Featured Song: Alin Mang Lahi

Among Jose Rizal’s musical compositions is the song Alin Mang Lahi (In Any Race). The lyrics of the song, also penned by Rizal, talk about the quest for freedom from oppression by foreign invaders, and the willingness to fight battles to restore freedom for one’s countrymen.

It was popularized when Dr. Antonio J. Molina, National Artist for Music, “transcribed it for coloratura soprano with piano and orchestral accompaniment” (Rubio, 1978, p. 1920). Below are the lyrics of the patriotic song:

 

Alin mang lahi, insinasanggalang
Sa lupit ang kanyang lupang tinubuan
Tuloy pinaghahandugan
Ng buhay at dugo kung kailangan.

Ang kamatayan man, kung saka-sakaling
Igiginhawa ng mga kalahi
Tatanggapin nakangiti
Kaaliwa’t tuwang di mumunti.

Nguni’t pagkasawing-palad yata
Ng katagalugang napapanganyaya
Bukod pa sa ibang umaaba
Lalong nagbibigay-hapis ang ibang kapwa.

Sabagay di kulang sa pupuhunanin
Lakas, dunong, tapang, yaman ay gayon din
Aywan kung bakit at inaalipin
Ng alin mang lahing makasuno natin?

 

Source:

Rubio, H.F. (1978). Songs for my people. Filipino heritage: the making of a nation, vol. 7. Lahing Pilipino Publishing.

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