Sunday, August 24, 2014

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, in 2/4 beat when played; and within the range of 100 to 120 metronome, in 4/4 beat when sang.

Felipe is the original music arranger of Lupang Hinirang in 1898. It has tune of march and the lyrics was adapted from the Spanish poem “Filipinas” written by Jose Palma only in 1899.

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.

While the anthem must be sung in Filipino by default, it can be translated in other languages and dialects subject to the approval of the National Historical Institute.

When it is heard, stand upright, face the flag and place the right hand on the left chest while singing.

The national anthem, however, would not be allowed to be played preceding "events of recreation, amusement, or entertainment purposes."

It can be sung in international competitions where the Philippines is the host or has a representative; national and local sports competitions, during the signing off and signing on of radio broadcasting and television stations, before the start and ending of day's work of employees in public and private offices, before the initial and last screening of films and before the opening of theater performances; Provided, that the owners and management of the establishments shall be mandated to enforce proper decorum and implement the pertinent provisions of this act; and other occasions as may be allowed by the Institute.

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

It shall be committed to memory by all students of both public and private educational institutions and employees of both government agencies and private companies, and rendered during the flag raising and lowering ceremony.

“We have to follow the law, and our law is very categorical (on this). In singing the national anthem, you have to follow the arrangement of Julian Felipe, in 2/4 beat when played; and within the range of 100 to 120 metronome in 4/4 beat when sang,” he said.

The Office of the Solicitor General, when asked for its legal opinion by the NHI in connection with the stylized rendition of singers Christian Bautista in the exhibition match of Gerry PeƱalosa and Bernabe Concepcion on September 16, 2007 at the Metropolis Starmall in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, Martin Nievera during the bout of Pacquiao and British national Ricky Hatton on May 2, 2009 and La Diva during the bout of Pacquiao and Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto on November 14, 2009 at MGM Grand Garden Arena, MGM Grand, Paradise, Nevada, United States and Arnel Pineda during the bout of Pacquiao and Ghanaian national Joshua Clottey on March 13, 2010 at Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas, United States.

But Aguirre said the NHI did not pursue the case because it was also told by the OSG there is a problem with jurisdiction since the alleged violation was committed in the US.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) chief also said he is not aware of any case wherein a person was charged and convicted for violating this law.

But Aguirre clarified that there is no case filed yet against singers in the DOJ so he could not comment yet on the latter’s possible violation of law.

“I also haven’t watched,” he added.

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.

He or she said violators face a fine of P5,000 to P20,000, imprisonment for not more than one year, or both at the discretion of the court: provided, that for any second and additional offenses, both fine and imprisonment shall always be imposed: further that in case the violation is committed by a jurdicial person, it's president or chief executive officer thereof shall be liable.

The Institute may prescribe in the implementing rules and regulations of this act other acts or omissions which shall be deemed disrespectful, and thus prohibited, relative to the flag, national anthem, great seal, coat-of-arms, national motto and other heraldic items and devices.

Any citizen shall have the power to conduct a citizen's arrest if a person is actually violating of any provision of this act in officers to assist in conducting citizen's arrest. All security personnel and ushers in movie-houses are likewise authorized to arrest the violators.

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.

www.philstar.com/cebu-entertainment/498458/gone-55-seconds

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