Overview
This segment explores the lesser-known multilingual origins of the Philippine National Anthem, highlighting its development from Kapampangan roots through Spanish and Tagalog adaptations, and emphasizing the importance of recognizing the country's diverse cultural history.
Origins of the Philippine National Anthem
- The anthem was first played during the proclamation of Philippine independence in 1898 as a purely musical composition called Marcha Filipina.
- Julian Felipe composed the music, inspired by France’s La Marseillaise and Spain’s Marcha Real.
- The anthem originally had no lyrics when first performed.
Development of the Lyrics
- The earliest lyrics were not in Tagalog or Spanish; the first poem was written in Kapampangan by Mariano Proceso Pabalan Byron in 1898, titled Labuad Mapalad.
- Jose Palma, also from Bacolor, Pampanga, later translated Pabalan’s poem into Spanish in 1899 under the title Filipinas.
- Experts note that the Kapampangan lyrics are more musically in sync with Felipe’s composition than Palma’s Spanish poem.
Evolution and Legal Recognition
- Expressions of Filipino patriotism, including the anthem, were banned during American rule.
- An English version, the Philippine Hymn, emerged in 1938, followed by a Tagalog version (Diwanang Bayan) in 1943, based on Labuad Mapalad.
- Multiple Tagalog translations surfaced between 1948 and the 1960s as Tagalog became the basis for the national language.
- Felipe Padilla de Leon’s Lupang Hinirang version in Tagalog was adopted in 1966 and legally confirmed in 1998.
- Singing the anthem in any language other than Tagalog/Filipino is currently prohibited by law.
Significance of Multilingual and Multi-Ethnic Roots
- The anthem’s history reflects the Philippines’ diverse, multi-ethnic, and multilingual society.
- Recognizing and valuing this diversity is essential for national strength and unity.
Closing and Call to Action
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