Musical patriot of the pearl of the orient seas

 Julián Felipe did something amazing when he composed the Philippine National Anthem. He managed to successfully translate how Filipinos felt during the revolution through the use of a handful of instruments. Every single one: the flute, oboe, clarinet, violin, trumpet, saxophone, piccolo and many more all played a part in telling the story of the Philippines.

Written by: Maria Althea Tirzah Ferrer

Layout by: Bea Salvacion

October 2, 2023 | 6:00 P.M.

Would saying that composers are like gods be too far? Because they are very similar, in a way. They have the power to create something so magical and moving, leaving anyone who is around to hear such a symphony stunned in silence, mesmerized by the intricate production of sounds. They possess within themselves the masterful skill of using numerous instruments and putting them together to create a wonderful harmony meant to move the audience. The right blow of a flute may inspire to create, the right buzz of a trumpet may inspire to take action, and the right slide of a bow between the strings of a violin may inspire people to be proud of their country. 

It was June 12, 1898 when the Philippine National Anthem was first played. President Emilio Aguinaldo had asked Julián Felipe to come up with a riveting composition that was to be played during the declaration of Philippine Independence. What an honor it must've been, to be chosen by the President to play a part in such a historic moment. It was a lot of pressure, nevertheless he did exactly what the President had asked from him. He was able to produce a moving composition called "Marcha Nacional Filipina" that would later on be renamed as "Lupang Hinirang", from the very second it hit the ear of Emilio Aguinaldo, Juliàn Felipe knew that he made history.

It's hard to think that he was once just a boy with a talent for playing the piano. He went from being asked by a priest to be an organist at San Pedro Apostol Parish Church, to being asked by the President to compose the National Anthem for the country. Though, it would be unfair to say his only contribution to the country was his music. Another notable thing that he has done for the country was to take part in the fight against Spaniards during the revolution. He joined his fellow Caviteños in their efforts to defend the country from Spain, way before he wrote Lupang Hinirang. In this, it is clear why he was given the honor of composing the National Anthem. His patriotism and his bravery was just as impressive as his talent in music, and it shows.

While he was writing the composition for Marcha Nacional Filipina, did Felipe have a hard time finding a way to successfully represent and evoke emotion? Or did it come to him smoothly? After all, music and the Philippines? He's known it all his life. Was coming up with the right music for the anthem a challenge, or was it as easy as breathing to him?

Whatever the answer to that question is, there's no denying that Julián Felipe accomplished his mission. He composed something that woke the nation up, and gave them the voice that they needed to be able to shout "I am Filipino, and I am proud of my country!" Even now, decades later, the first notes of the anthem are still able to stir the hearts of the nation. Which is why, until now, we still celebrate Julián Felipe on his death anniversary, October 2. 

Some may make the mistake of calling his contributions small, modest, or perhaps even insignificant, but they would be wrong. After all, the Lupang Hinirang we know today? That is not simply a song, it is a narrative, a masterpiece; and Julián Felipe is a wonderful and talented storyteller who was able to create a timeless masterpiece that managed to articulate the emotion, strength, and patriotism of the Filipinos during the time when our country was just starting to get back on its feet, and evoke those same emotions to the citizens of the Philippines until now.