Resilient like bamboo

The Philippine islands were already strongly influenced by Chinese business men and Muslim traders from Malaysia and Indonesia long time before the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan discovered the islands in 1521. Until today the Chinese population is small but influential, moreover Chinese beliefs and customs are still practiced. In example, dressing white for a funeral (or black which comes from the Spaniards) and also placing coins near the entrance door which goes with the belief that money will flow in the house. 

The Spanish rule lasted for over 300 years (1565 - 1898) in the archipelago. They gave the name "Las Islas Filipinas" (after Philip II of Spain), introduced elements of western civilization such as the code of law, the calender, new crops and livestock and last but not least: Christianity. 

The American colonial period followed right after (1898 - 1946) and also left its traces. Of course, in the political system and administration, they introduced democracy, some western values and food like McDonalds (the filipino equivalent: Jollibee). 

But most remarkable hint for tourists: the majority is fluent in English, many people assume that all "white people" come from America and they greet foreigners with "Hey Joe!" (which comes from the nickname of the US soldiers: G.I. Joe).

Even though so many western values and ideas were already imposed to the Republika ng Pilipinas, essentially it is still an Asian nation with its own cultural distinctions. 

Therefore it is resilient like a bamboo that bends with the wind but doesn't brake. So does the filipino flag proudly present the independence and the uniqueness of the Philippine islands. 

The white triangle stands for equality and fraternity; the blue field for piece, truth and justice; the red field for patriotism and valor. The rays of the sun represent the first 8 provinces that sought independence from Spain and the 3 stars stand for the 3 major geographical divisions of the country: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.