The Philippine national flag and anthem

Excerpt from the Preface: All free and independent countries of the world have their national flags and national anthems. They go together as "symbols of the state," along with the sovereign, the form of government, the constitution, or the currency... We take pride in our country, the Republic of the Philippines, because it is a unique nation--with a heritage from four different cultures: the Asian, European, Latin, and American cultures. No other nation in the world has such a rich and colorful history, a strategic location between East and West, and a Christian heritage in a mostly non-Christian part of the world. Foreigners who come to our shores generally fall in love with our land and people. Filipinos who have traveled to many parts of the world, to visit or to stay, know the feeling of loneliness and homesickness, being away from their native land... We believe that an understanding of the sacrifices involved in the preparation and establishment of our Flag and Anthem will also inspire better respect for these symbols of our people. -Dr. Sonia M. Zaide & Dr. Modesta G. Lugos