The shapes inside the white part of the Filipino Flag include an eight rayed sun and 3 stars. The sun represents the dawning of a brand new era of self determination that was desired in 1897 after the war with Spain in the Philippines.It also symbolizes unity, versatility, and people's democracy/sovereignty. The 8 rays in the sunshine stand for the 8 provinces which rose in revolt against Spanish rule in the late 19th century while the 3 stars surrounding that sun represent the 3 principal geographic areas of the Philippines; Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
