PINOY PRIDE

No it’s not the grouper fish. It’s the great Lapu-Lapu, then king of Mactan, whom you can see in the middle.

Regarded as the first Filipino hero, Lapu-Lapu is the first native who resisted Spanish colonization by Spanish soldiers when its leader—ironically, a Portuguese—Ferdinand Magellan set foot to the Philippine Islands year 1521. Though the Muslim chieftain was killed along with his men during the Battle of Mactan, he will always be remembered as a hero.

Having sad those, Lapu-Lapu can be seen as a central figure in the official seal of the Philippine National Police. His figure was also use in one of the now-defunct one centavo coins. A type of grouper fish which can only be found in the country is named after him. Believe it or not, but an alcoholic drink was also named in his honor.

So when you say Lapu-Lapu, it isn’t only the fish. He’s a hero worthy of admiration.

(for PinoyTattoos.com)

FILIPINO FLAG

Okay. We all know that the three stars represent LuzViMinda, the three largest regions. Its sun’s eight rays are the first eight provinces that revolted against the Spanish regime. Is there anything new or more interesting about the Philippine Flag that we need to know than these usual stuff?

There are certain places that, by law, must display the Philippine Flag and have it illuminated at night. The shades of the colors red and blue have been changed several times, which was dependent to the leaders and whatever country ruling the Philippines. Zambales and the Moslem Islands tried to be the ninth ray claiming that their provinces were also at war during the colonial era. Both petitions were rejected. A Flag Law forbidding the Filipinos to use or display the flag anywhere lasted for 12 years.

There are always more than the infamous three stars and a sun of the Philippine Flag that are worth-knowing. Let’s not be that frivolous.

(for PinoyTattoos.com)

PILIPINAS KONG MAHAL

KKK. Ku Klux Klan? No.

It’s Kataas-taasang, Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan. Supreme and Venerable Society of the Children of the Nation in English translation. This could be one reason why alphabet agencies sprang out like beans: CSI, NCIS, FBI, NYPD. You name it, you have it.

There are so much to tell about KKK or the Katipunan and a million words are not enough. Let’s make this short. The Katipunan is a historical organization founded by some of the well-known Filipino anti-Spanish revolutionaries like Andres Bonifacio and Emilio Aguinaldo. Through arm uprising, the society aimed to end Spanish cruelties to the Filipinos during the colonial period.

Trivia: National Hero Jose Rizal rejected the idea of revolution by the Katipuneros believing it was premature and would only lead to deaths of many Filipinos. Albeit considered as an honorary president, he never became a member of the KKK.

(for PinoyTattoos.com)