We cannot deny that our own language, a native language and one that is not foreign is important in having self-identity or essence. The symbol of a flag, of a marcha nacional, of a national anthem, of a national flower, of a national costume are all meaningful as signs of self-identity and independence. But these are just signs - a symbol. There is a need for making meaning for those who use the symbols. And more importantly, we value the meaning more than the symbol. The symbol is only a symbol - it's not significant if the ones using the symbols don't possess the sentiments. And the signs can be replaced; they can be renewed if needed. In this paper, the case of our neighboring countries in South-East Asia such as Indonesia and Singapore are compared for the case of the Philippines, because these two countries give us a different picture in revisiting the language as an important part of the formation of our identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]