An innovative initiative is taking place in the Philippines to bring sustainable lighting to homes in impoverished communities. Empty plastic bottles are installed in the roof, filled with water and bleach they refract sunlight. These “solar light bulbs” provide light equivalent to a 55watt light bulb.
See how they’re made here. From Visual News
People like this make my life hilarious. LMAO. Kenny has hella pick up lines (Taken with instagram)
Today in history was the first time that the Philippine flag was flown in battle. To be exact, it was May 28, 1898.
Our flag has a very colorful and somewhat dark past.
For one, the original blue color of our banner was not Royal Blue as authorized by the post-war Philippine government, but was the American Navy Blue (the blue color used in the Star-Spangled Banner). It was done so because Aguinaldo was so much inclined to get the support of the United States in our war against Spain (to Mabini’s disgust. Mabini suspected the Americans would not keep their word).
Two, the three stars were not representative symbols of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao as it is meant now, but rather Luzon, Mindanao and the island of Panay.
Third, the vibrant 8-ray sun was a totally inclusive symbol of the 8 Tagalog provinces that fought for our independence. This is somewhat weird when faced with the fact that the entire nation, not just the Tagalogs, were involved in the national fight against Spain and later on, the United States. There was even a suggestion to change the meanings of the 8 rays, or add another ray representing the Moros of the south who also gave their blood for the country. It would indeed be good for us to change the meanings and not be taken by our novelty of old and archaic meanings that promote division in the country.
Amidst all this ambiguity, as a historian, I celebrate the National Flag Day NOT because it was a victorious flag of nationalism (because it was not), NOT because it gives us pride as a race but because it symbolizes our depravity as a nation, and valor in spite of it. We will never overcome this depravity on our own, as it is universal in all the nations of the world. But somehow, the valor that God gave those who came before us, those who fought for the country under this soiled banner even when the leadership was weak and futile, should give us a heart of gratitude. If not for Divine Providence, we would not become a nation.
(Art above: “The Making of the Philippine Flag” by Fernando Amorsolo)
