It is believed that Jasminum sambac, Arabian jasmine, was brought to the Philippines from central Asia in the 1700s. Its white, star-shaped flowers captured the attention of the nation's people. They admired the novel flower that opens at night and has a bud that is more fragrant than the actual flower. It's little wonder that jasmine has been the national symbol of the Philippines since 1934. Jasmine was chosen to represent purity, simplicity, humility and strength.