Filipino? Tagalog? Pilipino?

The basis for the Philippine national language is Tagalog, which had primarily been spoken only in Manila and the surrounding provinces when the Commonwealth constitution was drawn up in the 1930s. That constitution provided for a national language, but did not specifically designate it as Tagalog because of objections raised by representatives from other parts of the country where Tagalog was not spoken. It merely stated that a national language acceptable to the entire populace (and ideally incorporating elements from the diverse languages spoken throughout the islands) would be a future goal. Tagalog, of course, by virtue of being the lingua franca of those who lived in or near the government capital, was the predominant candidate.

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National Symbols of the Philippines

Mga Simbolo ng Bansang Pilipinas

Pambansang Awit: Lupang Hinirang (the entire song is translated into English as “Land of the Morning“). National Anthem: Lupang Hinirang

Pambansang Ibon: Agila ng Pilipinas (Pithecophaga jeffery)
National Bird: Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jeffery)

Kalabaw / Carabao
Kalabaw / Carabao

Pambansang Hayop: Kalabaw (Bubalus bubalis)
National Animal: Carabao (Bubalus bubalis)

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Panatang Makabayan

This patriotic oath is legally required to be recited at all public and private schools in which the majority of students are Filipinos.

Patriotic Oath of the Philippines


Iniibig ko ang Pilipinas, aking lupang sinilangan,
Tahanan ng aking lahi, kinukupkop ako at tinutulungang
Maging malakas, masipag at marangal
Dahil mahal ko ang Pilipinas,
Diringgin ko ang payo ng aking magulang,
Susundin ko ang tuntunin ng paaralan,
Tutuparin ko ang mga tungkulin ng isang mamamayang makabayan,
Naglilingkod, nag-aaral at nagdarasal nang buong katapatan.
Iaalay ko ang aking buhay, pangarap, pagsisikap
Sa bansang Pilipinas.

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FILIPINO

In the English language, the word Filipino often refers to something from or related to the Philippines.

For examples:

  • Filipino cuisine – food associated with the Philippines
  • Filipino people – ethnic group that identifies with the Philippines
  • Filipino language – national language of the Philippines
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