Unknown Filipino in History - Julian Felipe

 

Julián Felipe 

Filipino Composer / Creator of the Philippine National Anthem

(1861 – 1944) 

Birth Name: Julián Felipe 
Birth Date: January 28, 1861, in Cavite Nuevo (now Cavite City), Cavite 
Death: October 2, 1944

Julián Felipe was a Filipino composer, music teacher, and revolutionary patriot best known for composing the melody of the Lupang Hinirang (originally titled Marcha Nacional Filipina), the national anthem of the Philippines. Recognized for his musical talent at a young age, he dedicated his art to the cause of Philippine independence, enduring imprisonment during the revolution before being appointed by President Emilio Aguinaldo to compose a stirring march to unite the nascent republic.

Early Years and Education

Julián Felipe was born on January 28, 1861, in Cavite Nuevo to Justo Felipe and Teresa Reyes. He was the youngest of twelve children. His father, a local blacksmith, recognized Julián's natural affinity for music early on and supported his initial training. He began his formal education under the guidance of Maestro Lucas de Guia, a local music instructor.

Felipe later attended a public school in Cavite and was eventually taken under the wing of Father Anacleto Pedro, a Roman Catholic priest and the organist of the Cavite San Pedro Church. Under Father Pedro, Felipe mastered the piano and organ, and began diving deeply into music composition. By his twenties, he was hired as a music teacher at the La Sagrada Compañía de Jesús (Sacred Company of Jesus), a private school for girls in Cavite, while also serving as an organist for local churches.

Revolutionary Activism and Imprisonment

When the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule erupted in August 1896, Felipe did not hesitate to join the cause. He associated himself with the Thirteen Martyrs of Cavite, a group of prominent local patriots who organized resistance efforts.

Following the arrest of the martyrs, Felipe was also apprehended by Spanish authorities. He was incarcerated at Fort San Felipe in Cavite. While the thirteen martyrs were executed by musketry on September 12, 1896, Felipe narrowly escaped the death penalty. He was found guilty of supporting the insurrection and imprisoned, but was eventually released under a general amnesty program in 1897.

The Composition of the National Anthem

Upon his release, Felipe immediately rejoined the revolutionary forces led by General Emilio Aguinaldo. When Aguinaldo returned from exile in Hong Kong in May 1898 to declare Philippine Independence, he realized the movement lacked a solemn musical piece to inspire the people and symbolize their freedom.

On June 5, 1898, Aguinaldo met with Felipe at the revolutionary headquarters in Cavite, carrying a musical draft brought from Hong Kong. Finding that piece unsatisfactory, Aguinaldo tasked Felipe with writing a new, majestic march.

Felipe locked himself away for six days. He intentionally drew inspiration from the melodic elements of the Marcha Real (the Spanish National Anthem) to subtly taunt the colonizers, combined with the energy of the French national anthem, La Marseillaise. On June 11, 1898, Felipe played the finished composition on the piano in the living room of Aguinaldo’s residence in Kawit, Cavite. Aguinaldo and his revolutionary generals instantly approved it.

The piece, originally titled Marcha Filipina Magdalo (later renamed Marcha Nacional Filipina), was officially performed live for the first time on June 12, 1898, by the San Francisco de Malabon marching band during the historic Proclamation of Philippine Independence.

Later Life and Public Service

Following the establishment of American colonial rule and the subsequent cessation of the Philippine-American War, Felipe transitioned into a quiet life of public service and artistic dedication. He was elected as a municipal councilor of Cavite City in 1902.

He continued to teach music and compose orchestral works, religious hymns, and patriotic songs throughout the early 20th century. In 1943, during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines, his legendary contribution was formally institutionalized when the executive commission officially recognized his march as the National Anthem.

Felipe passed away on October 2, 1944, in Manila, just months before the country was liberated from Japanese occupation. He was 83 years old. His remains were later transferred to his hometown of Cavite City.

Selected Musical Compositions

Throughout his long career, Felipe composed dozens of musical pieces, though many original manuscripts were lost during the transitions of war. His most notable surviving and historically recorded works include:

Marcha Nacional Filipina (1898) – His magnum opus, which serves as the melody for the current national anthem, Lupang Hinirang.

Amorita Danza (1880s) – A popular romantic instrumental piece that earned him early local acclaim.

Reina de Cavite (1892) – A religious hymn composed in honor of the patron saint of Cavite, Our Lady of Solitude of Porta Vaga.

Jaculatoria (1890s) – A sacred choral composition heavily utilized in Cavite Catholic churches.

Un Recuerdo (1896) – A somber instrumental piece dedicated to his fallen comrades, the Thirteen Martyrs of Cavite.

Interesting Facts and Trivia

A Song Without Words: For more than a year after its first performance, Felipe’s anthem had absolutely no lyrics. It was purely an instrumental march. It wasn't until August 1899 that a young soldier named José Palma wrote the Spanish poem Filipinas, which was later adapted to fit Felipe’s melody.

The Musical Blueprint: Felipe admitted that he designed the anthem to feature a rhythm that could serve as a literal march for soldiers, ensuring it had a fast, encouraging tempo (120 bpm) rather than the slow, somber pacing often found in national hymns of that era.

A Tiny Payout: Despite the monumental historical impact of his composition, the cash-strapped revolutionary government could only compensate Felipe with a modest sum of 200 pesos for his work.

The Name Confusion: The original title Marcha Filipina Magdalo was given because "Magdalo" was the revolutionary faction faction name of Emilio Aguinaldo. Felipe changed it to Marcha Nacional Filipina just days before the June 12 debut to ensure it represented the entire nation, not just one faction.

Living Monument: Cavite City erected a prominent life-sized bronze monument of Julián Felipe standing in the city square, depicting him passionately conducting music.

Footnote Sources:

National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Historical Archives: Biography of Julian Felipe and the Evolution of the Philippine National Anthem.

Agoncillo, Teodoro A. (1990). History of the Filipino People (8th Edition). Garotech Publishing.

Zaide, Gregorio F. (1970). Great Filipinos in History: An Epic of Filipino Greatness in War and Peace. Verde Bookstore.

Manuel, E. Arsenio (1955). Dictionary of Philippine Biography (Volume 1). Filipiniana Publications.

Unknown Filipino Hero: Candido Tirona

 

Candido Tirona

Revolutionary General and Secretary of War

(1863 - 1896)

Candido Tría Tirona y Mata was a Filipino revolutionary leader who participated and died in the Battle of Binakayan-Dalahican during the Philippine Revolution. He was a secretary of war in Magdalo chapter of the Katipunan and a close friend of Emilio Aguinaldo.

Early Years

Candido Tirona was born in Kawit, Cavite, on October 29, 1863 to Don Estanislao Tirona and Juana Mata. His father was a capitan municipal of Cavite Viejo. His brother Daniel Tirona also became a general in the revolution.

While studying in Manila, Candido's father died. He was forced to stop studying to manage the vast plantations and fisheries.

Call to Battle

The call to war came to Candido when the Katipunan was founded. He became known as a member of the Magdalo Group led by General Emilio Aguinaldo. He was close to General Aguinaldo because when he took office as Capitan Municipal of Kawit, Candido became a councilor.

When the Katipunan was exposed to the Spaniards, Governor General Ramon Blanco declared martial law in the provinces. This included Cavite. The arrival of many Spanish troops in Manila was taken advantage of by Candido to disarm the Guardia Civil who remained at the Tribunal.

Local Election in Cavite

When the elections were held in Kawit, Candido won as president. The former president, General Aguinaldo, had to serve as the commander of the battle.

For the courage shown in the battles in Imus and Talisay, he was appointed Secretary of War. On his shoulders fell the responsibility of providing food, ammunition and weapons to the fighting Katipuneros.

Battle of Binakayan and Death

Once, while Candido was going from town to town, he received a message that the Spaniards were going to attack Binakayan. He quickly joined forces with General Emilio Aguinaldo and General Pio del Pilar to build trenches to prevent the enemy's attack.

On the morning of November 10, 1896, the Spaniards did attack. Candido defended the left flank of Binakayan. General Aguinaldo held the center and the right flank was supported by Gen. Pio del Pilar.

The Spaniards fired on the Katipuneros. The Filipinos did not budge. Each time they were hit, they became more courageous. As the battle intensified, General Aguinaldo reminded Candido to be careful in the fight. He returned the warning to the tree when it also reminded him, "Be careful, General."

Even though the soldiers led by the three Filipino leaders were far apart, they improved their strategies in warfare. When the smoke of the battle cleared, it was only then that it was learned that while fifty Filipinos had died, hundreds of Spaniards had lost their lives in the horrific conflict. Although the Filipino revolutionaries were rejoicing in their victory, everyone was saddened that Candido was among the fallen Katipuneros.

During the Philippine Revolution against Spain on November 10, 1896, Candido Tirona, a Filipino commander and revolutionary, was killed by a Spanish soldier stabbing him in the neck with a bayonet during the Battle of Binakayan-Dalahican in Cavite. He and his older brother Daniel Tirona supported Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo's Magdalo group and assisted in enlisting Filipinos in the Katipunan.

Ramon Blanco's soldiers were soundly defeated during the November 9–11, 1896, Battle of Binakayan. In addition to Tirona, the battle was fought by Emilio Aguinaldo, the commanding general, Pio del Pilar, Vito Belarmino, Crispulo Aguinaldo, Baldomero Aguinaldo, and Pantaleon Garcia.

The Filipino revolutionaries commanded by Emilio Aguinaldo achieved their first clear victory over the Spanish in Cavite during the Battle of Binakayan.

Even though the clan he belonged to was wealthy, Candido Tirona still sacrificed his life for the sake of the liberation of the people.

If you dedicate your last breath to the people, it can be said that you have upheld your heroism. That is what Candido Tirona did, which is why the people appreciate him.

Media

He was portrayed by Ronnie Lazaro in the 2012 Mark Meily's film El Presidente. 

Sources:

"Candido Tria Tirona died in Binakayan battle November 10, 1896". The Kahimyang Project. 7 November 2012. Retrieved 9 February 2022.

"Talambuhay ni Candido Tirona - Bayani - Pinoy Edition". www.pinoyedition.com. Retrieved 2026-01-19.

"Who Is General Candido Tirona?". Bluedreamer27.com. Retrieved 9 February 2022.