The Philippine National Anthem played during the declaration of Philippine Independence, as the Marcha Nacional Filipina on June 12, 1898, had no words. Towards the end of August 1899, a young poet-soldier named Jose Palma(younger brother of Dr. Rafael Palma) wrote the poem entitled Filipinas. This poem expressed in elegant Spanish verses the ardent patriotism and fighting spirit of the Filipino people. It became the words of the anthem. At last the national anthem was complete — with music and words.

Bayang magiliw
Perlas ng Silanganan,
Alab ng puso,
Sa dibdib mo’y buhay.

Lupang Hinirang,
Duyan ka ng magiting,
Sa manlulupig,
Di ka pasisiil.

Sa dagat at bundok,
Sa simoy at sa langit mong bughaw,
May dilag ang tula
At awit sa paglayang minamahal.
Ang kislap ng watawat mo’y
Tagumpay na nagniningning,
Ang bituin at araw niya
Kailan pa ma’y di magdidilim.
Lupa ng araw, ng luwalhati’t pagsinta,
Buhay ay langit sa piling mo;
Aming ligaya, na pag may mang-aapi
Ang mamatay nang dahil sa iyo.

Source: The Philippines: A Unique Nation. Dr. Sonia M. Zaide


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