Pacquiao's pick Zyrene vows to sing anthem in 55 seconds

When international boxing champ Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao and Mexican boxer Antonio Margarito slug it out in Dallas, Texas on November 13, a new face in the music industry will be taking centerstage to render the national anthem.

Interviewed on Mornings@ANC, rising talent Zyrene Parsad, who was personally handpicked by the Pacman to sing "Lupang Hinirang" during the bout, admits she welcomes the opportunity, but is also having sleepless nights over the prospect of singing in such a prominent setting as the international boxing arena.

"I was invited to his [Pacquiao's] Investors' Night at the New World Hotel in Saranggani, He called me after a week and said, 'Ikaw ang kakanta ng Lupang Hinirang sa fight ko.' I wanted to hug him and say `Thank you so much,' because this is such a big break for me," recalls Zyrene, who broke into the music scene after winning 3rd place in the singing search "Are You the Next Big Star?"

No stranger to the music stage, Zyrene admits she received the news with mixed emotions.

"I'm excited, I'm nervous, I'm having sleepless nights. Before I go to bed, I pray then I sing the 'Lupang Hinirang' in my mind, and when I wake-up, I sing the 'Lupang Hinirang'," Zyrene says, adding she sings the anthem every chance she gets.

It's Zyrene's way of getting the hymn into her system, following the controversies over the various renditions of the song at international boxing matches, and a clear sign she is serious about singing it right.

"When we learned that I was chosen by our Pacman, my mom and my dad told me to visit the National Historical Commission of the Philippines so you can ask advise on how you're going to sing the Philippine National Anthem. I also went to Senator Chiz Escudero because I think he passed the bill on how to sing the Philippine National anthem right. And then last week, I went to Mr. C [Ryan Cayabyab] to ask for some advice."

"I keep on praying and memorizing the lines. In school, we didn't have a subject on how to do it right, but what I do now is, I read every line and feel it from the heart. That's Mr. C's advise: to sing it from the heart and everything's going to follow."

Zyrene is scheduled to leave on October 29 for Texas, where the fight will be held on November 13 (Nov. 14 in Manila).

Come fight night, boxing fans can expect a traditional rendition of the national anthem from Zyrene.

"I'm going to sing it in 55 seconds. I'm going to sing it right, not on my own interpretation, because I respect the composer of the song."

The assurance comes after several singers came under fire for rendering their own interpretation of "Lupang Hinirang."

Zyrene adds she will be wearing a red Filipiniana gown decked with Swarovski crystals, designed by Pepsi Herrera, to the event.

Grateful for her biggest break yet, Zyrene's newly launched self-titled album, which features 13 tracks, is now out in the market.

Zyrene Parsad prepares to sing Phil. National Anthem in Pacquiao-Margarito bout

When up-coming singer Zyrene Parsad renders her rendition of the “Lupang Hinirang” on the November 13 fight of Manny Pacquiao against Mexican Antonio Margarito, such privilege can either rise her to eventual stardom of become the first artist to be jailed for violating a new law prescribing the right way to sing the National Anthem.

Parsad whose only credential was a third place finish in a singing contest conducted by a television station, was chosen by Pacquiao himself after hearing the young entertainer sang the National Anthem during a gathering of businessmen held recently in a posh Makati hotel.

House Bill 465, which is sure to become a law after recently hurdled the third reading in the Lower House, will impose jail sentence to anyone who will deviate from its original marching tempo in singing the National Anthem. Any violator will also be fined no less than P100,000.

While admitting she feels nervous going the center-stage at the huge Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, site of the fight for the world welterweight championship, the 24-year-old songstress promised though to do it right.

To do it right, Parsad said she will be consulting National Historical Commission of the Philippines on how the anthem should be properly sang.

“Kailangan ko po talagang mag-consult kasi sila ang nagde-decide kung tama o mali ang pag-render mo ng Lupang Hinirang,” she said aware of the fate of other more illustrious personalities like Arnel Pineda, Sarah Geronimo, Lani Misalucha, Kyla, Charice Pempengco, Jennifer Bautista and Christian Bautista, who earned the ire of the NHCP for their “wrong” rendition in the seven-division world champion’s previous fights.

Plan is to also seek the help of internationally-known Filipino composer Ryan Cayabyab who coached Filipina international sensation Charice Pempengco when she sang the national anthem during the inauguration of President Noynoy Aquino.

Parsad said it is an honor to have been chosen to sing the National Anthem before the world audience confessing she’s excited that such an appearance might finally make her an international star.

“Masaya at kinakabahan, siyempre. World champion si Pacquiao at congressman pa.Talagang malaking karangalan na makasama ka sa laban niya. Lalo’t ang manunood say o ay ang buong mundo,” she said excitedly. “

To prepare her physically and to strengthen her vocal chords, Parsad said she has been going swimming daily. 

Zyrene consults NHCP over national anthem

Zyrene Parsad, the young singer chosen by boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao to sing the Philippine national anthem in his upcoming fight in Dallas, Texas this November, visited the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Tuesday to get pointers on how to sing the anthem properly. 

Parsad arrived at the NHCP at 10 a.m. to consult the organization on the proper way of singing the anthem.

Parsad was asked to render “Lupang Hinirang” as NHCP officials observed the pacing of her song.

NHI’s Heraldry section chief Teddy Atienza reminded Parsad not to change the tune and tempo of the song when she performs in November. He said taking liberties with the national anthem could lead to a fine of P5,000 to P20,000 plus a 1-year jail sentence, in accordance with the provisions of the National Flag Law. If Congress raises the penalty and makes P100,000 plus a 2-years jail sentence.

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 if the measure 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.

Atienza advised Parsad not to be nervous so she won’t forget her lines like what happened to singer Christian Bautista.

The NHCP has previously reminded Filipino artists singing the national anthem during Pacquiao fights not to take liberties with the song. Among those chastised by the institution for their wrong renditions of the anthem are Martin Nievera, Arnel Pineda, La Diva, Sarah Geronimo, Lani Misalucha and Charice Pempengco. 

The NHCP said that if properly sung with a two-fourths beat and 100 metronomes, the national anthem should last 53 seconds. 

Babastos sa ‘Lupang Hinirang’ parurusahan

APRUBADO na sa ikatlong pagbasa ang panukalang batas na magpapataw ng multa at parusa sa mga hindi magbibigay respeto sa pambansang awit ng Pilipinas na “Lupang Hinirang”.

Sa botong 196 ng kabuuang bilang ng mga kongresista ay naipasa sa ikatlong pagbasa ang House Bill 465 o “ An Act Prescribing the Code of the National Flag, Anthem, Motto, Coat-of-Arms and other Heraldic Items and Devices of the Philippines.”

Sa ilalim ng panukala, pagmumultahin ng P100,000 at makukulong ng dalawang taon ang sinumang performer na lalayo sa official musical arrangement ng “Lupang Hinirang” na binuo ni 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,” binigyang diin pa ng pangunahing may-akda ng panukala na si Sorsogon Rep. Salvador Escudero.

Bukod sa Pambansang Awit, inaprubahan din ang consolidated bills na House Bills 603 at 465 na nagbabawal sa paggamit ng Philippine flag at iba pang heraldic items and devices bilang advertising tool para sa political o private purposes, at pananamit o fashion accessory.

Maaari lamang gamitin ang watawat na pangtakip sa casket o kabaong ng nasawing miyembro ng militar, veterans, national artists, o civilian na nagbigay ng karangalan sa bansa. Meliza Maluntag

Pacquiao picks Zyrene to sing anthem

Filipino boxing superstar and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao has chosen 24-year-old Zyrene Parsad to sing the Philippine anthem for his fight against Mexican boxer Antonio Margarito in Texas, USA on November 13.

According to Parsad, Pacquiao personally chose her to sing “Lupang Hinirang” after he heard her perform in an Investor’s night in Sarangani.

With all the controversies surrounding the rendition of “Lupang Hinirang” during previous Pacquiao fights, Parsad vowed to sing the anthem correctly.

The young singer said she is already preparing for the much awaited Pacquiao-Margarito bout.

She said she tries to sing the national anthem every morning so she can be more familiar with its tempo and lyrics. She also jogs every day to improve her breathing.

National Flag Law author Salvador Escudero III, meanwhile, said he will give Parsad references on the proper way to sing the national anthem.

Parsad is set to meet with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines on Friday or Monday to give her tips on how to sing the anthem correctliy.

According to Section 37 of Republic Act (RA) 8491, the rendition of the national anthem, whether played or sung, shall be in accordance with the musical arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe.

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 NHCP, in coordination with the proper government agency, shall disseminate an official music score sheet that reflects the manner in which the national anthem should be played or sung.

When the national anthem is played, the public is required to sing and do so “with fervor.”

They are expected to sing while the right hand is placed over the left chest. Uniformed personnel, meanwhile, are to salute the flag as prescribed by their respective regulations.

Individuals whose faith prohibit them from singing “Lupang Hinirang” must still show full respect.

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

But the anthem may be played during the following: 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 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 NHCP.

The Oath of Patriotism (Panatang Makabayan) must be recited after the singing of the national anthem in schools. 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 rendition 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."

RA 8491 prescribes that any person who will violate its provisions may be punished by a fine of at least P20,000 or imprisonment of not more than one year. If the Congress raises the penalty and make P100,000 or imprisonment of not more than two years.

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.

RPN-9 CEBU: THE LEADER (Vistas, 9/25/82)

Article by JERUEL N. ROA

If there's any factor that would earn the Radio Philippines Network (RPN) the sobriquet "The Leader," hands down it would be its Domestic Satellite (DOMSAT) facilities.

Through DOMSAT, RPN is ahead of the rest of the television networks by being able to simulcast in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao for about seven hours daily.

While other networks, all based in the nation's capital, have to ship their taped programs to their provincial stations for delayed viewing, RPN gets to its provincial stations at once.

The modern facility responsible for this is a satellite owned by Indonesia and leased to the Philippines initially for five years. DOMSAT is owned by three companies: the Kanlaon Broadcasting System (KBS), RPN's mother company; the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT); and the Philippine government.

Its mother earth station is located in Antipolo. Its eight receiving areas around the country are in Tuguegarao, Palawan, Bacolod, Davao, Zamboanga, Cagayan de Oro, and Cebu.

In Cebu, DOMSAT-facilitated programs are transmitted to its Channel 9 station's translator. The Cebu translator is a product of Filipino ingenuity, being locally-made and costing a mere ₱120,000.

"DOMSAT was supposed to run only for an hour daily for news and public affairs," explains RPN-9 Cebu station manager Frank Jalandoon. "But realizing the need of televiewers from Batanes down to Marawi, we discussed it with the top executives and decided to have DOMSAT programming for five hours every evening starting January 16, 1980," he adds.

"We are now on our second year of DOMSAT and I think we have reached our objective. What is being seen in Manila should also be seen by the people of Surigao or Butuan. Before, it took two weeks for Manila tapes to reach Cebu, in Davao, three weeks, in Iriga, four. Now, we have eliminated that problem. Ngayon, para bang napagbigyan natin ang mga taga-probinsya," he points out.

RPN-9 Cebu signs on at 6:30 in the morning and gets its first DOMSAT feed at 7:00 for a 30-minute newscast in Pilipino. After this, a 15-minute Cebuano edition of the news is aired and for another 15 minutes, a canned musical program is shown before the machines and equipment are given a 90-minute rest. Then Channel 9 goes back to its regular non-stop telecast for the day.

At 11:55 in the morning, Channel 9 Cebu, as in other RPN stations around the country, receives another DOMSAT feed, this time for the hour and a half noontime show, Eat Bulaga!. From 1:30 to 5:30 P.M., all shows shown are taped. Then at 5:30 up to 10:30 P.M., its uninterrupted DOMSAT programming highlighted by the popular NewsWatch hosted by Harry Gasser and Ninez Cacho-Olivares.

DOMSAT has affected local programming, but not adversely.

Said Frank Jalandoon: "Naturally, it has affected local programming. But on the other end, we have to develop the slots for local programs. That is our target. In Manila, daytime programs have 50 to 60% viewership. I think we can reach that also. Right now, we are reaching 40% in the daytime."

"At the moment, we have local programs but supported by independent producers like Galactica which comes up with two live programs. And of course, there are our public affairs programs. Another thing we've been planning to do is to revive the local programs. To do this, we need sophisticated equipment, which will prove to be expensive. A studio camera alone costs ₱400,000. To have good production, the investment has to be tremendous, costing millions of pesos."

"If you will try to sustain this kind of program by only using backpack cameras, quality-wise, it's not really comparable to the shows produced in Manila. So, our plan really is to support Cebu and we've discussed these matters with Manila people and they know that Cebu is the priority," Jalandoon added.

Channel 9 Cebu has given importance to the talk show. "The talk show is one of the important aspects of our plan. A public affairs program should be considered in this kind of business. In image-building, it's public affairs which really count aside from the news," Jalandoon said.

It had a program, Free to Choose, aired 11:00 to 11:45 A.M. daily but it encountered the problem of high production expense. "You have to shoot outside and that would need a mobile unit, automatic editing machines."

Advertising is the least of RPN-9 Cebu's worries. "The bulk of the business is still Manila, it's 85% while 15% is local. But for local clients to come in, we have really to develop the local programming." It has produced 12 moving local commercials.

Channel 9 Cebu has a radio station, DYKC, which is a drama-music station. It airs 13 30-minute soap operas which are replayed to seven RPN radio stations in Mindanao.

As one way of cutting costs, RPN Cebu's radio and television operations are combined, especially in administration. There are seven departments, namely: radio department of engineering, production, sales, technical engineering on television, security, and news and public affairs all manned by 28 regular employees and three contractual workers.

Station manager Frank Jalandoon says that his personnel are among, if not the best, there are in Cebu.

RPN-9 Cebu started operations on October 30, 1971, a branch of Channel 9 in Manila, the first colored station operating during those days.

It is situated in a one-hectare lot in Maguikay, Mandaue City.

Among its objectives are: to entertain the public, serve the community, to make money in order to give proper benefits to its employees, and in order to improve its facilities.

As Jalandoon revealed: "The business cycle of the television (industry) is the improvement of the equipment, adoption of more modern ideas coming in so that you can adequately serve the public, educate, and form public opinion. And mind you, RPN-9 is really trying to invest. Since we are not only contented in being ‘The Leader,' expect more innovations from RPN-9 next year."

Frank Jalandoon assumed station managership of RPN-9 Cebu on March 1974.

A student of mining in the ‘60s, his interest shifted to electronics in his search for greener pastures. He had worked as a salesman for Amon Trading and Aboitiz Marketing and worked with PLDT before devoting his time fully for KBS.

A native of Bacolod City, Jalandoon is at present a member of the Katilingban Hiligaynon sa Cebu, Rotary Club of Mandaue-North, the Knights of Columbus, and the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas-Cebu Chapter.

In most of the organizations he is with, he serves as public relations officer.

CCTV's "June 1" gets a new look

Starting from June 1, CCTV will comprehensively improve the channel packaging and launch some newly created columns.

From June 1 start of service our audience "Program Guide" to watch television programs, broadcast every day from the current nine to 12 times. In order to adapt to the changes in the broadcast of the program, the broadcast content will be adjusted at any time to strengthen the timeliness. Before the broadcast of each program and after the end of all the programs, add 2-3 minutes of beautifully melodic and well-made morning and evening songs.

In addition to vigorous efforts on the overall packaging of the channel, new columns such as "Approach to Science" and "TV Shopping" were also launched in the first and second sets of programs. Four and five programs have also been innovative in the overall packaging of programs. In this adjustment, the four programs-International Channels will add "Chinese Medicine", "A History of Qianqiu", "Oriental Homeland", "Cultural Report", "China News Financial Report" and other related news, services, education, etc. A new section of aspect content.

Mali na naman daw!

ISANG kontrobersiya ukol sa tamang pagkanta ng Pambansang Awit ang nagaganap ngayon. Si Arnel Pineda ng bandang Journey ang napili para kantahin ang Lupang Hinirang sa laban nina Manny Pacquiao at Joshua Clottey. At katulad ng nangyari nung si Martin Nievera ang kumanta rin sa isang laban din ni Manny, binatikos ng National Historical Institute (NHI) ang pagkanta ni Pineda. Masyado raw mabagal at nawala pa sa tono. Ilang umawit na rin sa nasabing kanta ang pinagalitan din ng NHI.

Pagalitan na lang ng NHI ang lahat ng kumanta na ng Pambansang Awit. Natatandaan ko, palaging pinatutugtog ang Lupang Hinirang sa mga sinehan bago magsimula ang isang sine. May isang grupo na nagsimulang kantahin ng mabagal na mabagal ang awit, at pagkatapos ng ilang bersikulo ay kinanta na ng regular na bilis. Napakaganda ng rendisyon ng grupong iyon sa Pambangsang Awit. Naramdaman ko ang ganda ng awit, pati ang ganda ng estilo sa pagkanta nito. Hindi nabawasan ang halaga ng awit dahil sa rendisyon. Sa totoo nga, mas lumakas ang damdamin ko ukol sa pagiging Pilipino. Kaya anong masama naman doon?

May kumanta pa kaya ng Pambansang Awit dahil sa mala-agilang pagbantay ng NHI sa pag-awit nito. May umawit pa kaya sa mga darating na laban ni Manny kung mapapagalitan lang sila at babantaan pa ng demanda? Lahat ng mang-aawit ay may iba’t ibang estilo sa pagkanta. Nadadala sila sa damdamin nung kanta, at kung anong klaseng kahalagahan ang meron nito sa kanila. Ang isang magaling at madamdaming mang-aawit ay kakantahin ang isang kanta ayon sa kanyang damdamin. Kung pupunahin na lang ng NHI ang lahat, siguro mag-recording na lang sila ng sa tingin nila ay ang tamang paraan sa pagkanta nung Lupang Hinirang, at ito na lang ang patugtugin sa lahat ng okasyon na kailangan simulan ng Pambansang Awit. Nang sa ganun, wala na silang mapapagalitan. Kung ganun din sana ang pagbantay nila sa mga ibang ahensiya ng gobyerno, lalo na doon sa may kasaysayan ng katiwalian at korapsyon, wala na rin sigurong gagawa ng kalokohan sa gobyerno, at tuluyang uunlad ang bansa!

http://www.philstar.com/opinyon/558676/mali-na-naman-daw

NHI mulls filing a case vs Arnel Pineda

The National Historical Institute (NHI) is looking into the possibility of filing a complaint against Journey’s Filipino front man Arnel Pineda.

In a phone interview, Teddy Atienza, chief of NHI’s Heraldry Section, disclosed that the board was not pleased when it heard Pineda’s version of “Lupang Hinirang” during the Manny Pacquiao-Joshua Clottey fight in the United States.

Atienza lamented that Pineda, who was also criticized for wearing a cowboy-inspired polo instead of Barong Tagalog, sang the anthem slowly as opposed to the original march tempo.

He also scored the singer for belting out the last 2 words of “Lupang Hinirang.”

He said this was a clear violation of Republic Act (RA) 8491.

"Sa amin po personally hindi po niya nasunod ang sinasaad sa RA 8491 na ang sinasabi, ang pagkanta ng Lupang Hinirang ay dapat sundin ang komposisyon ni Julian Felipe," he said.

"Ngayon po ay nangangalap kami ng ebidensiya at testimonya ng kababayan natin tungkol dito. Gagawin namin ang report at pag-aaralan ng NHI board kung ano ang aksyon ng aming tanggapan,” he added.

Atienza said the board might hold a special meeting within the week to discuss the issue.

RA 8491 prescribes that any person who will violate its provisions may be punished by a fine of at least P20,000 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, 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.

Not alone

Pineda was not the first singer to be reprimanded by the NHI in connection with the wrong rendition of Lupang Hinirang. The institute also called the attention of Charice, Christian Bautista, Jennifer Bautista and Martin Nievera.

Atienza said the NHI is reprimanding these singers because it is part of the job of the institute to ensure that they follow the law.

"Nasa batas po kasi. Bilang tanggapan ng gobyerno na siyang nagpapatupad ng batas, hinihingi po namin ang tulong ng lahat, lalo na itong mga mangangantang sikat, na sana po ay kung ano ang natutunan natin sa paaralan ay sana po ay sundin natin,” he said.

Mixed reactions

Meantime, abs-cbnNEWS.com readers are divided over the issue.

While some lambasted the NHI for criticizing Pineda, others were also unhappy with the singer’s rendition of the national anthem.

Tsubibo commented: "Well, I didn't like Arnel Pineda's rendition of the Philippine National Anthem. He changed the melody in the end part of the song and got out of tune in the process. Notice the reaction on the face of Mr. Lito Camo who is standing next to him while Arnel Pineda was belting out and went out of tune? What a shame (sic)."

"Walang passion ang pagkakakanta ni arnel ng lupang hinirang. mali rin ang last few notes nung kinanta nya ito kahapon (sic)," cee chimed in.

Reader HammerSmithGrove, on the other hand, called for the amendment of the law.

“Wala naman sigurong masama don. yong mga kanta nga sa simbahan ilang beses ng pinapalitan ang notes. marahil yong batas noon maaaring hindi na angkop ngayon! (sic)" HammerSmithGrove noted.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/03/15/10/nhi-mulls-filing-case-vs-arnel-pineda

OSG: Stylized rendition of anthem violates law

A stylized rendition of the national anthem violates Republic Act 8491, the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, it will be mandatory for students to memorize the national anthem at schools, Solicitor General and acting Justice Secretary Alberto Agra said yesterday.

Agra’s statement follows a plan expressed by the National Historical Institute (NHI) to file charges against Journey lead singer Arnel Pineda for his rendition of the national anthem before the bout of boxing icon Manny Pacquiao and Ghana native Joshua Clottey in Texas last Sunday.

Agra told reporters that Section 37 of RA 8491 prohibits the singing of Lupang Hinirang in a musical arrangement other than what was composed by Julian Felipe.

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 rendition of the flag ceremony in official or civic gatherings shall be simple and dignified and shall include the playing or singing of the national anthem in its original Filipino lyrics and march tempo.”

“We have to follow the law, and our law is very categorical. In singing the national anthem, you have to follow the arrangement of Julian Felipe,” he said.

He said this is the position of the Office of the Solicitor General, which he concurrently heads, when asked for its legal opinion by the NHI in connection with the stylized rendition of singer Martin Nievera during the bout of Pacquiao and British national Ricky Hatton last year.

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

“I also haven’t watched (Pineda’s rendition),” he added.

He said violators face a fine of P5,000 to P20,000, or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or both, at the discretion of the court.

Officials of the National Historical Institute are pushing to stuff a stocking in Pineda’s mouth as if he committed some earth-shaking crime.

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 if the measure 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.

On Sunday, the NHI said it will file charges against Pineda before the DOJ.

But Pineda reportedly defended his version, saying he had sung it with all his heart. He said he would ask his lawyer to deal with the complaint once it is filed.

The NHI was criticized last year for painting the Calamba, Laguna house of national hero Jose Rizal green. The house, reconstructed in the 1950s, was dirty gray before it was repainted in May 2009.

http://www.philstar.com/metro/558054/osg-stylized-rendition-anthem-violates-law

Arnel Pineda apologizes to NHI (Update)

Whenever Pinoy boxing champ Manny Pacquiao fights, the Filipinos always look forward not only to the event itself, as well in flag-raising and lowering ceremonies in schools and offices but also to whoever will perform the Philippine national anthem, "Lupang Hinirang."

For several times already, the National Historical Institute (NHI) has given their thumbs down to the renditions of even the country's most popular singers who sang the National Anthem in Pacquiao's fights and other boxing matches. Among these were Pop Idol Jolina Magdangal, Concert King Martin Nievera, international singing sensation Charice Pempengco, Asia's Nightingale Lani Misalucha, romantic balladeer Christian Bautista, and Popstar Princess Sarah Geronimo.

NHI had also warned Geneva Cruz, RnB Princess Kyla, Jennifer Bautista, and La Diva (composed of Jonalyn Viray, Aicelle Santos, and Maricar Garcia) for not following the right tempo of "Lupang Hinirang."

After Pacquiao's bout against Ghana's Joshua Clottey last Sunday, March 14, the NHI said it might file a complaint against Arnel Pineda, the Filipino frontman of rock band Journey, for the "wrong" rendition of "Lupang Hinirang."

And that's what Pineda did.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News today, March 16, Pineda said: "I apologize for my dissatisfactory performance dun sa fight ni Pacquiao and Clottey sa Dallas, Texas, according to their standards. What can I do? I'm just doing my job... but then again hindi ako sorry kasi artistic freedom ko 'yon. It doesn't make me less of a Filipino dahil sa nabago ang pagkakanta."

Pineda also said that what he did was to the song was part of his "artistic freedom."

"Ano ba ang bago? 'Yong traditional na pagkanta ng 'Lupang Hinirang' ang gusto nilang marinig. On my part, I'm just doing my artistic freedom. I was there as Filipino representing Pacquiao and the Philippines, 'yon ang importante," he explained.

BELTING OUT THE LAST PART. In a separate interview with ABS-CBN News, NHI Heraldry Division chief Teddy Atienza related his disappointment on Pineda for singing the anthem slowly on the first part instead of the marching tempo. He also pointed out that the singer belted out the last part of "Lupang Hinirang."

The Republic Act 8941 (under Section 37) or the Flag and Heraldic Code states that: "The national anthem must be sung in accordance with the original musical arrangement of composer Julian Felipe, who gave it a marching tempo.

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 NHI, in coordination with the proper government agency, shall disseminate an official music score sheet that reflects the manner in which the national anthem should be played or sung.

When the national anthem is played, the public is required to sing and do so “with fervor.”

They are expected to sing while the right hand is placed over the left chest. Uniformed personnel, meanwhile, are to salute the flag as prescribed by their respective regulations.

Individuals whose faith prohibit them from singing “Lupang Hinirang” must still show full respect.

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

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 rendition of the flag ceremony in official or civic gatherings shall be simple and dignified and shall include the playing or singing of the national 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.”

“We have to follow the law, and our law is very categorical. In singing the national anthem, you have to follow the arrangement of Julian Felipe,” he said.

He said this is the position of the Office of the Solicitor General, which he concurrently heads, when asked for its legal opinion by the NHI in connection with the stylized rendition of singer Martin Nievera during the bout of Pacquiao and British national Ricky Hatton last year.

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

“I also haven’t watched (Pineda’s rendition),” he added.

He said violators face a fine of P5,000 to P20,000, or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or both, at the discretion of the court.

Officials of the National Historical Institute are pushing to stuff a stocking in Pineda’s mouth as if he committed some earth-shaking crime.

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.

Pineda admitted that he went off-pitch on the last two stanza of “Lupang Hinirang.”

"Alam ko naman na nag-flat ako, kasi ang parte na 'yon na nagsimula nang magsigawan ang tao. Wala akong ear monitor. Hindi ko na marinig ang sarili ko noong pumapasok ako doon sa line na 'Lupa ng araw ng luwalhati't pagsinta.' Sumisigaw na sila, highlight ng melody ng kanta 'yon so unti-unti hindi ko naririnig," he said.

On Sunday, the NHI said it will file charges against Pineda before the DOJ.

But Pineda reportedly defended his version, saying he had sung it with all his heart. He said he would ask his lawyer to deal with the complaint once it is filed.


The NHI was criticized last year for painting the Calamba, Laguna house of national hero Jose Rizal green. The house, reconstructed in the 1950s, was dirty gray before it was repainted in May 2009.

Arnel Pineda’s version of RP anthem criticized

(Updated 9:20 p.m.) The National Historical Institute said Sunday it was filing a complaint against Journey lead singer Arnel Pineda for changing the tone and tempo of the Philippine national anthem when he sang it before the Pacquiao-Clottey bout in Texas.

Pineda sang "Lupang Hinirang" (Beloved Land) during Pacquiao’s successful bout against Joshua Clottey of Ghana on Saturday (Sunday in Manila), his powerful, high-pitched voice filling the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

But Teddy Atienza, chief of the Heraldry Section of the NHI, was not pleased. A "24 Oras" report quoted him as saying that they would file a complaint against Pineda before the Department of Justice for his "wrong" version of the national anthem.

The NHI is the government body tasked to ensure respect for the national anthem, Philippine flag and other national symbols.

Under Section 37 of Republic Act 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Code, the national anthem must be sung in accordance with the original musical arrangement of composer Julian Felipe, who gave it a marching tempo. Violators may be fined P5,000 to P20,000 or jailed for a year.

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.

Pineda, for his part, defended his version, saying he had sung it with all his heart. He said he would ask his lawyer to deal with the complaint once it is filed.

Pineda, who rose to fame in 2007 when members of the US-based band discovered him on YouTube, belted out before a crowd of almost 51,000 boxing fans his somewhat slow rendition of "Lupang Hinirang."

The singer, wearing a brown long-sleeved polo with native prints, started well in the song but faltered when he tried to raise the pitch — a practice frowned upon by NHI — of the final part of the anthem. The crowd cheered nonetheless.

Cheers and jeers

"What happened to your voice and to the anthem?" asked a fan of the singer on his Facebook fan page.

"Ba’t iniba mo ‘yung [last notes] ng anthem (Why did you change the last notes of the anthem)?" asked another. "Parang malalagutan na ng hininga (You sounded like you were running out of breath)," still another said.

Some, however, praised Pineda for a job well done.

"Good job Arnel! Your patriotic rendition of ["Lupang Hinirang"] was awesome. You made me so proud to be Pinay," a fan said. "I love you Arnel Pineda. Beautiful anthem, beautiful voice," another said.

The institute has criticized a number of Filipino singers who had sung the Philippine national anthem in recent fights of Pacquiao for supposedly creating their own interpretation of the song.

Crooner Martin Nievera’s rendition of "Lupang Hinirang" in Pacquiao’s fight against British Ricky Hatton in May 2009 caused an uproar for its deviation from the prescribed musical arrangement.

Aside from Nievera, pop girl group "La Diva" also received a failing grade from the National Historical Institute for its version of the anthem during Pacquiao’s match with Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto in November 2009.

"I’m sure you guys will be proud," Pineda told GMA News before his fight with Clottey.

Other singers

The NHI earlier noted that if properly sung with a two-fourths beat and 100 metronomes, the national anthem should last 53 seconds. Pineda’s version was 89 seconds long.

Among the singers reprimanded by the NHI for deviating from the song’s original form were Charice Pempengco, Jennifer Bautista and Christian Bautista. The latter is remembered for leaving out several lines of the anthem during a boxing match of Gerry Peñalosa in Muntinlupa in 2007.

All three singers have apologized, claiming they had not intended to change some notes.

Singers like Sarah Geronimo, Lani Misalucha and Kyla, whose versions of the anthem at different Pacquiao matches had lasted for over a minute, have also been criticized by the NHI for turning the national anthem into a ballad. — with Norman P. Aquino/KBK, GMANews.TV