The Three National Anthems of the Philippines and Patriotic Marches of the Revolution & War (1896-1902)

Original publication of the National Anthem

    An often overlooked factor when discussing history is the importance of music. During wars, the military would have bands play marches and other pieces to boost morale to their soldiers. Even before the Revolution, there were already the Spanish Regimental Bands organized in the Philippines, as well as town bands such as the Peñaranda and Zabat Bands of Nueva Ecija. 

    The Philippine Revolution and the later Philippine-American War sure has no deficiency in having these works for band. Although there are songs such as local kundiman sung among the soldiers, this article focuses on band music such as paso-dobles and hymns composed during and shortly after the Philippine Revolution and the Philippine-American war, including our current National Anthem and the two lesser-known anthems that came before it (as well as other patriotic works produced by composers of the Revolution)