Julian Felipe

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

JANUARY 28, 1861

Julian Felipe (January 28, 1861 - October 2, 1944), a music teacher, band leader, and composer of the Philippine National Anthem was born in Cavite to parents Justo Felipe and Victoria Reyes. 

He started to play music under Leandro Costa at the age of 10. 

After the death of Cosca, Recollect Father Pedro Catalan taught him how to play the piano and later hired him to be the organist at the San Pedro Parish Church in Cavite. 

He taught music at the La Sagrada Familia, and came up with music pieces such as Aurorita, Danza, and Reina de Cavite (Queen of Cavite). 

He was a member of the Santa Cecilia Musical Society, and joined the Philippine Revolution in 1896. 

The Spanish authorities arrested and imprisoned him at Fort Santiago together with the “13 Martyrs of Cavite.” Felipe was released on June 2, 1897 after he was found innocent of the charges against him. 

On June 5, 1898 he handed a letter of introduction to Emilio Aguinaldo which came from Gen. Mariano Trias recommending him to compose the independence march. 

Aguinaldo asked him to make a musical score to be used for the June 12, 1898 Declaration of Philippine Independence in Kawit, Cavite. 

He presented his draft composition Marcha Nacional Magdalo to President Aguinaldo and was asked to play it on the piano in the presence of other revolutionary leaders on June 11, 1898. 

After a short consultation and discussion with his generals, Aguinaldo agreed to adopt it as the Marcha Nacional Filipina. 

Felipe became councilor of Cavite after the Philippine-American War. 

He died at his residence in Sampaloc, Manila on October 2, 1944.

(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan Uy) All rights reserved

Photo credit: Historia.Caviteña