Julián Felipe

Julián Felipe
Julián Felipe, Composer of the Filipino national anthem
Born	January 28, 1861 Cavite, Cavite
Died	October 2, 1944 (aged 83) Manila
Occupation	Composer
Known for	Composer of the National Anthem of the Philippines

Monument at Cavite City

Julián Felipe (January 28, 1861 – October 2, 1944), was the composer of the music of the Filipino national anthem, formerly known as "Marcha Nacional Magdalo", now known as Lupang Hinirang.^[1]

Early life

Julián Felipe was born in Cavite City, Cavite. A dedicated music teacher and composer, he was appointed by then-President Emilio Aguinaldo as Director of the National Band of the First Philippine Republic. He died in Manila.

He studied at a public school in Cavite and Binondo, Manila for his primary education. At an early age, he showed his talent in music. He also learned how to play the piano and the organ. Later, He became an organist in St. Peter's Parish Church. As an organist, Felipe was given the chance to hone his gift. Soon after he was composing songs.

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.

In recognition of his remarkable contributions in the field of music, he was given awards and accolades.

Involvement in the Philippine Revolution

When the revolution broke out, Felipe joined his fellow Cavitenos who fought against the Spaniards. He was arrested and jailed at Fort San Felipe in Cavite.

When freed, he again joined Emilio Aguinaldo's troop. He composed nationalistic songs that inspired his compatriots to continue fighting against the Spaniards. A bust of Felipe can be found in Cavite City, located near San Sebastian College – Recoletos de Cavite.

National Anthem

Aguinaldo asked him to provide a stirring composition to be played in the historic proclamation of Philippine independence. His composition 'Marcha Nacional Filipina', played on June 12, 1898 in Aguinaldo's home in Kawit, was adopted as the Philippine national anthem on September 5, 1938.

Later life

Julián Felipe and his wife Irene Tapia had four daughters and a son. He died on October 2, 1944, at age of 83.

   1. Soledad FELIPE [married Gregorio GIRON and had 8 children]
     1a. Adela Felipe GIRON.
     1b. Rosa Felipe GIRON, b. 12 Sep 1910, d. 10 Sep 1966.
     1c. Mercedes Felipe GIRON.
     1d. Soledad Felipe GIRON.
     1e. Jose Noli Felipe GIRON [married Florencia PIRAMIDE, b. 10 Apr 1930, d.  and had 6 children]
            1e.1 - Henry Piramide GIRON
            1e.2 - Susan Piramide GIRON
            1e.3 - Sylvia Piramide GIRON, b. 31 Dec 1950 [married Douglas C. BLACK, b. 6 Jan 1951, and had 4 children]
                        1e.3a - Elaine Grace Giron BLACK, b. 28 Oct 1974
                        1e.3b - Lesley Anne Giron BLACK, b. 13 Feb 1978
                        1e.3c - Christine Marie Giron BLACK,  b. 7 May 1984 [married Adrian Albert BISQUERA, b. 6 Apr 1983, and had 3 children]
                                1e.3c.1 - Angelo Black Bisquera, b. 6 Jun 2006
                                1e.3c.2 - Chriselle Ariana Black Bisquera, b. 8 Feb 2008
                                1e.3c.3 - Averey Black Bisquera, b. 5 July 2013
                        1e.3d - Kimberly Giron BLACK, b. 24 Jan 1987
            1e.4 - Marco Piramide GIRON
            1e.5 - Nolita Piramide GIRON
            1e.6 - Rex Piramide GIRON
     1f. Antonio Felipe GIRON, b. 04 Jun 1924, d. 23 May 1994.
     1g.Ramiro Felipe GIRON.
     1h.Remedios Felipe GIRON.
   2. Aurora FELIPE, d. date unknown.
   3. Irene Tapia FELIPE, d. date unknown.
   4. Agapito FELIPE, d. date unknown.

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Julián Felipe.

• Historia de la Marcha Nacional Filipino Full text document written by Julián Felipe on the history of the Philippine National Anthem.