The Philippine National Anthem


LUPANG HINIRANG
by: Julian Felipe

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 paglayang minamahal.
Ang kislap ng watawat mo'y
Tagumpay na nagniningning
Ang bituin at araw niya
Kailan pa ma'y di magdidilim.
Lupa ng araw
ng luwalhati't pagsinta
Buhay ay langit sa piling mo.
Aming ligaya
Na pag may mang-aapi
Ang mamatay nang dahil sa iyo.

* * *

        The National Anthem embodies the aspirations of the people to nationhood, a song which keeps alive the memories of the long struggle for freedom. It expresses praise, joy and other noble sentiments of the race.

        The National Anthem has a common historical background with the National Flag, since it evolved as the nation was struggling for freedom and seeking international recognition. They were produced at different times and at different places, but both were made by people seeking to gain a nation for themselves.

        General Aguinaldo, while busily planning the resumption of the revolution, was visited by a young composer and pianist named Julian Felipe. He was recommended by General Mariano Trias because Aguinaldo was looking for a musician.

        Aguinaldo requested him to play a hymn on the piano which a Filipino had composed in Hong Kong. The music of the hymn was good, but Aguinaldo and the others wanted something more solemn, majestic, and dignified.

        Six days later, on the 11th of June, Julian Felipe composed the new hymn and Aguinaldo and his men set aside their plans to focus on that hymn.

        The "Marcha Nacional Filipina", otherwise known as the "Himno Nacional Filipino", thrilled the vast crowd, swept them off their feet and aroused them to great enthusiasm.

* * * * *

English version



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