Lupang Hinirang [Philippine National Anthem]

On May 26, 1956, then President Ramon Magsaysay officially adopted the Filipino version drafted by the then Surian ng Wikang Pambansa, now the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino, as the National Anthem.  Section 37 of Republic Act 8491 which became law on Feb. 12, 1998, provided: “The rendition of the National Anthem, whether played or sung, shall be in accordance with the musical arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe.”

In this connection, the noted Filipino historian, Teodoro A. Agoncillo, wrote:

“On June 5, 1898, Aguinaldo issued a decree setting aside June 12 as the day for the proclamation of Philippine independence. At the same time, he commissioned Julian Felipe, a composer from Cavite, to prepare a composition which would be played during the independence ceremonies. On June 11, Felipe showed Aguinaldo the draft of his musical composition, which was entitled Marcha Filipina Magdalo. Aguinaldo and the other revolutionary leaders, upon hearing the composition played on the piano, adopted it as the official march of the Philippines. Aguinaldo then requested Felipe to teach the music to the members of the band of San Francisco de Malabon so it could be played the next day. Felipe changed the title of the march to Marcha Nacional Filipina(Philippine National March).”

In compliance with R.A. 8491, the national anthem should therefore be performed or sung with the march beat as originally intended by Julian Felipe.  Just like in the above YouTube rendition.  It has pep.  And the singing is done with “fervor” in accordance with Section 38 of R.A. 8491. Not in the slow beat where folks are being led to their grave!  You’d know what I mean if you listen to Sarah Geronimo sing our national anthem on the occasion of the Pacquiao-Morales fight in Las Vegas on Nov. 18, 2006, as if it was a slow cowboy ballad (groan!).  We hope someone aware of the provisions of R.A. 8491 will sing the Philippine National Anthem at the upcoming Pacquiao-Hatton fight in Las Vegas on May 2, 2009.

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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 ng dahil sa iyo.

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