5 Interesting Facts about Philippine Independence Day

In commemoration of this national holiday, here are some interesting facts (some less-known to many) that you should know about Philippine Independence Day. 

1. The colors of the Philippine flag can be used as signals. 

One thing that makes the Philippine flag unique is that its colors not only symbolize things, they are also used to indicate the nation’s current state. In peaceful times, the flag is raised with the blue strip on top. On the other hand, if the country is in a state of war, the flag will be flown with the red strip on top. 

2. According to Julian Felipe, Philippine independence was proclaimed on a Sunday afternoon, between 4 to 5 PM. 

3. The first Philippine anthem was commissioned by Andres Bonifacio. 

Not many Filipinos may know that there was a Philippine anthem, the very first one, before the National Anthem we now know as Lupang Hinirang. It had the title “Marangal na Dalit ng Katagalugan” and was composed by Julio Nakpil upon the request of Andres Bonifacio. 

4. There was an earlier version of the National Anthem but Emilio Aguinaldo preferred something different. 

A Filipino in Hong Kong composed the earlier version of the National Anthem which Aguinaldo brought home. However, he wanted something with a marching beat. He then asked Julian Felipe to make some changes. Felipe’s composition featured elements from the Spanish Royal March. Aguinaldo approved the revision. 

5. Emilio Aguinaldo himself designed the Philippine flag. 

Aguinaldo then visited Marcela Agoncillo in her Hong Kong home and asked her to make the flag. With the help of her daughter Lorenza and Jose Rizal’s niece Delfina Herbosa de Natividad, Agoncillo hand-sewed the Philippine flag which took 5 days to complete. The stars, sun and the triangle were made with fine satin.