As its contribution to the continuing commemoration of the 125th anniversary of Philippine nationhood, Ayala Foundation, in partnership with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and Ayala Malls Cinemas, recently started the public showing of its new National Anthem cinema video, which puts in the spotlight some little known but no less significant facts related to the story of the country’s independence.
The new National Anthem video, which is now showing in Ayala Malls Cinemas nationwide, is part of Ayala Foundation’s Maging Magiting advocacy, which promotes Love of Country and shares with Filipinos everywhere the meaning and significance of national emblems and heraldic items, like the Philippine Flag and the National Anthem.
Front and center in the video are members of Cavite’s Banda Matanda, who are the fifth- and sixth-generation descendants of the original musicians who performed the Philippine National Anthem during the proclamation of Philippine Independence in Kawit, Cavite, on June 12, 1898. Founded in 1888, Banda Matanda—originally known as Banda San Francisco de Malabon Grande—performed the Marcha Nacional Filipina composed by Julian Felipe, and commissioned by General Emilio Aguinaldo on June 5, 1898. Aside from appearing in the video, the members of Banda Matanda also performed and recorded the music track.
Ayala Foundation also honors the site where the Philippine Flag was first publicly unfurled by shooting the video at the Shrine of the National Flag of the Philippines. Located in Barangay Alapan in the City of Imus, Cavite, the shrine commemorates the historic Battle of Alapan of May 28, 1898, where Filipino revolutionaries defeated Spanish troops. After this decisive victory led by General Aguinaldo, Filipino troops witnessed the first public unfurling of the Philippine Flag. May 28 is now recognized as the first day of the commemoration of the National Flag Days, which culminates in the celebration of Independence Day on June 12.
Aside from highlighting these historical details, the video also features volunteers from various subsidiaries and units of the Ayala group of companies. Together with some of their family members, Ayala group employees serve as on-camera talents, singing the National Anthem with pride and reverence.
The foundation also encourages the public to use its National Anthem video in events that require the singing of Lupang Hinirang. The video may be streamed for free on Ayala Foundation’s official YouTube channel (YouTube.com/AyalaFoundationInc).
Said Ayala Foundation President Tony Lambino: “It is our privilege to present this new National Anthem video to the public, as an expression of our continuing faith in the Filipino, together with our partners in the government and business sectors.”
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines has been working with Ayala Foundation since the start of the Maging Magiting program in 2018. Maging Magiting promotes Love of Country by highlighting the importance of our national symbols and honoring virtues that are uniquely Filipino. It started as a project distributing Philippine flags all over the country. To date, Maging Magiting has distributed over 20,000 Philippine flags to public schools, government offices, and other institutions covering all geographic regions.
Said Dr. Emmanuel Calairo, NHCP chair: “Over the years the NHCP has partnered with Ayala Foundation for the Maging Magiting advocacy, and we are grateful for their continued support, as we promote awareness and appreciation of Philippine history. The new National Anthem video is a wonderful contribution to our collective commemoration of 125 years of Philippine Independence and nationhood.”
For many years, Ayala Foundation has been working with the Ayala Malls and Ayala Malls Cinemas in bringing its various programs to the public. Since 2013, Ayala Malls Cinemas have exclusively carried Ayala Foundation’s National Anthem videos, encouraging every Filipino to treat the country’s symbols with respect.
Said Emee Aganon, head of Ayala Malls Cinemas: “Ayala Malls and Ayala Malls Cinemas take pride in being an avenue for Filipinos to deepen their knowledge and appreciation for our national heritage. We are committed to help build a strong national identity with our unwavering support for Ayala Foundation’s National Anthem videos through the years, as well as through Ayala Malls’ very own Bravo Filipino program that celebrates our country’s rich culture and heritage in the arts.”
About Ayala Foundation
As the social development arm of the Ayala group of companies, Ayala Foundation envisions communities where people are creative, productive, self-reliant, and proud to be Filipino. Ayala Foundation is committed to community development, working closely with communities in identifying compelling developmental needs and providing suitable solutions with measurable outcomes. It implements programs under the following themes: Education, Sustainable Livelihood, and Love of Country.
Ayala Foundation welcomes partnerships to help improve lives of people in communities. If you wish to support our programs, visit https://donate.ayalafoundation.org.