Introduction: The Phantoms of José Martí and José Rizal

Abstract

Ibegin this book with the images of two national flags, one of Cuba and the other of the Philippines. Although at first glance there may seem to be hardly any relationship between these two islands, which are geographically remote from each other, some similarities between the two flags will catch the attention of a careful observer. Both employ the identical tricolor combination of blue, red, and white (the Filipino flag includes yellow embellishments as well). Their basic design is also comparable, employing horizontal stripes, identically positioned triangles, and prominently featured stars. While these similarities may seem superficial or even insignificant, they are not the result of coincidence but rather represent elements of shared national narratives in the late nineteenth century. In order to scrutinize the meaning of this unique connection, it is necessary to look at the history of anti-imperial struggles in Cuba and the Philippines.