From Pink To Yellow—The Meaning Behind Party Colors

From blue suits to orange balloons, Here’s how color has long been used for political movements. 

Related: The #NewPH: Heed The Ballot Cry

Color represents many things during the election season from political parties, a visual representation of political stance, ideology, or position, and truthfully an effective way for the public to recall a candidate. It’s been used as a symbol for protest in many movements, aspiring a political phenomenon called a “color revolution.” The term was mostly used to describe uprisings against authoritarian regimes, which occurred from the 1980s to the 2010s but are still practiced today.

For the past years, we have seen our candidates color-coding their political campaigns which inspired the phrase “what’s your political color?” to signify one’s allegiance. Here we look at how these shades played a part in high-profile presidential campaigns.

HUE HISTORY

ESTRADA 

Color: Orange

“Why orange? The Marcos color is red and the Cory color is yellow. So para magkaroon ng unity, I chose orange as my color. Put red and yellow together and what do you get? Orange. Kaya akin ang kulay na ‘yan,” former president Joseph Estrada or “Erap” once explained regarding his chosen shade. 

According to the psychology of color, it promotes rejuvenation and optimism to motivation during trying times. This was a match to Erap’s former campaign focus of “Erap Para sa Mahirap.”

AQUINO

Color: Yellow

Yellow is often associated with happiness, freedom, and mental concentration and has become the color of the Aquino legacy alongside the symbol of a ribbon.

Its origins first began when Ninoy Aquino returned from exile in the United States during the martial law era. Inspired by the ‘70s song Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree, his supporters tied yellow ribbons around trees and fences along his planned route from the airport to his home in Times Street, Quezon City but he was assassinated at the airport. This in return sparked the People Power Revolution and put Corazon Aquino in the presidential seat.

TEODORO

Color: Green

Former Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro who ran during the 2010 Presidential Election signature symbol was a green checkmark. While he is also a graduate of De La Salle University, green is also the dominant color associated with nature which symbolizes growth.

ARROYO 

Color: Blue

14th president of the Philippines, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo sported the color blue throughout her campaign and time at the high office. During her inauguration she wore a blue terno and is said to be worn by people to assume respect and be perceived as conservative. It’s the color of structure and loyalty. 

ROBREDO

Color: Pink

Ending months of speculation, Vice President Leni Robredo officially announced yesterday that she is running for president in the 2022 elections. During her announcement, many took notice of her new ribbon color. Instead of the familiar yellow which had been the symbol of the Liberal Party, it was in bright pink. 

Although Office of the Vice President’s Barry Gutierrez clarified that campaign colors are still be finalized. The pink was chosen for her announcement due to volunteers using it as the official color for their rally for her to run in the upcoming elections.

Nakakataba naman ng puso ang show of support ng iba’t iba nating katropa! Mula sa mga poster at pagkakabit ng pink and blue ribbons, malinaw ang mensahe: Nandito kami, tumataya at lumalaban para kay Leni Robredo. 💝 pic.twitter.com/48hmLFwTPZ

— Team Leni Robredo (@teamrobredoph) September 25, 2021