Indepndence Day and Celebration in Boston

Image provided by mandirigma.org

Happy (Belated) Independence Day Readers!

It's been 117 years since our nation's founders declared independence. After 3 centuries of colonial rule, it's understandable to want a change of power.

Also, if you're going to be free this upcoming weekend, I strongly recommend that you come to Boston on June 20th. From 9:00 A.M to 3:00 P.M is Philippine Independence Celebration Day at City Hall. They're planning to have a parade and cultural show in which several Filipino artists will be bringing their talents to the mic. Included is The Voice finalist and local hero, Nathan Hermida. It should be a great time with family and friends.

More information can be found in this link: http://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/117th-philippine-independence-day-celebration

Flag Day!

In anticipation for Philippine Independence Day, I also happened to learn that June 12th was also the day the current Philippine flag was adopted. 

Correct me if I’m spelling this incorrectly, but it’s name is Tatlong Bituin at Isang Araw, which translated to American is Three Stars and a Sun. Like every work of art, everything that’s on the flag is there for a reason: 

• The white triangle symbolizes liberty, equality, and fraternity
• Blue strip for truth and justice 
• Red strip for patriotism and valor 

For our mathematically-inclined readers, the width length ratio of the flag is 1:2, and there are eight rays in the sun. Each ray is representative of a province that made significant contributions for independence (Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Pampanga, Tarlac, Laguna, Batangas, and Nueva Ecija). The three other stars are representative of the main regions of the Philippines: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. 

Interestingly, in times of war, the flag is flipped upside down so that the red portion is on top.