Virtual fireworks light up Google Search for Philippine Independence Day

 

Google has planted an Easter egg in Search results to celebrate the 124th Philippine Independence Day. It has also released an animated Doodle on its Search homepage to mark this significant occasion. 

When people click on or tap the doodle on the Search homepage, a short display of virtual fireworks will be activated showing a multitude of colors including the Philippine flag. The show will increase in intensity towards the end and will remain visible as users scroll their screens. It’s available across devices, even in dark mode.

A victorious day in Philippine history

On this day in 1898, a public reading of the Philippine Declaration of Independence in Cavite el Viejo (modern-day Kawit) proclaimed the archipelago a sovereign nation. 

This revolutionary event was followed by the first public performance of “Lupang Hinirang” (“Chosen Land”), the Philippine National Anthem, along with the first hosting of the Philippine national flag, which is featured in today’s Doodle artwork. Filled with symbolic meaning, all of the flag's colors stand for a unique element of Philippine pride. Blue represents the peace and justice earned from Philippine leaders’ heroic sacrifice, red signifies their courage and bravery, and the white triangle symbolizes unity and equality.

Emblazoned on the far left of the flag glistens a symbol of freedom, a radiant sun with eight rays beaming out of its center. Each ray symbolizes the first eight Philippine provinces to seek independence: Nueva Ecija, Manila, Pampanga, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, and Bataan. In the corners of the flag’s white triangles are three stars that represent Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, the three main regions of the Philippines. 

Happy 124th Independence Day, Philippines! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!