02 October, 1944

TODAY IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY:

Julian Felipe, the composer of the music of the Philippine National Anthem (Lupang Hinirang), died in Manila. Born in January 1861 in Cavite, he was a music teacher, organist in St. Peter’s Parish Church, a composer and Director of the National Band of the First Philippine Republic.

Among his early popular compositions were Moteti el Santesisimo, Sintos y Floras Rogodones, Amorita Danza, and Reina de Cavite (In honor of Nuestra Señora de la Soledad de Porta Vaga). He impressed many music enthusiasts with the said pieces.

Though still young, his works were already at par with the seasoned musicians. He composed ‘Marcha Nacional Filipina’, as requested by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, which was played on June 12, 1898 in the historic proclamation of Philippine independence. The song was later on adopted as the country’s National Anthem.

(Ref: Wikipedia)