The poem fit the instrumental tune "Marcha Nacional Filipina" by Julián Felipe, and it has since been the basis for every translation of the Philippine National Anthem.

Since he could not physically cope with the difficulties of war, he often stayed in camps and entertained the soldiers with kundiman, a traditional Filipino poetic and musical art.

Palma and his colleagues in the newspaper often amused themselves with songs and poems while resting in camps or other places during their marches away from the pursuing American forces.

Tierra adorada, hija del sol de Oriente, su fuego ardiente en ti latiendo está.

Tu pabellón que en las lides la victoria iluminó, no verá nunca apagados sus estrellas ni su sol.

No historical accounts are known to where his resting place is, however, his remains were believed to be interred inside the Maria Clara Parish Church of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente in Santa Cruz, Manila.