Category: Philippines Facts

National Bird- Philippine Eagle                                                         National Fish – Bangus

National Animal – Caribao

National Flag Consists of an 8 rayed sun- three golden stars- a red stripe & blue stripe- a white triangle
The white color represents peace & purity
The red stripe represents courage and bravery
The blue stripe is for noble ideals
The sun represents the beginning of a new era of self-determination
The 8 rays stand for the 8 provinces that rose in revolt against Spanish rule in the late 19th century.
The 3 stars stand for 3 principal geographic areas Luzon, Visayas & Mindanao
In wartime the red stripe will be on the top. In peacetime the blue stripe will be on top.

We have had over 100 people minister alongside us this past year. Mission teams and individuals enjoy ministering to the kids and youth who come to Hope for the Island from surrounding communities.

Teaching new games and activities is always fun and a great way to connect with the locals. A visiting YWAM Mazatlan team decided to do things a little different. Instead of them teaching us games, we taught them a local game called Bakbak. The finale was a competition of kids versus the team. The only item needed to play is a pair of chinelas or flip-flops and an open area.

People here are amazingly resourceful. Kids will take what is available and develop a toy or game that can entertain for hours. Bakbak is one of many games passed on from one generation to the next. With the use of balance, technique, accuracy and strength, the team challenge is to be the first to work their way through twenty challenges.

Teamwork is essential and the Bakbak competition was a great way to introduce and celebrate local ingenuity. Kids generally have great balance and are very flexible. There was a lot of laughter as the team struggled and contorted to compete. The day ended with great worship and teaching sessions.