Philippines
- Language
- Filipino
- Anthem
- Lupang Hinirang
- Duration
- 0:56
- Status
- Today, "Lupang Hinirang" remains the national anthem of the Philippines, legally required to be sung exclusively in Tagalog with Julian Felipe's original music.
Philippines National Anthem History
Lupang Hinirang
The Philippine national anthem, "Lupang Hinirang," originated as an instrumental march composed by Julian Felipe in 1898 for the declaration of independence. Over time, it gained Spanish, then English, and finally official Filipino lyrics, which were adopted in 1956.
Philippines
Lupang Hinirang
History timeline
-
1898
Julian Felipe composed the instrumental "Marcha Filipina Magdalo" at General Aguinaldo's request, played at the declaration of independence.
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1899
José Palma penned the Spanish poem "Filipinas," which was adopted as the official lyrics for the anthem's music.
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1938
The Philippine Congress officially adopted the popular "Philippine Hymn" English translation and Felipe's music.
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1948
The first official Filipino lyrics, "O Sintang Lupa," were approved by the Department of Education.
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1956
The revised Filipino lyrics, "Lupang Hinirang," were officially adopted, becoming the anthem's current version.
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1998
A law codified that the anthem must be sung exclusively in Tagalog ("Lupang Hinirang") using Felipe's original music.
Despite having popular Spanish and English versions throughout its history, a 1998 law mandates the anthem only be sung in Tagalog.