Filipino Symbols in Clothing: Sun, Baybayin, Sarimanok and More

Filipino culture shows up in clothing through symbols. Here's what the most common ones mean.

The eight-ray sun

From the Philippine flag, its eight rays stand for the first eight provinces that revolted against Spain in 1896.

The three stars

Also from the flag, the stars represent Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Baybayin

The pre-colonial script. Writing a word or name in Baybayin connects the wearer to a time before colonization.

Sarimanok

A legendary bird of the Maranao people, often shown with colorful feathers and a fish in its beak. It's a symbol of good fortune.

Okir

The flowing, curling design tradition of the Maranao and other Mindanao peoples.

Heroes and mythology

Lapu-Lapu, Gabriela Silang, Bonifacio, Rizal, the Bakunawa and the deities of Philippine mythology all appear on modern Filipino clothing.

Use them with care

Some symbols come from specific communities. Learn the meaning, and credit the source.

Wear the story

Our jerseys combine the eight-ray sun, heroes and Baybayin. Shop the jerseys. UGAT means roots. Know yours.