LISTEN: This was the unofficial Philippine anthem under Japanese rule

Gelo Lasin

While we’re all aware of the horrors that Filipinos experienced under Japanese rule, few have ever bothered to ask: What exactly happened to our National Anthem? Did we even have one during that time?

Apparently, yes, we did. Reddit user u/Respawnzer managed to dig up this unofficial anthem of Japanese-occupied Philippines.

While the uploader itself is unsure of the true translation of the lyrics, there is a hymn titled ‘Awit sa Paglikha ng Pilipinas’ which was released during the Japanese era and was intended to ‘supplant Lupang Hinirang as the national anthem.’

It goes like this:

indíg! Aking Ináng Bayan,
Lahing pilî sa silangan
Iwaksî natin ang nakaraán,
Yakapin ang bagong buhay.

Hawakan ang watawat
Ng pagpápakasipag
O bandila, iwasiwas
Ang pagbabagong tatág

Lakad at harapín
Pagtatanggól sa layunin
Sakit, hirap ay tiisín
Upang makamít ang mithiin

Gumawâ, bumuó, at magbatá
Itatág ang silangang Asya
Lupalop na maguinhawâ
Kasaganaang sama-sama

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