TYPE & SUBTYPE: Informational Book

Title: Ang Panganay

Illustrator: Albert E. Gamos

Author: Felice Prudente Sta. Maria

Publisher: Adarna House, Inc.

No. of Pages: 30
Place and Date of Publication: Quezon City, Philippines, 1998
Awards Received: Ceres Alabado Award for Outstanding Literature for Children in
1998
Summary:
The first Philippine flag travelled from Hong Kong to the Philippines and was first
waved at Aguinaldos residence in Kawit, Cavite on June 12, 1898. Marcela
Agoncillo, her daughter Lorenza Agoncillo, and the niece of Dr. Jose Rizal, Delfina
Herbosa Natividad, sewed the first flag in Hong Kong for five days. The form and
design of the flag was Emilio Aguinaldos idea. The flag was tri-color featuring red,
blue, and white. The color red symbolizes Filipinos strong will. The color blue
reminds people that no one would progress without peace. The color white in the
flag is a sign that we should always have clean dignity and pride. The sun
symbolizes brightness of minds and its rays give honor to Manila, Bulacan,
Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Morong, Laguna, Batangas and Cavite who suffered under
Batas Militar just to fight for the countrys independence. The flag also has three
stars. One refers to Luzon, from lusong, a symbolism of Filipinos industry. Second
refers to Mindanao, from danaw or lawa, which symbolizes our right to take care
of Mother Earth. Last refers to Visayas, from saya, to remind every Filipino to be
happy with our actions and will. It was an honor to be the first flag of the Republic of
the Philippines but a big mission waits. Many people look up and salute the flag, the
symbolism of liberty, strong will and peace.
Remarks:
The book Panganay is a book about the first Philippine flag and what its design
symbolizes. The book was written to provide information about the composition of
the flag, the design and the color of each design. The title of the book, Panganay,

literally means first child. The use of the term Panganay as a title builds curiosity to
the readers as to why was it entitled Panganay despite having a cover that doesnt
project a story of a first child. The books illustration was simple yet very clear in
delivering what the author tries to convey. The author tries to convey that the
Philippine flag was thought about thoroughly, that each design and color really
came from something that really constitutes our being Filipinos. This could be a
springboard for discussion with children how we should respect the Philippine flag
as a symbol of Filipinos liberty, strong will and tranquillity. Basically, it is who we
are and it represents us so we should give salute to it; we should take care of it; we
should be proud and give pride to it as well.