Overview
This presentation covers the multilingual origins and historical evolution of the Philippine National Anthem, highlighting its development from a Kapampangan poem to the Tagalog version legally recognized today. The speaker emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the Philippines' multi-ethnic and multi-lingual heritage.
Origins of the Philippine National Anthem
- The first performance of the national anthem occurred during the 1898 proclamation of Philippine independence.
- Initially, the anthem was purely instrumental, composed by Julian Felipe as Marcha Filipina.
- Marcha Filipina was influenced by France’s La Marseillaise and Spain’s Marcha Real.
- The anthem originally had no lyrics at the time of the proclamation.
Evolution of the Anthem's Lyrics
- The first known lyrics were written in Kapampangan by Mariano Proceso Pabalan Byron in 1898, titled Labuad Mapalad.
- Jose Palma, inspired by Byron’s poem, wrote a Spanish version called Filipinas in 1899.
- The current Tagalog lyrics, Lupang Hinirang, date back only to 1966 and were based on Palma’s Spanish poem.
- English (Philippine Hymn) and other Tagalog translations emerged during the Commonwealth and post-war era.
Legal and Cultural Developments
- During the American occupation, singing the anthem was forbidden.
- An English version was created in 1938; a Tagalog version based on Byron's poem was used by guerrillas in 1943.
- Multiple Tagalog versions appeared between 1948 and the 1960s.
- The official Tagalog version, Lupang Hinirang, was established in 1966 and legally confirmed in 1998.
- Current law mandates the anthem may only be performed in Tagalog.
Diversity and National Identity
- The anthem's history reflects the Philippines’ multi-ethnic and multilingual character.
- Recognizing diversity is vital to national strength and unity.
- The speaker encourages Filipinos to celebrate and honor the country’s varied cultural roots.
Closing Remarks and Call to Action
- Viewers are invited to subscribe, support the creator, and visit a recommended website to purchase a related t-shirt.
- Expressions of gratitude are given in multiple Filipino languages.