Julian Felipe Day – Jan. 28, 2027

Expected Julian Felipe Day Deals

As a day of national recognition, Julian Felipe Day focuses less on commercial deals and more on educational and cultural appreciation. Institutions like the National Historical Commission of the Philippines often host exhibits and online resources. Music schools and cultural centers, such as the Philippine High School for the Arts, may offer special workshops or performances dedicated to Filipino music. Bookstores like National Book Store might feature biographies of national heroes or books on Philippine history. Local government units in Cavite City, Felipe’s birthplace, often organize commemorative events. We will update this page with confirmed live events and educational programs as January 28 approaches.

History of Julian Felipe Day

The birth anniversary of Julian R. Felipe is observed on January 28, who composed the national anthem ‘Lupang Hinirang.’ In 1861, he was born to Justo Felipe and Victoria Reyes in Cavite City. He received his primary and secondary education in public schools in Cavite and Binondo. His musical talent was honed as a young boy by a Recollect priest, who hired him as an organist at St. Peter’s Parish Church. He composed masterpieces such as ‘Aurora,’ ‘Amorita Danza’ (‘Early Morning Danza’), ‘Cintas y Flores’ (‘Ribbons and Flowers’), ‘Motete al Santisimo’ (‘Motet to the Most Holy’), and ‘Reina de Cavite’ (‘Queen of Cavite’), a hymn to the Virgin Mary. These works won him a silver medal and membership in the Sta. Cecilia Musical Society in 1895. He fought alongside the “13 Martyrs of Cavite” (or ‘Trece Martires’) against the Spanish conquerors in 1896.

After regaining his freedom, he went on to join General Emilio Aguinaldo’s troops. When the First Philippine Republic was formed, Aguinaldo appointed him the Director of the National Band and commissioned a new march to be played when they proclaim independence. ‘Marcha de Nacional Filipina,’ originally titled ‘Marcha de Filipina Magdalo,’ was adopted by the First Philippine Republic as its anthem and played for the first time by the Banda San Francisco de Malabon, a marching band in Kawit, Cavite, on June 12, 1898. It was played while raising the Philippine flag at the proclamation of Philippine Independence.

The National Assembly declared Felipe’s composition as the national anthem on September 6, 1938. The Philippine national anthem was inspired by three musical pieces: the first part from ‘Marcha Real’ of Spain, which is still heard when the anthem is played; the second part from ‘La Marcha Rebelde’ (‘The Rebel March’), which became the anthem’s official music in 1898; and the lyrics, which were based on a poem entitled ‘Filipinas’ written in 1878 by Jose Palma.

Felipe lived in Manila until he died on October 2, 1944. On September 1, 1994, the Congress of the Philippines declared January 28 as Julian Felipe Day under Republic Act 7805. Every Julian Felipe Day, the bust of composer Julian Felipe is adorned with flowers, and the ceremony includes speeches, songs, and violin performances in honor of his contributions to Philippine music.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Julian Felipe Day