It is depicted as a fowl with colorful wings and feathered tail, holding a fish on its beak or talons.

At present, this is not totally true; sarimanok may be placed on the top of the umbrella of a Sultan or dignitary, and also, the Mindanao State University has adopted it for the graduation exercises following a non-traditional use.

[6][7] Philippine National Artist for Visual Arts Abdulmari Asia Imao uses the Sarimanok as a motif for some of his artworks which helped popularize the creature.

[8] The Far Eastern University seal bears the FEU Coat of Arms and the sarimanok motif.

The sarimanok is a legendary bird in full color that project the nationalistic spirit upon which the university is founded.