A Viral Clip Shows a Lupang Hinirang Remix Being Played at a Rave. Is That Allowed?

(SPOT.ph) You watch a viral video of Filipinos dancing in a crowd, lights flashing, music thumping. It's a pretty typical rave footage, until you realize what they’re singing along to: a remixed version of Lupang Hinirang. The setting—and the way the anthem was performed—had online users asking: Can the national anthem be played that way? Here's what the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) has to say about it.

The NHCP said in a statement it had received multiple reports about the video, which has been circulating on social media. Although the exact origin of the clip hasn’t been confirmed, initial information gathered by the NHCP suggests that the party may have taken place in the United States around December 2025.

The original uploader of the video, @kuyaricecube on TikTok, has since deleted the post from his profile—but not before issuing a short statement in the comment section: “No disrespect to Lupang Hinirang or the Philippines. This was shared in a space for Filipinos and Filipino Americans as a form of creative expression. With respect always.”

The NHCP pointed to existing rules governing the use of national symbols under Republic Act No. 8491.

Under Republic Act No. 8491, there are clear rules on how the anthem should be performed. It must follow the original musical composition by Julian Felipe, and more importantly, it “shall not be played and sung for mere recreation, amusement or entertainment purposes.” It goes without saying that a rave setting would fall under recreation or entertainment.

“While patriotic fervor may be exercised in many ways, it must be done with discretion and circumspection, and aligned with existing laws or culturally sensitive, as carelessness on our part may at times give the wrong impression or even cause offense, even when our original intent is to inspire and edify our countrymen,” NHCP said in a statement. “The freedom and rights which we enjoy today was paid for by the blood, sweat and tears of our heroes. Our duty, as heirs to this invaluable legacy, is to exercise this freedom responsibly.”

Also read: Why Did Senator Robin Padilla Raise His Index Finger During Lupang Hinirang?

Violators of this law may face a fine of P5,000 to P20,000, imprisonment of up to one year, or both, depending on the court’s discretion. If the violation is committed by a company or organization, the responsible officer for it may be held liable.

However, since the incident supposedly happened in the United States, the NHCP said Philippine laws would not apply, as they cannot be enforced outside the country.

“We are technically constrained from taking appropriate legal action on the incident.”

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