Julin Felipe

Julián Felipe was a Filipino composer best known for creating the music of the Philippine national anthem, originally titled *Marcha Nacional Filipina* and later renamed *Lupang Hinirang*. Born on January 28, 1861, in Cavite Nuevo (now Cavite City) to Justo Felipe and Victoria Reyes, he demonstrated early musical talent. He studied in public schools in Cavite and Binondo, Manila, learning piano and organ under Fr. Pedro Catalan, a Recollect priest. Felipe became an organist at San Pedro Apostol Parish Church and a music teacher at La Sagrada Familia girls' school. His compositions included *Aurorita*, *Moteti el Santesisimo*, and *Reina de Cavite*. In 1895, he joined the prestigious Santa Cecilia Musical Society. During the Philippine Revolution, Felipe joined forces fighting against Spain and was imprisoned at Fort San Felipe alongside the Thirteen Martyrs of Cavite. Released in June 1897, he rejoined Aguinaldo's troops and composed nationalistic songs. At Aguinaldo's request, Felipe created *Marcha Nacional Filipina*, first played on June 12, 1898, during the proclamation of independence. It became the national anthem on September 5, 1938. Felipe later served as Director of the National Band of the First Philippine Republic in 1899 but was imprisoned by American forces at Fort Santiago. Post-war, he was elected councilor of Cavite and bandmaster for the U.S. Navy in May 1904. He composed works like *Hail to the Chief* and taught piano until 1942. Felipe died on October 2, 1944, in Sampaloc, Manila, during World War II, and was buried in Cavite City. His legacy includes ...