Lupang Hinirang

Lupang Hinirang

English: Chosen Land
Music sheet of Lupang Hinirang
National anthem of Philippines
Also known as	Filipinas (Original title of the poem written by Jose Palma) (English: "Beloved Homeland")
Lyrics	José Palma (original Spanish lyrics), 1899
Music	Julián Felipe, 1898
Adopted	12 June 1898 (original music as Marcha Nacional Filipina) 26 May 1958 (official Filipino lyrics)
Audio sample
"Lupang Hinirang" (instrumental) file help

"Lupang Hinirang" ([ˈlupaŋ hiˈniɾaŋ], lit. '"Chosen Land"'; originally Marcha Nacional Filipina, the "Philippine National March") is the national anthem of the Philippines. Its music was composed in 1898 by Julián Felipe, and the lyrics were adapted from the Spanish poem Filipinas, written by José Palma in 1899. Originally written it did not have lyrics when it was adopted as the anthem of the revolutionary First Philippine Republic and subsequently played during the proclamation of Philippine independence on 12 June 1898.

Under the American period, the Flag Act of 1907 prohibited the public display of flags, banners, emblems, or devices used by revolutionaries in the Philippine–American War. Under this law, the colonial government banned the song from being played. The Flag Law was repealed in 1919. Under the Commonwealth, Commonwealth Act № 382, approved on September 5, 1938, officially adopted the musical arrangement and composition by Julián Felipe as the national anthem.

The Spanish lyrics were translated into Tagalog beginning in the 1940s, with the current Filipino version from 1956 undergoing a slight revision in the 1960s. Over the years, several English versions came into use. On 12 February 1998, Republic Act № 8491 codified the current Filipino lyrics into law.

Etymology

Some English language sources erroneously translate Lupang Hinirang as "Beloved Land" or "Beloved Country"; the first term is actually a translation of the incipit of the original poem Filipinas (Tierra adorada), while "Beloved Country" is a translation of Bayang Magiliw, the current version's incipit and colloquial name. Some sources assert that an English version of anthem lyrics titled "Philippine Hymn" was legalised by Commonwealth Act № 382. That Act, however, only concerns itself with the instrumental composition by Julián Felipe.

History

Julián Felipe

José Palma

"Lupang Hinirang" began as incidental music which President Emilio Aguinaldo commissioned for use in the proclamation of Philippine independence from Spain. This task was given to Julián Felipe and was to replace a march which Aguinaldo had deemed unsatisfactory. The original title of this new march was "Marcha Filipina-Magdalo" ("Philippine-Magdalo March"), and was later changed to "Marcha Nacional Filipina" ("Philippine National March") upon its adoption as the national anthem of the First Philippine Republic on 11 June 1898, a day before independence was to be proclaimed.

Felipe said that he had based his composition on three other musical pieces: the "Marcha Real", which is the current Spanish national anthem; the "Grand March" from Giuseppe Verdi's Aida; and the French national anthem, "La Marseillaise". It was played by the Banda San Francisco de Malabon (now called the Banda Matanda, from present-day General Trias) during the proclamation rites on 12 June.

In August 1899, the soldier and writer José Palma penned the Spanish poem Filipinas during his stay in Casa Hacienda in Bautista, Pangasinan. The poem was published for the first time for the first anniversary of the newspaper La Independencia on 3 September 1899, and was subsequently set to the tune of the "Marcha Nacional Filipina".

Philippine law requires that the anthem always be rendered in accordance with Felipe's original musical arrangement and composition, but the original holograph cannot be located. In the 1920s, the time signature was changed from 2/4 to 4/4 to facilitate its singing and the key was changed from the original C major to G.

After the repeal of the Flag Act of 1907 (which banned the use of revolutionary and Katipunan symbols) in 1919, the Insular Government decided to translate the hymn from its original Spanish to English. The first translation was written around that time by the renowned poet Paz Marquez Benitez of the University of the Philippines. The most popular translation, called the "Philippine Hymn", was written by Senator Camilo Osías and an American, Mary A. Lane.

Tagalog translations began appearing in the 1940s, with the first known one titled Diwa ng Bayan ("Spirit of the Country"), which was sung during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines. The second most popular one was O Sintang Lupa ("O Beloved Land") by Julián Cruz Balmaceda, Ildefonso Santos, and Francisco Caballo; this was adopted as the official version in 1948. Upon the adoption of Diwa ng Bayan, the song Awit sa Paglikha ng Bagong Pilipinas and the Japanese national anthem Kimigayo were replaced.

During the term of President Ramon Magsaysay, Education Secretary Gregorio Hernández formed a commission to revise the lyrics. On 26 May 1956, the Pilipino translation "Lupang Hinirang" was sung for the first time. Minor revisions were made in the 1960s, and it is this version by Felipe Padilla de León which is presently used. The Filipino lyrics have been confirmed by Republic Act No. 8491 (the "Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines") in 1998, abandoning use of both the Spanish and English versions.

Historian Ambeth Ocampo observed that the Spanish lyrics, which were not intended to be sung when composed, do not flow with the music very well compared to later English and Filipino versions which are smoother. Also, some of the original meanings in Filipinas have been lost in translation; for example, the original Hija del sol de oriente (literally, "Daughter of the Orient (Eastern) Sun") became "Child of the sun returning" in the Philippine Hymn and Perlas ng Silanganan ("Pearl of the Orient") in the present official Tagalog version.

Other anthems

"Lupang Hinirang" was not the first Filipino national anthem to be conceived. The composer and revolutionist Julio Nakpil penned Marangal na Dalit ng Katagalugan (Honourable Hymn of the Katagalugan), which was later called Salve Patria ("Hail, Fatherland"). It was originally intended to be the official anthem of the Katipunan, the secret society that spearheaded the Revolution. It is considered a national anthem because Andrés Bonifacio, the chief founder and Supremo of the Katipunan, converted the organization into a revolutionary government—with himself as President—known as the Republika ng Katagalugan (Tagalog Republic) just before hostilities erupted. The arrangement was by Julio Nakpil, who reconstructed it from memory after the original score was destroyed in 1945 during the battle for Manila. It would later be reworked and incorporated in the orchestral piece, Salve, Filipinas.

The Katipunan or Republika ng Katagalugan was superseded by Aguinaldo's Republica Filipina. The anthem, later renamed Himno Nacional, was never adopted by Aguinaldo for unspecified reasons. The term "Katagalugan" in the anthem referred the Philippine Islands as a whole and not just Tagalophone Filipinos.

The translation of "Lupang Hinirang" was used by Felipe Padilla de Leon as his inspiration for Awit sa Paglikha ng Bagong Pilipinas, commissioned as a replacement anthem by the Japanese-controlled Second Philippine Republic during World War II, and later adapted during the martial law era under President Ferdinand Marcos under the patriotic anthem entitled as Bagong Pagsilang.

Lyrics

The following Spanish, English and Filipino versions of the national anthem have been given official status throughout Philippine history. However, only the most recent and current Filipino version is officially recognised by law. The Flag and Heraldic Code, approved on 12 February 1998 specifies, "The National Anthem shall always be sung in the national language within or outside the country; violation of the law is punishable by a fine and imprisonment. Several bills have been introduced to amend the Flag and Heraldic Code to highlight the importance of complying, abiding and conforming to the standard expression as prescribed by law. As of 2015, none have been enacted into law.

Original Spanish Version Marcha Nacional Filipina (1899) penned by Jose Palma	Official Commonwealth-Era English Version The Philippine Hymn (1938)	Official Filipino Version Lupang Hinirang (1958, rev. 1963) translated by Felipe Padilla de Leon
Tierra adorada Hija del sol de Oriente, Su fuego ardiente En ti latiendo está. Patria de amores! Del heroísmo cuna, Los invasores No te hallarán jamás. En tu azul cielo, en tus auras, En tus montes y en tu mar Esplende y late el poema De tu amada libertad. Tu pabellón, que en las lides La victoria iluminó, No verá nunca apagados Sus estrellas y su sol. Tierra de dichas, del sol y amores, En tu regazo dulce es vivir. Es una gloria para tus hijos, Cuando te ofenden, por ti morir.	Land of the morning Child of the sun returning With fervor burning Thee do our souls adore. Land dear and holy Cradle of noble heroes Ne’er shall invaders Trample thy sacred shores. Ever within thy skies and through thy clouds And o’er thy hills and sea Do we behold the radiance feel the throb Of glorious liberty. Thy banner dear to all our hearts Its sun and stars alight Oh, never shall its shining fields Be dimmed by tyrants might! Beautiful land of love, o land of light In thine embrace ’tis rapture to lie But it is glory ever, when thou art wronged For us thy sons to suffer and die.	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 ‘yo.

Other historical lyrics

Pre-Commonwealth English version: O Land Beloved (1919) translated by Paz Marquez Benitez

O land beloved, Child of the sunny Orient, Whose ardent spirit Ever burns in thy breast! O land of beauty, Cradle of valiant warriors, Tyrant oppressors Never will daunt thy sons! On the blue seas and verdant hills And in the winds and azure skies, Thy immortal voice of Liberty We hear in ringing song arise. On thy dear banner that has led Thy sons to victory in the fight, Forever shall its sun and stars Unclouded shine with golden light. Philippines, O land beloved of the sun, On thy dear bosom life is sweet! But in the hour when men must die for thee, Gladly our lives we’ll lay at thy feet!

Official Japanese-era Tagalog version: Diwa ng Bayan (1943)

Unofficial English translation: Spirit of the Country

Lupang mapalad, Na mutya ng silangan; Bayang kasuyo, Ng sangkalikasan. Buhay at yaman, Ng Kapilipinuhan; Kuha't bawi, Sa banyagang kamay. Sa iyong langit, bundok, batis, dagat na pinalupig; Nailibing na ang karimlan, Ng kahapong pagtitiis. Sakit at luha, hirap, Sisa at sumpa sa pag-aamis; ay wala nang lahat at naligtas, Sa ibig manlupit. Hayo't magdiwang lahi kong minamahal, Iyong watawat ang siyang tanglaw; At kung sakaling ikaw ay muling pagbantaan, Aming bangkay ang siyang hahadlang.

Land that is blessed, that is Pearl of the East; Nation in union with [the whole of] nature. The life and riches Of the Filipino people Taken and reclaimed From foreign hands. In Thy skies, mountains, Springs, seas that were conquered Buried already is the darkness Of yesterday's suffering. Pain and tears, hardship, Difficulty and curse of oppression Are all gone and [we] are saved From those who wish to be cruel [to us]. Come, let us celebrate, my beloved race, Thy flag shall be our guiding light; And should Thou be once more threatened, Our corpses shall block the way.

Post-World War II Tagalog version: O Sintang Lupa (early version c. 1945-1948) translated by Ildefonso Santos

Unofficial English translation: O Beloved Land

O sintang lupa, Perlas ng Silanganan, Diwang apoy kang Sa araw nagmula. Lupang maguiliw, Pugad ng kagitingan, Sa manglulupig May pamuksang handa. Sa dagat mo't manga bundok Sa bughaw mong papawirin; Kumikislap, pumipitlag Ang Layang di magmamaliw! Watawat mong kung may digma Sa tagumpay pamanglaw din; Kailanma'y di lalamlam Ang araw niya't bituin! Sa iyo, Lupa ng ligaya't pagsinta Ay kay tamis ng mabuhay. Datapwa't langit naming ang dahil sa iyo Kung apihi'y magpakamatay.

O beloved land, Pearl of the Orient, A fiery spirit Thou art From the sun come forth. Land dearest, Nest of valour, Against conquerors Ready to fight and destroy. In Thy seas and mountains, In Thy blue skies, Shining and leaping to and fro Is Freedom without end. Thy flag, when there is war, Of victory is desirous; They shall never dim forevermore, Its sun and stars! In Thee, Land of joy and loving, Is so sweet to live. Therefore it is heaven for us, for Thy sake When Thou art oppressed, to lay down our lives.

Official post-World War II Tagalog version: O Sintang Lupa (1948 revision) translated by Ildefonso Santos

Unofficial English translation: O Beloved Land

O sintang lupa, Perlas ng Silanganan, Diwang apoy kang Sa araw nagmula. Lupang magiliw, Pugad ng kagitingan, Sa manlulupig Di ka papaslang. Sa iyong langit, simoy, parang. Dagat at kabundukan, Laganap ang tibok ng puso Sa paglayang walang hanggan. Sagisag ng watawat mong mahal Ningning at tagumpay; Araw't bituin niyang maalab Ang s'yang lagi naming tanglaw. Sa iyo, Lupa ng ligaya't pagsinta, Tamis mabuhay na yakap mo, Datapwa't langit ding kung ikaw ay apihin Ay mamatay ng dahil sa 'yo.

O beloved land, Pearl of the Orient, A fiery spirit Thou art From the sun come forth. Land dearest, Nest of valour, By conquerors Thou shalt never be slain. In Thy skies, air, meadows, Seas and mountains, Widespread is the heartbeat of freedom without end. Thy precious flag symbolizes Brilliance and victory; Its sun and stars ablaze Shall ever be our guiding light. In Thee, Land of joy and loving, 'Tis sweet to live embraced by Thee. Therefore heaven, too, if Thou would be oppressed, Is to die because of Thee.

Misheard lyrics

"Lupang Hinirang" is often taught in schools only during the first year of each educational division (e.g., Grade 1 (in elementary) and Grade 7 (in high school). As time passes, however, students may forget the original lyrics, and replace some words with similar-sounding ones. The most common is the replacement of the word niya (third person possessive; "her/his/its") in "Ang bituin at araw niya" ("its stars and sun") with either nang ("so", "in this manner", "that is") or niya't (contracted "and" with "hers/his").

Other common errors include substitution of na ("when") in "Aming ligaya na 'pag may mang-aapi" ("'Tis our joy when there be oppressor") with "ng" ("of"); "alab" ("flame", "passion") in "Alab ng puso" ("Burning of the heart") with "alam" ("know", "knowledge"); and "mong" (contraction of mo and ng, meaning "yours that is") in "Sa langit mong bughaw" ("in the heavens of yours which is blue") with "mo'y" ("yours is").

Proposed lyrical revision

The final line of the national anthem, Ang mamatay nang dahil sa 'yo (For us thy sons to suffer and die), is subject to certain proposed revisions for being defeatist. in 2013, Filipino musician Joey Ayala, tampered with the national anthem in a forum by changing the last line to ang magmahal ng dahil sa 'yo (to love for the country) and arranged the time signature from 4/4 to 6/8. Senate President Vicente Sotto III suggested that last line should be revised to Ang ipaglaban ang kalayaan mo (To defend thy freedom) as it reflects the commitment of the Filipinos to defend the country's independence.

Music and tempo

R.A. 8491 specifies that "Lupang Hinirang" when performed "shall be in accordance with the musical arrangement and composition of Julián Felipe." However, when literally followed, this means that the national anthem should only be performed by a pianist or by a brass band, as these were the only versions that were produced by Julián Felipe. Moreover, the original version was composed in duple time (i.e., in a time signature of 2/4) as compared to the present quadruple time (4/4). It cannot be sung according to the original score, because the music would be so fast that singers would be unable keep pace.

During televised boxing matches featuring Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao, singers have been both praised and criticized by the National Historical Institute (NHI) for singing too slow or too fast. The NHI says that the proper tempo is a 2/4 and 100 metronomes and that the anthem should last 53 seconds.

Usage and regulation

Article XVI, Section 2 of the 1987 Constitution specifies that "The Congress may, by law, adopt a new name for the country, a national anthem, or a national seal, which shall be truly reflective and symbolic of the ideals, history, and traditions of the people. Such law shall take effect only upon its ratification by the people in a national referendum."

Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines

Republic Act № 8491 ("The Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines") regulates usage of the National Anthem, and contains the complete lyrics of "Lupang Hinirang". Enacted in 1998, it states that "Lupang Hinirang" when performed "shall always be sung in the national language" regardless if performed inside or outside the Philippines, and specifies that the singing must be done "with fervor".

The Anthem is usually played during public gatherings in the Philippines or in foreign countries where the Filipino audience is sizable. The Code also provides that it be played at other occasions as may be allowed by the National Historical Institute (now known as the National Historical Commission of the Philippines). It prohibits its playing or singing for mere recreation, amusement, or entertainment except during International competitions where the Philippines is the host or has a representative; local competitions; during the "sign-on" and "sign-off" of radio broadcasting and television stations in the country; and before the initial and last screening of films and before the opening of theatre performances.

The Code also specifies the penalties for any entity which violates its provisions. A government official or employee who fails to observe the Flag Code may face administrative sanctions in addition to the penalties imposed by law.

See also

• Marangal na Dalit ng Katagalugan
• Flag of the Philippines
• Oath of Allegiance (Philippines)
• Pledge of Allegiance to the Philippine Flag

External links

• Various versions of the Philippine National Anthem
• The Philippines: Lupang Hinirang – Audio of the national anthem of the Philippines, with information and lyrics
• Philippine studies – Historical notes: The Philippine National Anthem
• Philippine–American war – Arnaldo Dumindin
• ABS-CBN's Lupang Hinirang YouTube