Today is Julián Felipe Day

January 2, 2023

The National Library of the Philippines is one with the whole nation in celebrating the 162nd birth anniversary of Julian Felipe today.

Born on January 28, 1861 in Cavite, Julian Felipe learned to become a musician at an early age. He eventually took part in the 1896 Revolution and was imprisoned at Fort San Felipe. When he was released, he became a member of the troops of Emilio Aguinaldo, who later commissioned him to compose the national anthem “Himno Nacional Filipino,” now known as “Lupang Hinirang.” It was played during the declaration of Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898.

NLP has a rich collection about the Philippine National Anthem and its composer. Visit the Julian Felipe Collection of the National Library of the Philippines accessible via the QR code in the poster or through this link: https://nlpdl.nlp.gov.ph/JF01/home.htm

Republic Act No. 7805 declares January 28 of every year as Julian Felipe Day in the City of Cavite in recognition of his talent and ingenuity: https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1994/09/01/republic-act-no-7805/