MANILA, Philippines — Saturday, we observe the 151st Birth Anniversary of Julian Felipe, composer, teacher, musician, patriot, and hero. He made his mark in Philippine history as the composer of our National Anthem.

Julian Felipe was born on January 28, 1861, in San Roque, Cavite, to Justo Felipe and Victoria Reyes. He was the youngest of their 12 children and received his early education in Binondo, Manila, and Cavite. Even at a young age, Felipe showed his love and talent for music. His musical skills were honed by Leonardo Cosca. After Cosca’s death, Fr. Pedro Catalan taught him how to play the piano and the organ. He became a church organ player and taught music at the La Sagrada Familia. Felipe’s early notable works include “Aurorita Danza,” “Cintas Y Flores,” “Motet Santisimo,” and a hymn dedicated to the blessed Virgin which earned him a diploma and a silver medal at the San Cecilia musical society in 1895.

In 1896, when the Philippine Revolution broke out, Felipe joined his fellow countrymen in the fight against the Spaniards. He was arrested and imprisoned with several others. Thirteen of them were executed. Felipe’s participation was not proven, and he was released on June 2, 1897.

In 1898, through the patronage of General Emilio F. Aguinaldo and his revolutionary leaders, Julian Felipe composed a beautiful musical composition which was originally entitled as “Marcha de Filipina Magdalo.” It was later renamed “Marcha de Nacional Filipina.” On September 6, 1938, the National Assembly enacted a law declaring Felipe’s musical composition our national anthem with Jose V. Palma’s poem “Filipinas” as the lyrics.

After the fall of the First Philippine Republic, Julian returned home and continued his passion for teaching and composing music. During the Commonwealth period, he composed “Hail to the Chief” and the “Douglas MacArthur March.” He also composed the “Philippines, My Philippines” and “Un Recuerdo” dedicated to the 13 martyrs of Cavite. Julian Felipe died on October 2, 1944, at the age of 83 in Sampaloc, Manila. He was buried in San Roque, Cavite.