Independence Day: 5 'Lupang Hinirang' moments that will surely instill Pinoy pride

June 12 is fast approaching — a fine time to celebrate Philippine independence, appreciate Filipino culture, and be loud and proud Pinoy.

No better time too, to listen to "Lupang Hinirang," and try to really understand what it means, perhaps feel it in your core. 

We often just encounter it during flag ceremonies and, let's admit it, in cinemas when we get there for the first screening. But there is more to our National Anthem than simply putting our right hand on our left chest and standing upright for it.

The music — a march — was composed by Juan Felipe in 1898, upon the commission of Emilio Aguinaldo for the declaration of independence. It wasn't until a year later, in 1899, when the lyrics came. They were first adopted from a Spanish poem called "Filipinas" written by Jose Palma.

Would you believe an English translation came in the 1920 — ahead of the Tagalog version? It was actually only during the time of President Ramon Magsaysay sometime in the 1950s, when the Philippine National Anthem was sung in Filipino

According to a document published in the Filipinas Heritage Library website, "The Filipino translation by Ildefonso Santos and Julian Cruz Balmaceda was officially proclaimed on May 26, 1956."

The present-day version of "Lupang Hinirang" is a result of a few more revisions that took place in the '60s.

Perhaps you'll appreciate the history of "Lupang Hinirang" even more after listening to any or all of these five recent versions. Performed internationally, acapella, and one on an unusual but lovely arrangement, these "Lupang Hinirang" moments will surely tug at your Filipino hearts.

1. Hidilyn Diaz at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics

If this won't give you goosebumps, we don't know what will. When Hidilyn Diaz won for the Philippines our first gold Olympic medal, she also finally allowed the Lupang Hinirang to be played — for the very first time — at the global sporting event.

Teary-eyed, the 2nd Lieutenant of the Air Force Special Service Group stood to attention and gave a snappy salute. A moment for us all.  

2. Lea Salonga at the virtual gala of Search To Involve Pilipino American, 2021

She may only have been home, she may not have been accompanied, and it may only have been virtual, and but Lea Salonga made the "Lupang Hinirang" ~sing~.

Lea was pitch-perfect, stayed true to the song's difficult marching rhythm, and because she sang acapella, the quality of her voice shone like crystal.  

3. Francis Reyes at NU Rock Awards 2007

A Jimi Hendrix-inspired moment, Francis Reyes opened the NU Rock Awards in 2007 by playing the "Lupang Hinirang" on his trusty electric guitar. It wasn't the cleanest or the smoothest of guitar play, but when The Dawn guitarist got to the last stanza, he stepped on his effects and let get his guitar rip like nobody's business.

Watch Francis Reyes' "Lupang Hinirang" performance at the NU Rock Awards 2007 here. 

4.  Jessica Sanchez at Pacquiao - Bradley fight 2014

This is the second Pacquiao fight for which Jessica Sanchez performed the National Anthem and she killed it. Remember the "American Idol" finalist was all of 18 years old then but her power reverberated through the stadium.

Upon the opening lyrics — Bayang magiliw/ Perlas ng sinilangan — the stadium fell quiet, as if in reverence. And when she crescendoed at the last stanza— Lupa ng araw, ng lualhati't pagsinta — the crowd just went wild and fell for her. Who wouldn't?

5. Joey Ayala at Tedx Talk, 2010

Before performing his unique take of the "Lupang Hinirang," Joey Ayala first explained what he did was illegal because as everybody knows, you don't tamper with National symbols.  

But by changing the song's count — from a march to a kundiman — and by changing a few words, the Filipino musician demonstrated how the "Lupang Hinirang" can better represent the Philippines and the soft and loving FIlipinos.

The result is everything wonderful and lovely and soaring and good.   

— LA, GMA Integrated News