PHILIPPINES, THE : Philippines National Anthem (The Philippines National Anthem)
Philippino National Anthem
National Anthem of The Philippines
Lupang Hinirang

• Author: Tagalog Words: Felipe Padilla de Leon (1912-1992), Original Spanish Words: José Palma (1876-1903)
• Composer: Julian Felipe (1861-1944)
• Adopted: 1898 (Music), 1899 (Spanish words), 1935 (Tagalog words)
• National Day: June 12 (1898) - Independence Day
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  Julian Felipe

• Further details: The Philippines have a National Anthem which evolved from a patriotic march by the professional composer and musician JULIAN FELIPE (1861-1944). He was a skilled pianist and earned his living as a music teacher. Being a patriot, he took part in the revolutionary activities and was arrested when the revolution erupted, fortunately, he was sick so that he was set free. He joined the revolutionary forces under General Emilio Aguinaldo (Filipino leader in the rebellion against Spain during the years from 1896 to 1898) and became captain of the army band. The National Anthem was composed in 1898 at the request of the General. It embodies some striking reminiscences of the old order as represented by the Spanish Royal March and again - in what came to be the C major refrain of the National Anthem - it suggests a strong influence of 'La marseillaise'. But these dependencies do not lessen the appeal of its forceful and spirited pace. Under the title of 'Marcha Nacional Filipina' ('Filipino National March'), it was performed for the first time in conjunction with the reading of the Act of Proclamation of Philippine Independence on June 12 1898.
  
  The poem written for it is by JOSÉ PALMA (1876-1903) poet-soldier of the revolution. He studied in Manila, where he distinguished himself in literature. When the revolution broke out in August 1896, he joined the revolutionary troops. Two years later, he joined the staff of the newspaper 'La Independencia' and edited its Tagalog section. When the war for Philippine independence began in February 1899, the Tagalog section was discontinued. He returned to the army, and once more fought as a soldier. In August 1899 tiring of military life, he rejoined the staff of 'La Independencia'. In a railway depot in Bautista, Pangasinan, he wrote the patriotic poem, 'Filipinas', in order to supply the words of the National Anthem. The poem was published (in Spanish) for the first time in 'La Independencia' on September 3 1899 - later a Tagalog translation was made.
  
  After the war, he engaged in journalistic writing to earn his living. He died at the age of 27.