Fashioned from 'banig', giant Philippine flag reminds of what it takes to weave a free nation

Photo by BERNARD TESTA/InterAksyon.com

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InterAksyon.com
The online news portal of TV5

MANILA, Philippines - A giant 'banig' (traditional woven mat) depicting the Philippine flag was unveiled at the Ayala Triangle in Makati City on Friday to help commemorate the 114th Philippine Independence Day on Tuesday.

The 50-square-meter flag made of handwoven mat is a symbol of Filipino culture and identity, project organizers said. More than just a traditional household item, the banig has prominently figured in the daily lives of Filipino ancestors and its usage has evolved significantly in contemporary times.

CNN's 2009 hero of the year Efren Penaflorida said the Philippine flag display would remind every Filipino of the country’s history. 

“Ibabalik tayo nito sa kwento ng ating kasaysayan bilang isang Pinoy. Sino ang dapat balikan at ang dahilan ng ating Independence (It will remind us of our history as Filipinos. It will help us to remember and understand the meaning of our independence)," he said. 

The Philippine celebrates Independence Day on June 12. During Independence Day festivities, Ayala Land will mount a Banig Exhibit with the Filipino Heritage Festival.

The banig comes in various shapes and sizes, and in varying degrees of intricacy and color, depending on the region from which it is produced. In its most basic and universal form, it is a practical rectangle or square, stocked and ever-ready in every household. It is most commonly a sleeping mat but can also function as a rug or, more contemporarily, as a decorative item. The recently launched Philippine tourism program incorporates the banig into the new logo for the 'It's More Fun in the Philippines' campaign.

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