Thursday, October 14, 2010

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.