Inspiration of Yellow Ribbon

Yellow Ribbon was a popular trinket in 1970s symbolizing endearment to a loved one who was imprisoned or who was serving armed forces. The wearing of yellow ribbon can also be traced back in the 19^th century when women wore it as a symbol of affection to their loved one who was serving cavalry.

By this tradition, a song entitled “Tie a yellow ribbon round the ole oak tree” was made by Dawn featuring Tony Orlando in 1973. The song is about a prisoner who has just served his 3-year sentence and wants her wife to tie a yellow ribbon infront of their house as a gesture of welcoming his comeback.   

To the prisoner’s surprise , hundred of yellow ribbons are tied. These ribbons serve as a beacon that he is really welcomed by his wife and family.

A reprise of the same situation was made on August 21, 1983, hours before Ninoy Aquino landed in Manila International Airport from Taipei. Yellow ribbons were tied in tree branches, fences, street lamps, etc. and the rest is history.  

Famous Landmarks That Renamed Places

Since birth, I have been familiarized with cities around the National Capital Region. It is quite interesting that most of them already progressed extensively like Quezon City, Makati City, Caloocan City, etc. Places around the said cities are now known for its famous landmarks and become a habit of making it as a destination for others when using public transport, commuting etc.

Let's say for example, PHILCOA. This prominent government landmark agency can be located around Vasra, Diliman Quezon City. But instead of using barangay to denote one's destination, public transports and commuters use this landmark as a way of proximity towards their destination. The result of this practice becomes a household name to everybody. By this practice, people, nowadays, are confused. If it is asked what barangay in Quezon City does PHILCOA belong, some commuters would certainly not know it.

In Caloocan, Bonifacio Monument or simply Monumento is a 94 feet-famous landmark where the famous statue of Andres Bonifacio and the Katipuneros are located. This monument was sculpted by Guillermo Tolentino—who was also famous in carving Oblation in the University of the Philippines—from 1929-1933 in memory of Andres Bonifacio and the Katipunan. Monumento has become more famous since the inception of the Light Rail Transit in 1987. So when you wanted to ride an LRT then, you would inform the jeepney drivers about a flag stop at Monumento. In your own realization, what specific barangay does Monumento really belong to? Here's the answer: Although Barangay Grace Park comprises of different zones and is divided into West and East, Monumento is under Barangay 78 Grace Park West.

Still in Quezon City, Muñoz is a booming landmark where primarily designed as a dry market then. Now, after decades, Muñoz rises to be the hub around Sta. Cruz and Roosevelt Avenue in the same city. Malls and Arcades are already erected there. For those people who are unaware of its zone, Muñoz is under Barangay Sta. Cruz—unfamiliar isn't it.

Also, more places in the Philippines are named after a tree, an establishment, etc. Take the case of "Camachile" along Balong-Bato in Quezon City. Apparently, Camachile has become a popular landmark among people passing by the said place. Probably, urban sprawl extincted existence of camachile therein. Probably, the legend of camachile trees—once stood at the hustle and bustle of barangay Balong-Bato in Quezon City—would continuously recur its essence in our mind.

Up to now, many great barangays are hidden in landmarks that we frequently see.

To be continued.......