came in 1998, which involved the blue band changing to the current colour that is currently present on the flag of the Philippines. The flag includes a top horizontal blue band and a lower horizontal red band. On the hoist side of the flag is a white triangle, with the top point also facing horizontally. Inside of the triangle, is an eight-rayed sun and three five-point stars. The top blue band is a portrayal of the country's people’s eagerness to sacrifice themselves for and protect their country, as well as truth, peace and justice. The red band below symbolises the courage of those that fought for the nation’s independence and the value of patriotism. White in the context of the flag of the Philippines represents liberty, equality and fraternity. The sun has eight rays, which depict the eight provinces which first sought independence from Spain, and the three stars portray the nation's three main regions, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

The Philippines is a nation made up of around 7,600 islands, part of South-east Asia and located in the Pacific Oceans western region. Nearby countries include Taiwan to the north, and Malaysia and Indonesia to the south. To the north the islands are surrounded by the South China Sea and to the east is the Philippine Sea. The Celebes Sea and the Sulu Sea surround the southern islands of the Philippines. The islands make up an area of around 347,681km² and are home to around 117.7 million people. Of this population around 85% are Catholic, with it being the only predominantly Christian country in Asia. The official languages of the country are Filipino and English, and the capital city is Manila. The Philippines are the largest exporter of nurses to the US in the world, with around a quarter of nurses trained overseas coming from the Philippines, with many others working in other countries around the world. In the Philippines, the Christman season begins in September and lasts all the way until January, with decorations and Christmas music prominent throughout this period.