Manny Pacquiao has chosen international singing sensation Charice to sing the national anthem in his May 7 fight against Shane Mosley at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
According to Pacquiao’s advisor, Michael Koncz, they talked to Charice in Los Angeles about singing “Lupang Hinirang.”
Charice, behind the hit single “Pyramid” and a returning guest of the TV hit show “Glee”, said she’s excited to sing before millions of boxing enthusiasts from around the world who are expected to watch the Pacquiao-Mosley fight.
Aside from the boxing match, the singing of the national anthem has always been the focus of attention and subsequent discussion.
Previous singers like Arnel Pineda and Martin Nievera were among those who faced stinging criticisms from the National Historical Institute for violation of Section 37, Chapter II of Republic Act No. 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines that states: “The rendition of the National Anthem, whether played or sung, shall be in accordance with the musical arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe.”
When it is played, stand upright, facing the flag, and place the right hand on the left chest while singing.
According to Pacquiao’s advisor, Michael Koncz, they talked to Charice in Los Angeles about singing “Lupang Hinirang.”
Charice, behind the hit single “Pyramid” and a returning guest of the TV hit show “Glee”, said she’s excited to sing before millions of boxing enthusiasts from around the world who are expected to watch the Pacquiao-Mosley fight.
Aside from the boxing match, the singing of the national anthem has always been the focus of attention and subsequent discussion.
Previous singers like Arnel Pineda and Martin Nievera were among those who faced stinging criticisms from the National Historical Institute for violation of Section 37, Chapter II of Republic Act No. 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines that states: “The rendition of the National Anthem, whether played or sung, shall be in accordance with the musical arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe.”
When it is played, stand upright, facing the flag, and place the right hand on the left chest while singing.
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.”
The law imposes a fine ranging from P 5,000 to P 20,000 and jail terms of up to one year, or both, for violators of its provisions.
Erring public officials and employees may face administrative sanctions besides the penalties imposed by law.
All citizens to stand at attention and sing with fervor, as a sign of respect, when the National Anthem is played at public gatherings.
Even moviegoers who do not stand up when the National Anthem is being played in cinemas will be sanctioned, 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.
The law imposes a fine ranging from P 5,000 to P 20,000 and jail terms of up to one year, or both, for violators of its provisions.
Erring public officials and employees may face administrative sanctions besides the penalties imposed by law.
Even moviegoers who do not stand up when the National Anthem is being played in cinemas will be sanctioned, 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.
On October 4 last year, the House of Representatives approved House Bill No. 465 or “An Act Prescribing the Code of the National Flag, Anthem, Motto, Coat-of-Arms and Other Heraldic Items and Devices of the Philippines.”
Aside from the National Anthem, the bill also seeks to protect the Philippine flag and other heraldic items of the country.
Under the House-approved measure, a P 100,000 fine and two-year imprisonment await a performer who will deviate from the official musical arrangement of “Lupang Hinirang” as composed by Julian Felipe.
“Lupang Hinirang” should be sung in a marching-type tempo, within the range of 100 to 120 metronome, in 4/4 beat and 2/4 beat when played, the bill said.
Several popular singers, among them Journey’s Arnel Pineda, Martin Nievera, and the all-female group La Diva had been criticized for their renditions of the country’s National Anthem, both during the fights of Filipino boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao. (Debbie Duraliza with reports from ABS-CBNNews.com)
