The Philippine National Anthem

Not only serving as one of the most important representations of the Philippines to the world, the national anthem also inspires its citizens to honor their homeland with great joy and pride. We call it "Lupang Hinirang" which translates to "Chosen Land" in english.  Its music was composed in 1898 by Julian Felipe, with lyrics in Spanish adapted from the poem Filipinas, written by José Palma in 1899 (Wikipedia).

Official Filipino lyrics:Lupang Hinirang (1958, rev. 1960s)[6]

Unofficial English translation:Chosen Land[12][13]

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 ng dahil sa iyo.

Country Beloved, Pearl of the Orient, The burning [fervour] of the heart In thy chest is alive. Chosen Land, Cradle Thou [art] of the valourous. To the invaders, Thou shalt never submit. In [the] seas and [the] mountains, in [the] air, and in skies of Thine azure, There is beauty in the poem And [in the] song for freedom beloved. The sparkle of the flag of Thine Is victory that is shining. The Stars and Sun of it Forevermore shall never dim. Land of the sun, of glory, and loving, Life is Heaven in Thine embrace. 'Tis our joy, when there be oppressors, To die because of Thee.

A glimpse of the most important parts of the Philippine history, with the national anthem as a background:

The National Anthem of the Philippines, "Lupang Hinirang":

The Filipinos are required to do the following whenever they hear the national anthem:

1. Stand up straight

2. Put the right hand over the left chest (signifying respect and love for country.)

Our Constitution specifies that the Lupang Hinirang be sang in accordance to the original version of  Julian Felipe - that is, quadruple time (4/4), with lyrics in our national language, Filipino. R.A. 8491 prohibits its playing or singing for mere recreation, amusement, or entertainment except during the following occasions:

1. International competitions where the Philippines is the host or has a representative;
2. Local competitions;
3. During the "signing off" and "signing on" of radio broadcasting and television stations; and
4. Before the initial and last screening of films and before the opening of theater performances.

We would sing the national anthem in school, everyday, before class starts. We recite it with our Pledge of Allegiance to the flag, and our Patriotic Oath. 


Do you have any background story about your national anthem? What does it mean? Filipinos have traditions and laws regarding our national hymn, what about yours?