"Marcha Nacional Filipina"(original title of the march composed byJulián Felipe) (English: 'Philippine National March') "Filipinas"(original title of the poem written byJosé Palma)
"Lupang Hinirang" ('Chosen Land'), originally titled in Spanish as "Marcha Nacional Filipina" ('Philippine National March'), and also commonly and informally known by itsincipit "Bayang Magiliw" ('Beloved Country'), is thenational anthem of thePhilippines. Its music was composed in 1898 byJulián Felipe, and the lyrics were adopted from the Spanish poem "Filipinas", written byJosé Palma in 1899.[2]
In the years after the revolution, the poem "Filipinas", written in 1899 by nationalist José Palma, gained widespread popularity as unofficial Spanish lyrics of the anthem. The Spanish lyrics were translated into English and, beginning in the 1940s, in the national language. The currentFilipino lyrics, written in 1956 and with a slight revision in the 1960s, were adopted and made official.[5] On February 12, 1998, Republic Act No. 8491 was passed, codifying these lyrics into law.[1]
"Lupang Hinirang" began asincidental music whichPresidentEmilio Aguinaldo commissioned for use in theproclamation of Philippine independence from Spain. This task was given toJulián Felipe and was to replace a march which Aguinaldo had deemed unsatisfactory. The original title of this new march was "Marcha Filipina-Magdalo" (Philippine-Magdalo March), and was later changed to "Marcha Nacional Filipina" (Philippine National March) upon its adoption as the national anthem of theFirst Philippine Republic on June 11, 1898, a day before independence was to be proclaimed.[6]Felipe said that he had based his composition on three other musical pieces: the "Marcha Real", which is the current Spanish national anthem; the "Grand March" fromGiuseppe Verdi'sAida; and the French national anthem, "La Marseillaise".[7] It was played by theBanda San Francisco de Malabón (now called theBanda Matanda, from present-dayGeneral Trias) during the proclamation rites on June 12.
National historical marker installed in 2017 in Bautista commemorating the writing of "Filipinas" by José Palma
In August 1899, soldier and writerJosé Palma penned the Spanish poem "Filipinas", which in turn was derived from a Kapampangan poem calledLabuad Mapalad (Blessed Land) by Mariano Proceso Pabalan of Bacolor, Pampanga written in September 1898[8] during his stay in Casa Hacienda inBautista, Pangasinan. The poem was published for the first time for the first anniversary of the newspaperLa Independencia on September 3, 1899, and was subsequently set to the tune of the "Marcha Nacional Filipina".[9][10]
TheFlag Act of 1907 prohibited the use of the anthem and other Philippine revolutionary and Katipunan symbols for a short period of time. When it was repealed back in 1919, theInsular Government decided to translate the hymn from its original Spanish version to the English version. The first translation was written around that time by the renowned poetPaz Márquez Benítez of theUniversity of the Philippines. The most popular translation, called the "Philippine Hymn", was written bySenatorCamilo Osías and anAmerican, Mary A. Lane. The anthem was played alongside the United States anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner", which was adopted in 1931, until the country's eventualindependence in 1946.
During the term ofPresidentRamon Magsaysay, Education Secretary Gregorio Hernández formed a commission to revise the lyrics. On May 26, 1956, theTagalog translation "Lupang Hinirang" was sung for the first time. Minor revisions were made in the 1960s, and it is this version by Felipe Padilla de León which is presently used.[citation needed]
TheMarcos Sr. dictatorship until the1986 EDSA Revolution saw the use of the National Anthem as the opening protest song of some political parties, activist organizations, and union groups, accompanied by the use of the "raised clenched fist" salute instead of the traditional hand-to-heart salute. This was notably done by opposition political parties and activists.
Some of the original meanings in "Filipinas" have been lost in translation; for example, "hija del sol de oriente" (Daughter of the orient (eastern) sun) in the original Spanish version became "child of the sun returning" in the Philippine Hymn and "perlas ng silanganan" (pearl of the orient) in the present (official) version.[12] The time signature in performance had been changed from 2/4 to 4/4 to facilitate singing and thekey changed from the originalC major toG in the 1920s.[13] However, this change was not codified into law.[13]
The 1956Filipino lyrics were confirmed in 1958 byRepublic Act No. 8491 (the "Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines") in 1998, abandoning use of both the Spanish and English versions.[1] Philippine law requires that the anthem always be rendered in accordance with Felipe's original musical arrangement and composition, but the originalholograph cannot be located.[1][13] In 2011, SenatorBong Revilla introduced a bill which, among other things, would have removed the requirement that the anthem be sung "in its originalFilipino lyrics and march tempo", but this was not promulgated into law.[14]
"Lupang Hinirang" was not the first Philippine national anthem to ever be conceived. The composer and revolutionistJulio Nakpil composed "Marangal na Dalit ng Katagalugan" (Honorable Hymn of the Tagalog Nation/People) upon the request ofAndrés Bonifacio, the leader of theKatipunan, the secret society that had spearheaded the Revolution.[15][7][16] Bonifacio had converted the organization into a revolutionary government—with himself as President—known as theTagalog Republic just before hostilities erupted. The term "Katagalugan" in Bonifacio's usage referred to the Philippine Islands and its population as a whole; not justethnic Tagalogs, but allFilipinos.[17][16] Nakpil composed his national anthem for Bonifacio in Balara (part of modernQuezon City) in November 1896, and Bonifacio later promoted its use in Cavite, where it was still known as late as 1898.[15][16] But after Bonifacio'sKatipunan andRepublika ng Katagalugan were superseded by a succession of various governments led by Aguinaldo starting in 1897, Nakpil's anthem was never officially adopted by them.[15][16][7]
Some sources assert that an English version written by Mary A. Lane andCamilo Osías was legalized by Commonwealth Act No. 382.[18][19] The act, however, only concerns itself with the instrumental composition by Julián Felipe.[20]
The following Spanish, English and Tagalog versions of the national anthem have been given official status throughout Philippine history. However, only the currentFilipino version is officially recognized by the Flag and Heraldic Code, approved on February 12, 1998, which specifies, "The National Anthem shall always be sung in the 'national language' within or outside the country; violation of the law is punishable by a fine and imprisonment."[1] Several bills have been introduced to amend the Flag and Heraldic Code to highlight the importance of complying, abiding and conforming to the standard expression as prescribed by law, but none have been enacted into law.[21][22]
Land of the morning, Child of the sun returning, With fervor burning Thee do our souls adore.
Land dear and holy, Cradle of noble heroes, Ne'er shall invaders Trample thy sacred shores.
Ever within thy skies and through thy clouds, And o'er thy hills and seas, Do we behold the radiance, feel the throb Of glorious liberty.
Thy banner dear to all our hearts, Its sun and stars alight, Oh, never shall its shining fields Be dimmed by tyrant's might!
Beautiful land of love, o land of light, In thine embrace 'tis rapture to lie, But it is glory ever, when thou art wronged, For us, thy sons to suffer and die.
Post-World War II Tagalog version (O Sintang Lupa)
Labuad a mapalad Mutya nang lalu sampat Ning dayat-malat A queca misapuac.
Budning sultana Guinu na ning Malasia Pemalena'na Ning tapat a sinta.
Caring bunduc mu at caqueuan Batis, ulu't pulung cacal Bitasang macalimbagan Ing quecang catimauan.
Qng bandila mung maningning A tecutan da ring tacsil Capilan man e culimlim Ing aldo na at batuin.
Labuad ning aldo, sinta't tepangan Mayumung diling queque ca mie Iyang ligaiang quequeng paniangian Ing queca que ngan paimate.
O land beloved, Child of the sunny Orient, Whose ardent spirit Ever burns in thy breast!
O land of beauty, Cradle of valiant warriors, Tyrant oppressors Never will daunt thy sons!
On the blue seas and verdant hills And in the winds and azure skies, Thy immortal voice of Liberty We hear in ringing song arise.
On thy dear banner that has led Thy sons to victory in the fight, Forever shall its sun and stars Unclouded shine with golden light.
Philippines, O land beloved of the sun, On thy dear bosom life is sweet! But in the hour when men must die for thee, Gladly our lives we’ll lay at thy feet!
Lupang mapalad, Na mutya ng silangan; Bayang kasuyo, Ng sangkalikasan.
Buhay at yaman, Ng Kapilipinuhan; Kuha't bawi, Sa banyagang kamay.
Sa iyong langit, bundok, batis, dagat na pinalupig; Nailibing na ang karimlan, Ng kahapong pagtitiis.
Sakit at luha, hirap, Sisa at sumpa sa pag-aamis; ay wala nang lahat at naligtas, Sa ibig manlupit.
Hayo't magdiwang lahi kong minamahal, Iyong watawat ang siyang tanglaw; At kung sakaling ikaw ay muling pagbantaan, Aming bangkay ang siyang hahadlang.
O sintang lupa, Perlas ng Silanganan, Diwang apoy kang Sa araw nagmula.
Lupang magiliw, Pugad ng kagitingan, Sa manlulupig Di ka papaslang.
Sa iyong langit, simoy, parang. Dagat at kabundukan, Laganap ang tibok ng puso Sa paglayang walang hanggan.
Sagisag ng watawat mong mahal Ningning at tagumpay; Araw't bituin niyang maalab Ang s'yang lagi naming tanglaw.
Sa iyo, Lupa ng ligaya't pagsinta, Tamis mabuhay na yakap mo, Datapwa't langit ding kung ikaw ay apihin Ay mamatay ng dahil sa 'yo.
Source:[27][28](lyrics in cited sources differ between sources and from lyrics given above)
In 2018, Senate presidentVicente Sotto III criticized the final line, "ang mamatay nang dahil sa 'yo" (literally "to die because of you [the country]" and translated above as "For us, thy sons to suffer and die."), in reference toHorace'sDulce et decorum est pro patria mori as "defeatist",[35] but a proposed recvision with a message of commitment to defending the country's independence drew popular backlash.[36] In 2013, musicianJoey Ayala, tampered with the national anthem in a forum by changing the last line to "ang magmahal nang dahil sa 'yo" ("to love for the country") and arranged the time signature from 4/4 to 6/8,[37] drawing mixed reactions from the public.[38] In 2018, Senate PresidentTito Sotto suggested that last line should be revised to "ang ipaglaban ang kalayaan mo" ("to defend your freedom") as it reflects the commitment of theFilipinos to defend the country's independence,[35] but his suggestion was not well-received online.[36]
R.A. 8491 specifies that in official or civic gatherings the anthem "shall be in accordance with the musical arrangement and composition ofJulián Felipe."[1] However, when literally followed, this would require performance by apianist or by abrass band, as these were the only versions that were produced by Julián Felipe.[13] The original version was composed in duple time (i.e., in atime signature of2 4) and was changed to the present quadruple time (4 4) in the 1920s to make singing easier by reducing emphasis onsyncopation.[13][39]
During televised boxing matches featuring Filipino boxerManny Pacquiao, singers have been both praised and criticized by theNational Historical Institute (NHI) for singing too slow or too fast.[40] The NHI says that the proper time signature is2 4 and the proper tempo is 100bpm.[40] The NHI also states that the anthem should last 53 seconds.[40]
The anthem is usually played during public gatherings in the Philippines or in foreign countries where the Filipino audience is sizable. The Code also provides that it be played at other occasions as may be allowed by the National Historical Institute (now known as theNational Historical Commission of the Philippines). It prohibits its playing or singing for mere recreation, amusement, or entertainment except during International competitions where the Philippines is the host or has a representative; local competitions; during the "sign-on" and "sign-off" of radio broadcasting and television stations in the country; and before the initial and last screening of films and before the opening of theatre performances.
Until 1999, the national anthem was played with fourruffles and flourishes as the presidential salutehonors music during the beginning of civil or military parades following Spanish and Taiwanese tradition, especially on national holidays. Since that year it has been played solely during the presentation of award recipients on anniversary parades or following the presidential honors.[41]
Article XVI, Section 2 of the1987 Constitution specifies that "TheCongress may, by law, adopt a new name for the country, a national anthem, or a national seal, which shall be truly reflective and symbolic of the ideals, history, and traditions of the people. Such law shall take effect only upon its ratification by the people in a national referendum."[42]
Republic Act No. 8491 ("The Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines") regulates usage of the National Anthem, and contains the complete lyrics of "Lupang Hinirang".[1] Enacted in 1998, it requires that the anthem "shall always be sung in thenational language" regardless if performed inside or outside the Philippines, and specifies that the singing must be done "with fervor".[1]
The code specifies penalties for violation of its provisions. Section 48 provides for public censure and cancellation of licenses and permits, Section 49 requires theDepartment of Education and theCommission on Higher Education to ensure that all students commit the national anthem to memory, section 50 specifies penalties of fine or imprisonment for violations.[1]
^Pomeroy, William J. (1992).The Philippines: Colonialism, Collaboration, and Resistance. International Publishers Co. p. 10.ISBN0-7178-0692-8. RetrievedJanuary 26, 2008.Philippines flag law.; excerpted quote: "In 1909 an entire band was sent to prison for playing the Philippine National Anthem at a festival inQuiapo, Manila.", citingAgoncillo, Teodoro A. (2005).The Revolt of the Masses: The Story of Bonifacio and the Katipunan. Quezon City: University of the Philippines Press.
^"The Philippine National Anthem"(PDF).Balanghay: The Philippine Factsheet. No. 3. May–June. National Commission for Culture and the Arts. 2012. Archived fromthe original(PDF) on November 30, 2021. RetrievedSeptember 8, 2021.
^abcNakpil, Julio (1997) [1964]. Alzona, Encarnacion (ed.).Julio Nakpil and the Philippine Revolution: With the Autobiography of Gregoria de Jesús. Translated by Encarnacion Alzona. Quezon City: Academic Publishing Corporation.ISBN971-707-048-2.
^abcdRichardson, Jim (2013).The Light of Liberty: Documents and Studies on the Katipunan, 1892-1897. Quezon City: Ateneo de Manila University Press.ISBN9789715506755.
^Guerrero, Milagros C. (2003) [1996]."Andres Bonifacio and the 1896 Revolution". National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). Archived fromthe original on January 18, 2008. RetrievedSeptember 26, 2007.The word tagalog means all those born in this archipelago; therefore, though visayan, ilocano, pamapango, etc. they are all tagalogs. [From theKatipunan primer.]
^Uckung, Peter Jaynul V. (September 7, 2012)."Music for the National Soul".National Historical Commission of the Philippines. RetrievedJanuary 3, 2022.
