Every year, Philippines and Filipino communities in other nations widely observe the 12th of June. Starting early June, Philippine flags of all sizes may be seen hanging everywhere, from national highways to the front doors or gates of nearly every home. This occasion commemorates Filipinos' liberation from three centuries of colonial tyranny. And this year, the Philippines will celebrate its 124th anniversary of independence.   In commemoration of this national holiday, here are some interesting facts about Philippine Independence Day that might surprise you.

Independence Day Had Different Dates

They declared Philippine independence multiple times, each one different. On April 12, 1895, Andres Bonifacio declared Philippine independence at a cave called Pamitinan in Montalban, Rizal. On the wall, Bonifacio and the Katipuneros scribbled "Long Live Philippine Independence."   Another notable date was on October 31, 1896, as declared by Emilio Aguinaldo.  

Luzon, Panay, and Mindanao: The Three Stars in the Philippine Flag

  You read that correctly. The stars didn't initially represent Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, although this was probably one of the first "facts" you learned about our flag in school.     Emilio Aguinaldo initially created the three stars on the flag to represent Luzon, Panay, and Mindanao, where the revolution began. They referred to Panay in the Proclamation of Independence as one of "the archipelago's three important islands."    

The Original Philippine Flag was Lost in Pangasinan

  Marcela Agoncillo's original Philippine flag was lost at Tayug, Pangasinan. General Aguinaldo took the original flag to Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan—the location of the First Philippine Republic—after they waved it in Kawit, Cavite (then known as "Cavite el Viejo").   When the Philippine-American War broke out, Aguinaldo was forced to go further north, carrying the original flag. They then lost it in Pangasinan province. The exact location of the first Philippine flag has been unknown till today.

The Declaration of Independence Wasn’t Read from a Balcony

  When most Pinoys think of the Declaration of Independence, they see the National Flag being raised from Emilio Aguinaldo's Kawit home's renowned balcony.   That balcony, however, was not erected in the home until 1919, according to historian Ambeth Ocampo.      

The White Triangle in the Flag Represented the Katipunan

  The white triangle represented the Katipuneros' blood compact, who battled until the nation achieved its freedom from the almost 300-year-long inquisition.2 The triangle also represents the Katipunan's recruiting process, known as the "triangle method," which included the act of blood compact.      

The Proclamation of Independence Took Place on a Sunday

  According to Julian Felipe, Philippine independence was proclaimed on a Sunday. Most media depictions of the Philippine Independence Declaration took place in the morning. But, based on the National Anthem composer, the announcement took place between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m. It was logistically impossible for delegates from various regions of Luzon to be at Kawit, Cavite by morning, especially given the lack of modern transportation.

Lupang Hinirang is the Country’s Second National Anthem

  Many Filipinos are unaware that before the National Anthem we know as Lupang Hinirang, there was a different Philippine anthem — the very first one. Julio Nakpil composed it at Andres Bonifacio's request under the title "Marangal na Dalit ng Katagalugan."   While the original national anthem was also performed at the Declaration, General Aguinaldo subsequently chose Julian Felipe’s composition as the official national anthem. During the Battle of Manila in 1945, the original form of the "Marangal na Dalit ng Katagalugan" was destroyed.

President Diosdado Macapagal Declared June 12 as the Day of Annual Observance in 1962

  Photo from the Official Gazette[/caption]   While the celebrated date of June 12, 1898, was undoubtedly the day of the proclamation, the acknowledged date of independence for the Philippines was July 4, 1898, according to records of treaties with the other concerned countries, America and Spain. Former President Diosdado Macapagal declared June 12 as Independence Day after years of celebrating Republic Day on July 4 to avoid having the same date as the United States of America.   Historical events like Philippine Independence Day become even more remarkable when one considers the country's history of struggles and triumphs. Knowing these facts strengthens every Filipino's love for the country and for our motherland.