Monday, August 24, 2009

Gone in 55 seconds

Raising this matter again may somehow groan like the broken record. But this is very elementary, you know (sounding like Manny Pacquiao)! I do have this big respect for artistic freedom but please – por Dios, por Santo – spare the “Lupang Hinirang”.

After all those booboos, I feel that it’s about time the National Historical Institute train an official singer of the national anthem and commission him/her to any match, of sorts, whenever-wherever there’s the need to sing the patriotic hymn. It would be best for the NHI to tap a grader who looks up at his/her mentor as the bearer of the absolute truth; so, he/she executes as directed, and as expected.

Yes, this is very elementary. At grade one, children listen and sing the national song until they get familiar with it. Also, the children are taught the proper way of saluting the flag. At second grade, children are expected to read and sing along and able to identify “Lupang Hinirang” as a symbol of the Philippines.

As they move on to grade three, they are to perfectly sing the lyrics correctly: its melody, proper timing, and dynamics; to sing with proper expression and feelings. At grade four, children are now expected to understand the national anthem by heart and continue participating solemnly in singing the “Lupang Hinirang” with feelings.

As for the fifth grader, love of country is now deeply instilled through the song. And that it shows them how our heroes bravely fought and fearlessly died for our country’s independence so we could enjoy being FREEMAN.

At the sixth grade, children already view our national anthem in terms of nationalism and loyalty. And that we adults should have the initiative, at such crucial stages, to share and guide them in learning the song to heart.

Very elementary, indeed, as espoused by our Vibal-published books!

The “Lupang Hinirang” should be over in 55 seconds! How come? Go back to Republic Act 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines. Section 37 specifically provides that the rendition of the national anthem, whether played or sung, shall be in accordance with the musical arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe. The original version was composed in duple time (i.e. in a time signature of 2/4). But because some singers find it hard to literally follow the said measure, the quadruple time (4/4) was adopted.

But the anthem may be played during the following: international competitions where the Philippines is the host or has a representative; local competitions; during the “signing off” and “signing on” of radio broadcasting and television stations; before the initial and last screening of films and before the opening of theater performances; and other occasions as may be allowed by the Institute.

The Oath of Patriotism (Panatang Makabayan) must be recited after the singing of the national anthem in basic education institutions. The Pledge of Allegiance (Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Watawat ng Pilipinas) may be recited as well, though the law did not specify who is required to do so.

Section 20 of the law also states: “The observance of the flag ceremony in official or civic gatherings shall be simple and dignified and shall include the playing or singing of the anthem in its original Filipino lyrics and march tempo.”

Under Section 48 of RA 8491, “failure or refusal to observe the provisions of this Act; and any violation of the corresponding rules and regulations issued by the Office of the President, shall after proper notice and hearing, shall be penalized by public censure which shall be published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation.”

It prescribes that any person who will violate its provisions may be punished by a fine of at least P 20,000 or imprisonment of not more than one year.

Even moviegoers who do not stand up when the National Anthem is being played in cinemas will be sanctioned subsequently, as it empowers the security personnel and ushers in movie houses to arrest a violator and summon law enforcement officers to assist in conducting citizens' arrest.

Amendment, as proposed by Akbayan Rep. Ana Theresia “Risa” Hontiveros-Baraquel, to give way to artistic freedom, should make it a requirement that the singer cares primarily for history, for patriotic pride and sensitivity; for the blood of our forefathers poured to reclaim our homeland. A well-raised child knows how to live up to the expectation that Filipinos, in this modern age, are indeed worth dying for.

 Why the fuss again? I’m fed up with our choices of “Lupang Hinirang” singers. If we “birit” the Lupang Hinirang, then why do we teach, in the first place, the youngsters to sing such in the so-called “proper manner” and “with fervor”? Why don’t we teach them then to do it the emo way; the hair rock fashion; the reggae-dub-ska?

This is very elementary. “Lupang Hinirang” is not only about the singer or about any boxer or his winning match. It’s about you and me and the rest who appreciate what it’s like to be held together by recurring themes of love of freedom, pride in motherland and shared cultural roots; of nationhood; of cultural traditions and ideals that various forms of colonization cum tyranny failed to strip off.

Treasuring and preserving our forefathers’ legacy is expected of us. Nothing less.