The flag of the Philippines is both symbolic and historic. Symbolic as it represents the sovereignty of the Republic of the Philippines, and historic, as it codifies the Filipinos quest for freedom against colonial powers.
The Philippine flag has took on many forms which lead to what it is today. However, regardless of previous and current design of the flag one thing is for sure - the breadth and depth of the idealism that it represents.
The 3 Stars
The 3 five pointed stars represents the 3 main islands in the Philippine archipelago: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
The Sun and its rays
The sun with its eight rays represents the 8 provinces who first revolted against the Spanish colonial rule during the revolution of 1896. The provinces are Batangas, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Manila (Morong, Rizal), Nueva Ecija, Pampanga,and Tarlac.
War and Peace
The colors of the flag also indicates if the Philippines is at war or at peace. Blue representing peace while Red representing war. Thus if the flag is positioned with the blue on top of the red this means that the Philippines is at peace while red on top means the Philippines is at war.
The Philippine Flag influence to the Filipino Martial arts
a. Knowing the flag and what it represents helps to incalcate to the Arnis practioner the roots and heritage of the art of weapons fighting to safeguard ones self, family and mother land as indicated in the sun's eight rays
b. Knowing the main divisions of the Philippines as symbolized by the 3 stars can easily explain why there are different styles of Arnis with each division having different ways of handling weapons.
c. It can be also noted that the Filipino weapon art is generally referred to as Arnis in Luzon, while Visayas uses Eskrima and Kali for Mindanao.
d. Systems and schools of Arnis almost always bears the flag or parts of the flag in their symbols and/or logo such as the Guerrero Arnis de Mano Logo
e. Optionally, the colors of the flag may have direct influence in the colors of an Arnis tournament and other competition. There always the presence of blue and red corners. Which directly influences the tournament equipment such as headgear, padded sticks, vest, arm guard colors among others.