On June 12 th each year, the Philippine flag is raised in many parts of the world to celebrate the country’s independence day. While it is standard practice for diplomatic posts in various countries to display their flags to signify their presence in foreign lands, this practice has taken on an entirely new meaning as far as the Philippines is concerned. With seven million overseas Filipino workers scattered around the globe, ceremonies such as these allow Filipinos to rekindle nationalistic sentiments, while toiling many miles away from home. After lengthy absences from one’s motherland, I believe that even the most hardened of hearts would likely feel a sense of nostalgia at the sight of one’s national flag or upon hearing a rendition of the national anthem. Therefore, these activities have almost become essential elements for survival of Filipino migrants in far-flung destinations. Due to growing internationalization, Vice Consul Edna May Lazaro of the Philippine