The Secret History Behind the Philippine Flag

The Philippine flag can literally flip to war.

Turn it upside down — red field on top instead of blue — and it becomes a signal that the nation is in a state of war. It's the only national flag in the world built with that dual meaning on purpose.

Every element carries its own story. The sun's eight rays honor the first eight provinces that rose up against colonial rule. The three stars stand for the three main island groups of the country: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The flag was first raised on June 12, 1898, the day independence was declared — the date printed on every Philippines design in our catalog.

Blue for peace, truth, and justice. Red for patriotism and valor. White for equality. A flag designed to mean one thing at peace, and to say something different, instantly, the moment it's needed.

Shop the Philippines collection → — or explore the story behind any other country's flag on our free Flag Story Cards page.