The National Anthem of the Philippines
Bayang Magiliw
Perlas ng Silanganan,
Alab ng Puso
Sa Dibdib Mo’y Buhay.Lupang Hinirang,
Duyan ka ng Magiting.
Sa Manlulupig,
Di ka Pasisiil.Sa Dagat at Bundok,
Sa Simoy at Sa Langit Mong Bughaw,
May Dilag Ang Tula
At Awit Sa Pagplayang Minamahal.Ang Kislap ng Watawat Mo’y
Tagumpay Na Nagniningning,
Ang Bituin At Araw Niya,
Kailan Pa May Di Magdidilim.Lupa ng Araw, Ng Luwalhati’t Pagsinta,
Buhay Ay Langit Sa Piling Mo;
Aming Ligaya, Na Pag May Mang-Aapi
Ang Mamatay Ng Dahil Sa Iyo.
Lupang Hinirang is the title of the national anthem of the Philippines. The song tells the story about the Filipino’s fight for freedom.
It also tells the love of the people and their willingness to defend it if given a chance.
Julian Felipe provided the hymn of the national anthem of the Philippines at Emilio Aguinaldo’s request.
On June 12, 1898, Julian Felipe’s composition was played while laying for the first time the Philippine flag on the porch of Emilio Aguinaldo’s mansion in Cavite.
The original composition of Felipe is entitled “Marcha Filipina Magdalo”. He Played it for the first time a day before the declaration of independence before all of the leaders of the revolution who unanimously approved it.
Marcha Nacional Filipina is the title of the song which replaced the earlier one and immediately became the national anthem even without a lyric.
The following year, a poem titled “Filipinas” composed by a young soldier named Jose Palma aligned with Julian Felipe’s composition and was made the official lyric of the national anthem.
Paz M. Benitez of the University of the Philippines translates into English the lyrics of the national anthem during the American occupation.
The Philippine Hymn is the most popular version written by Mary A. Lane and Senator Camilo Osias was identified as the national anthem with English lyrics by virtue of Commonwealth Act No. 382.
In 1940, the Tagalog version of the Philippine National Anthem came out.
“O Sintang Lupa” was the approved National Anthem in Filipino by the Department of Education in 1948.
Gregorio Hernandez, Jr., the Education Secretary in 1954, formed a committee to change the lyrics of the national anthem. The new version was named “Lupang Hinirang.” It had a slight change in 1962.
By virtue of a law, new national symbols of the Philippines was made in 1998, this law confirmed the Filipino version of the national anthem.
According to the law, only the Filipino version of the national anthem should be used today.
The Philippine National Anthem in Filipino should be played according to the song or composition of Julian Felipe. The National Anthem must be heartfelt when singing as a sign of respect. All of those singing should face the national flag of the Philippines (if there is any) and if there is no flag, the singers should face the band playing the anthem or the conductor. As a salute, place your right hand across the left chest from the first song note until it finishes.
The history of “Lupang Hinirang,” the Philippines’ National Anthem is rich in history and it’s important we learn to go back. Every Filipino should not miss the purpose for which the national anthem was created which is to inspire the patriotic feelings of the Filipinos, during the time when the Philippines had no freedom. Every Filipino must remember that many heroes sacrificed their lives so we can gain the freedom we enjoy today.