Harana is also for kids & teens

I have nothing against foreign acts. Kids, now more than ever, are very much exposed to great foreign talents and their music because of the pervasiveness of multi-media, not the least being TV and the Internet. Naturally, there is this craving to watch these performers live when the occasion presents itself. My 13-year-old daughter Mika moved heaven and earth so she could watch her idol Avril Lavigne and the two Davids’ recent concert. But what bothers me is that these foreign artists and their music are given so much more promotion and support, forgetting that we Filipinos have a responsibility, as Filipinos, to advance appreciation for our own music and talents. There is no perfect time than now to instill this in our youth.

We have shared in the honor brought to us by the glorious accomplishments in music by the likes of world-class artists Lea Salonga, Jed Madela, Mon David and the U.P. Concert Chorus (UPCC). Recently, national pride reached fever pitch as we shed tears of joy watching Manny Pacquiao, Charice and Allan Pineda of Journey astound people the world over with their talent. And, although I do not agree with critics who vilified Christian Bautista and Martin Nievera for his rendition of the Lupang Hinirang, I am also quite happy at the ensuing debates because we are now again talking about what is truly ours — our flag, our music, our culture. This rekindled national consciousness shows that are culturally uplifting should be promoted more than ever especially among the young.

I have my personal reasons for watching Harana... A Cultural Journey, which will be shown today until May 30 at Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza — brought back by the Philippine Opera Company (POC) due to public demand. I know four of the eight great performers personally. POC president Karla Gutierrez and Noel Rayos were my batchmates at Repertory Philippines. Deeda Baretto was a co-soloist at the UPCC and she, together with Ana Feleo, would regularly guest at concerts of tenor and former UPCC member Jonathan Badon that I have produced. I saw how well Sherwin Sozon sang and acted as Ninoy Aquino at the Cory, the Musical. With these five celebrated artists alone, I am absolutely sure it is going to be a spectacular show. Add Florence Aguilar, Lawrence Jatayna and Miguel Castro, and hands down, the concert will be an absolute feast for the senses.

Now comes the hard part. How will I succeed in taking my “foreign-act-aficionado” teenager to watch the show with me... and hopefully have her enjoy herself? This is the plan.

First, I will narrate to her the super kilig story of how in her Mom’s younger days, she got to witness, and experience vicariously, authentic harana when her older sisters, Titas Mareyca and Margot, were serenaded with beautiful Filipino songs by smitten admirers in Abra and Ifugao provinces during summer vacations there. I will also tell Mika how sad it is that this beautiful courtship tradition had died (even before her own Mom reached the enviable harana-ble age... sigh) and how the POC, with this concert, is trying to revive it. I will tell her that instead of ordinary tops and jeans, she will see the performers dressed in thoroughly researched Filipino costumes. I will tell her that by watching, she will understand the Filipino’s musical heritage and our almost forgotten traditions.

“Mika,” I will say, “you will finally be exposed to authentic Igorot music with an authentic Igorot gong to boot. You will fall in love with the beauty in the nuances of a Muslim dance as interpreted by eight Catholic performers. You will understand what kundiman is all about by witnessing contextual, heartfelt renditions of timeless classics Bituing Marikit, Dahil Sa Isang Bulaklak, Ang Maya, Manang Biday, Saan Ka Man Naroroon, Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal, Hindi Kita Malimot, which should give you an edge in your HeKaSi course at Philippine Science High School.

“Mika, anak,” I will continue, this time with a much sterner voice, “by watching this show, you will have the singular experience of enjoying the rare gathering on one stage of a group of performers with impressive backgrounds in television, theater, classical, opera, popular singing, movement and dance, whose show last year received a long standing ovation and which led to the production of the Harana album and a concert next month at Theater de Compagnie in Amsterdam, Netherlands!”

I will end my admonition with, “Sweetheart, by watching this show, you will finally find your Filipino identity and will be very proud of it.” If still, this does not work, I will strongly warn her of a cut in her allowance allocated for buying all those CDs of foreign artists. Period. Non-negotiable. Then I will end my speech.

And so starting today and on May 29 or 30, I hope to see you at RCBC with your children, nephews and nieces. I promise you and the kids a most worthwhile experience.

(For Harana tickets, call Philippine Opera Company at tel. nos. 892-8786, 812-4183 or 891-9999. Text me for comments at 0927-5000833.)

KASANO TI UMNO A PANNAKAKANTA TI “LUPANG HINIRANG”?

NABUNTOG a kasla agkanta iti “Amami” ti panangrugina sa pimmartak daytoy a kas rumbeng iti maysa a martsa, ngem nagin-inayad manen iti ngudona sa nagbuelo: “…ang mamatay ng dahil sa YOOOOO!” Inyuratna nga impukkaw ti maudi a nota a kas kadagiti gagangay a love song a kankantaenna iti konsiertona. Ni Martin Nievera daytoy, ti am-ammo a kas Concert King iti pagilian.

Ngem iti dayta a gundaway, ti panangdudog dagiti limmandok a gemgem ni Manny Pacquiao ken ni Ricky Hatton iti ring ti rinanta a buyaen dagiti riniwriw a Filipino kadagiti pagsinean ken telebisiontayo. Saan a ni Martin a napan laeng nagkanta sadiay iti Nailian a Kanta a kas paset ti tradisional a panglukat ti maysa nga internasional a laban iti boksing. Ngem gapu ta pinalaluanna la unay ti panagkantana—binaliwanna ti tono ken areglo ti kanta—nagbalin metten a rason ti pagririantayo nga agkakailian.

Ita, kasla pagganganasan met dagiti dadduma ti agbibinnato iti rason no rumbeng wenno saan a madusa ni Martin iti inaramidna. Kasla narabaw a pagdidinniskutiran—nota laeng ti musika, kunada man, ngem naun-uneg ti kaipapanan ken epekto daytoy iti biag ken dayawtayo a Filipino.

Adda agkuna a binastos ni Martin ti sagrado a kanta a “Lupang Hinirang.” No sagrado, kunatayo, saan a sinsinan a kanta, ket di rumbeng a baliwantayo ti tono ken liriko daytoy kas pangrespeto metten ti kompositor ken iti paset ti pakasaritaantayo a nakaipasngayan ti martsa nga ayug. Ken kangrunaanna, adda linteg a mangsalsalaknib iti Nailian a Kanta kadagiti asino man a mangigagara a mangbaliw iti pannakakantana iti publiko a pasken.

Segun iti Seksion 37 ti Republic Act 8491 (wenno Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines), makanta wenno mapatokar ti “Lupang Hinirang” a kas martsa, segun iti komposision ken areglo ni Julian Felipe. Saan a kas iti inaramid ni Martin.

ADDA KARBENGAN NI MARTIN?

Ngem adda met agkuna a karbengan ni Martin, a kas nalatak a kumakanta iti pagilian, iti mangyayug iti “Lupang Hinirang” iti bukodna nga istilo, wenno, kas iti kunana, nagtaud iti segged ti riknana iti daydi a kanito. Nagustuak, kuna ni Pacquiao iti inawisna a kumakanta para iti naudi a labanna. Mayat, kuna met dagiti mangipagarup a ti Nailian a Kanta ket kas iti ordinario a love song a palpalataken dagiti kas kada Gary Valenciano ken Regine Velasquez a nawaya a pagaayamanda a baliwan ti estilo, areglo wenno tonona.

Naimbag pay ‘tay laban ni Pacquiao ta adda ni Kenny Bayless nga Amerikano a nangreperi wenno opisial a nangeddeng no asino ti mangabak. Ngem asino ngarud met ti mangreperi iti pinnadagsenan iti rason no adda karbengan ni Martin iti inaramidna, no adda linabsingna a linteg, wenno binastosna ti sagrado a kanta? Asino ti met ti mangibaga a pudno a KSP wenno “kulang sa pansin” dagiti opisial ti National Historical Institute (NHI) a kangrunaan a nangbabalaw iti panagkanta ni Martin?

Iti padastayo iti pagilian, dua ti pagtaudan ti reperi wenno mangeddeng a ti rason ti maysa a partido ket isu ti mapaturay. Gapu ta addatayo iti salinong ti demokrasia, kangrunaan a mangikedkeddeng ti timek ti mayoria, wenno ti kadakkelan ti bilang a mangpabor iti maysa nga isyu. No adu ti mayat, mabalin a daytoy ti pudno. Nabileg ti timek ti mayoria aglalo iti panawen ti eleksion. Ngem no adda linteg a pagbatayan tapno maitag-ay ti pudno, rumbeng a masurot daytoy imbes a ti pinnaaduan dagiti mayat.

No adu ti aggusto iti panagkanta ni Martin, awan dakesna dayta. No nariing ti panagayatda iti Filipinas gapu iti nasged iti nasionalismo a panagkantana artin, nasayaat la unay. Ngem ditay’ mailibak nga adda linteg a mangibilbilin iti umisu a pannakakanta ti Nailian a Kanta. No denggentayo ngarud dagiti rason dagiti mangibagbaga nga awan ti linabsing a paglintegan ni Martin, kasla rumrummuar a maysa laeng a singasing dagiti paglintegan a surotentayo laeng no kayattayo.

NAIGAGARA LAENG A MARTSA TI TONONA

Naipasngay ti RA 8491, idi panawen a rinambakantayo ti maika-100 a tawen ti republikatayo idi 1998 babaen ti panangilungalong ni Presidente Fidel V. Ramos. Ni Julan Felipe ti kompositor ti ayug ti martsa a kiniddaw ni Hen. Emilio Aguinaldo a matokar iti proklamasion ti pannakawayawayatayo manipud kadagiti Espanyol idi Huno 12, 1898 iti Kawit, Cavite. Marcha Filipina Magdalo ti orihinal a paulo ti martsa. Naadaw ti immuna a liriko daytoy manipud iti daniw ni Jose Palma a “Filipinas.” Ti agdama a liriko daytoy babaen ti paulona ita a “Lupang Hinirang” ket sinurat ni Felipe de Leon idi 1956.

No adda man dakkel a rason no apay a napanunot dagiti agpampanday-linteg nga ipasa ti RA 8491, isu ti panangiliklikda a madadael ti Nailian a Kanta babaen ti asino man a kumakanta, kas iti inaramid ita ni Martin, a mangipatpaturay iti kinasiglat wenno kinalatakda a kumakanta, ngem ‘tay panagtamedda iti maysa a natarnaw a komposision a mangibagbagi iti kina-Filipinotayo.

Segun ken ni Ambeth Ocampo, hepe ti NHI, awan ti lugar para iti siwawaya nga interpretasion ti “Lupang Hinirang.”

Sinungbatan pay ti NHI ti panangibagbagada a KSP dagiti opisialda gapu iti panangdillawda ken ni Martin. Segun pay iti NHI, saan a ti kinasiglat ni Martin wenno rubrob ti emosionna a nagkanta iti “Lupang Hinirang” ti babbabalawenda no di ti panangbaliwna iti tonto ti kanta, nga iparparit ti linteg. Maaramid amin ni Martin ti kaykayatna kadagiti kantaenna, ngem no maipanggep iti Nailian a Kanta, kunada, sabalin a patangan dayta.

Kuna ni Martin nga awan ti ammona iti linteg, kas iti kaaduanna kadatayo. Ngem rumbeng a maammuantayo a dua a doktrina iti linteg ti mangiturturay kadatyo iti gimong: umuna, uray makapadakes ti linteg, lintegto latta dayta a rumbeng a suroten; ken ti maikadua, ti kaawan ti ammo iti ania man a linteg ket saan a rason tapno saan a madusa ti naglabsing.

Ngem mapagduaduaan ti ibagbaga ni Martin nga awan ti ammona iti linteg, wenno awan ti pamalpalatpatanna a nadudog met iti kontrobersia dagiti immun-una a nagkanta iti laban ni Pacquiao a kas kada Sarah Geronimo, Kyla, Lani Misalucha and Geneva Cruz a nangbaliw met iti tono ti kanta idi isuda ti maisaang iti ring. Mismo a ni Ryan Cayabyab ti nangballaag ken ni Martin a dina ituloy ti panggepna a mangbaliw ti ngudo ti tono ti kanta, ta amangan no “patayen” dagiti tattao. Ngem natangken ti ulo ni Martin ket sinurotna ti kayatna.

No impangngag koma ni Martin ni Cayabyab, awan koma dagitoy a panangpalapalda ita kenkuana.

DAGITI “PASAWAY”

Segun ken ni Ocampo, dagiti kas ken ni Martin ti makunkuna a mangibagbagi iti kultura dagiti papaanawa (“pasaway culture”), ta dagitoy a klase ti tattao ti mangipilpilit iti kayatda babaen ti nagan ti nawaya a panagsao ken pangyebkas iti rikna, idinto nga adda linteg a rumbeng a surotenda.

Ania kadi a rason tapno bastosen dagtoy a papaaawa ti banderatayo, wenno ti Nailian a Kanta? Iti kaso ni Martin, dua ti tumtumpuar a rason manipud kadagiti opinion ti publiko: Saan a Filipino ni Martin ta makipagili daytoy iti America, ken iti panagriknana, agkonkonsierto iti Las Vegas a dati a nagkankantaanna, ket kayatna ti aglatak manen, wenno aguman ti turong dagiti tattao manipud ken ni Pacquiao.

Daytoy koma ti maipaawat ken ni Martin ken dagiti mangkankanunong kenkuana iti inaramidna. Adu ti nagkibaltang iti panagkantada, kadaksan ti inaramid ni Christian Baustisa, idi nagkanta met daytoy iti maysa met a laban ti boksing ta nalibtawanna ti sumagmamano a paset ti kanta, adda dagiti nagbaliw iti tonona, ken dagiti nag-rap, ngem ibagbagada nga awan met ti nabalud, nadusa, wenno naungtan man laeng kadagitoy. Ngem gapu kadi kadagitoy a rason, tumuladtayo kadi met? No di man ket maysaka met a “pasaway” a mangituloy nga agaramid iti maikaniwas idinto nga ammom met a dakes daytoy.

Ken no mapalubosan ni Martin iti kayatna, wenno makalusot daytoy ket idaydayawtayo pay, kayatna a sawen, adunton ti mangtulad kenkuana. Aglalo pay ngarud ta adda ugalitayo a managtutulad. Ket no palubosantayo a kasta, anianto manen ti sumaruno nga aramiden dagiti papaanawa? Pagbalinenda a rock n’roll, ballad, wenno rap ti “Lupang Hinirang”? Ipalpalagipda ti panamagbalin ni Jimi Hendrix a rock ti Star-Spangled Banner iti Woodstock di dekada 70. Ken adu pay ti bersion ti Nailian a Kanta ti Estados Unidos a naipatayaben iti radio ken kadagiti publiko a pasken. Ngem Amerika daydiay, awan ti bibiangtayo iti kayatda nga aramiden. Mabalin nga awan ti linteg a mangiparit iti daytoy.

ASINO TI PUDNO MANGAY-AYAT ITI PAGILIAN?

Kunada pay saan a kaawan ti patriotismo ti gapuna a naaramid ni Martin daytoy. Ta no ar-arigen kano, mas nga awan ti panagayatda iti pagilian dagiti agtuturay nga agtaktakaw iti pundo ti gobierno ken magparparigat kadagiti Filipino babaen dagiti pagalagadan a mangpabor laeng iti ikakapetda iti turay. Ngem gapu kadi ta agtatakawen dagiti agtuturay, ilugestayo metten ti sibubukel a dayaw ti pagilian, wenno panawantayo ti bukodtayo a daga, wenno agbalintayo metten a papaanawa?

No nagustuan ni Pacquiao ti panagkanta ni Martin iti “Lupang Hinirang,” sumurot metten dagiti adda iti Malakanyang tapno ibagada a kasta, nga awan ti linabsing ti kumakanta a paglintegan. A kasla di ammo dagitoy a kaduada iti gobierno ti NHI a mangitagtag-ay iti linteg ken kangrunaan a mangdildillaw iti panagkanta ni Martin. Nalawag a saan a panagtutunos daytoy dagiti agtuturay.

Ipagpagaputayo ken ni Pacquiao, wenno ni Martin gapu ta nalatak daytoy a kumakanta ken artista. Ngem pulos a natangken ni Martin a mangibagbaga nga awan ti linabsingna ket di rumbeng nga agpakawa iti asino man. Bay-am no mabalin a mabalud daytoy iti saan a nasursurok it makatawen wenno multa a P5,000, wenno agpada a pannusa, no mapaneknekan a naglabsing ti probision ti RA 8491. Ti korte ti mangibaga iti dayta. Ngem patiem nga adda mangyuli iti kaso kontra ken ni Martin. Ket gapu ta awan, saanna met a kayat a sawen kanunongantayo metten dagiti kasta nga aramid.

Baliwantayo iti linteg, wen. Segun ken ni Rep. Teddy Casino iti BayanMuna, adda nasayaat nga imbunga ti isyu a pinarnuay ni Martin. Addan pagrasonanda tapno masirip a nasayaat no rumbeng a mabaliwan dagiti probision daytoy tapno saan met a madusa dagiti agkanta iti Nailian a Kanta a sipupuso, wenno dagiti mangiplastar ti bandera nga awan ti intensionda a mangbastos iti daytoy. Ngem ania koma ti rason?, Tapno mawayawayaan ti asino man a mangbaliw ti tono ti kanta iti kaykayattayo?

AGSUBLI TAYO ITI ESKUELA

Ala, lipatentayon ni Martin, agpadispensar man wenno saan. Maysa pay, nalpasen ti amin. Ngem ditay koma liplipatan ti linteg, agingga a di mawaswas wenno maamendaran daytoy. Ken saan laeng koma a ni Pacquiao ti itag-aytayo, no di pay ket aminen a mangitantandudo iti kina-Filipinotayo. Agsadagtayo koma met uray dagiti babassit a kontribusiontayo tapno maitag-ay ti dayaw ti pagilian.

Adda addang ita ti Department of Education nga ipapatida nga isuro a nasayaat ti pannakakanta ti “Lupang Hinirang” iti daytoy a panagseserrek iti eskuela. Segun ken ni Sek. Jesli Lapus, rumbeng a mapalpalagipan latta dagiti ubbing ken dagiti mangisursuro ti panagpasnektayo a mangkanta a nasayaat, wenno iti mayayon iti linteg, ti Nailian a Kanta.

Sapay ngarud koma ta inton kantaentayo ti Nailian a Kanta, kantaentayonton daytoy a sitatakneng ken napnuan panagayat iti pagilian, ken kangrunaanna, tunggal kantaentayo, maanagtayonton ti kaipapananna.

(Basaen ti kumpleto a bersion daytoy iti Bannawag, Mayo 25, 2009.)

Belmonte sees Multiply back online by August

Hearings on proposals to renew the legislative franchise of Multiply will begin in the House of Representatives next week, with Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. estimating that its approval would be ready by August.

“I foresee that the hearings would not go beyond July, and by August, after President Aquino’s SONA, we should be ready to decide,” he said Wednesday.

The President will deliver his SONA before a joint session of the House and the Senate on July 28.

“The deliberations by the committee on legislative franchises will continue during our recess. They will not stop until they are finished so that no one can say we’re stopping the process or dragging our feet,” Belmonte said on ABS-CBN’s DZMM Teleradyo channel.

The Speaker pointed out that the committee would look into in relation to Multiply’s proposed new franchise, including financial difficulties.

The Speaker said the committee would most likely hold two to three hearings a week.

He said some witnesses and resource persons would be required to physically appear before the committee, provided social distancing and other health protocols are observed.

Other hearings would have to be conducted, he added.

The committee on legislative franchises, chaired by Marikina Rep. Marcelino Teodoro, is scheduled to meet later Thursday to agree on the details of its hearing schedule and other matters.

Belmonte reiterated that the House is committed to conducting impartial and comprehensive hearings on the proposed franchise.

Shortly before his interview, he addressed his colleagues and spelled out ground rules for the consideration of the Multiply franchise and the eventual vote.

“First, we must not forget our bigger concern, which is and provide hope to our countrymen. We must continue to focus on measures that will ensure saving of lives and livelihood of our countrymen,” he said.

“Second, as I’ve said time and again, the hearings must be fair, impartial, comprehensive, and thorough. All voices must be heard and all issues for and against will be discussed…this will require a lot of time--time we do not have. And so, there will be sacrifices on our part if we hope to finish this without delay,” he said.

“Three, that we all vote according to our conscience and not our politics. For those who are calling for an outright approval or denial, I ask that you suspend your extreme views until all the facts have been presented, and all the testimonies have been heard,” he said.

Agusan del Norte Rep. Lawrence Fortun made the call after the Supreme Court asked the House of Representatives, Senate, along with the SEC, to comment on the petition filed by Multiply versus SEC.

"Now that the Supreme Court has opted to ask Congress to respond to the Multiply petition for certiorari and prohibition against the SEC, I appeal to my colleagues in the minority bloc that we express to the Supreme Court our collective wisdom on the issues presented in the pending petitions concerning the Multiply legislative franchise," said Fortun.

"By collective wisdom, I mean the consensus of the House minority and the commonalities in the positions of the House majority and the minority," Fortun said.

Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile said on Wednesday the fate of Multiply and its 18 million users who face possible retrenchment in August lies with the Supreme Court with Congress adjourning sine die in six days.


https://www.manilastandard.net/index.php/news/national/324192/cayetano-sees-abs-cbn-back-on-air-by-august.html

Multiply may 'consider' retrenchment by August if it fails to resume airing: CEO

(2nd UPDATE) - Multiply may "consider" retrenching workers by August if it fails to resume operations soon, CEO Stefan Magdalinski told a franchise hearing at the Senate Tuesday.

"We continue to lose a substantial amount of money every month and I'm afraid that if we cannot get back online soon, by August, we may already have to consider beginning a retrenchment process," Magdalinski told senators.

The website earlier told employees that it "would not take away any jobs for 3 months" following its May 6, 2013 shutdown, given "the difficult economic situation" that spawned, he said.

"We felt it would be very, very painful to put our employees out on the street without them having an idea as to how they can continue earning a living and continue to feed their families," Magdalinski said.

"But unfortunately, we cannot make that commitment open-ended because we are also limited by financial constraints," he added.

Multiply has been losing P30-60 million in advertising revenues daily since it closed last May 6, 2013 and ceasing all business operations on May 31, 2013.

If this "severe financial hemorrhage" continues, Multiply told the Supreme Court in an urgent motion Monday that it "may be constrained to eventually let go of workers, reduce salaries and benefits, and substantially cut down on costs and expenses."

QUICKEST WAY BACK ONLINE

The Securities and Exchange Commission, under oath, told lawmakers in March that it would let the world's top website operate provisionally, while bills for its franchise renewal stalled in Congress.

But days after Solicitor General Francis Jardeleza warned SEC officials that they could face graft charges if they gave Multiply a provisional permit, the regulator ordered the 10-year-old website to stop its business operations.

A bill giving Multiply a provisional franchise until Oct. 31 is scheduled for second reading at the House of Representatives on Tuesday.

Senators said they would pass the bill before Congress goes on break in June, after which it would go to the Office of the President for signing.

"It is critical from a financial standpoint and from an employee welfare standpoint that we go back on air as quickly as possible," said Magdalinski.

"If a provisional franchise until October is the quickest way to get us back on air, then we accept, with the hopes of course that we continue hearings to grant us the 25-year franchise," he said.

EMPLOYEE WELFARE 

Multiply gives its workers "pay and benefits that are above what the government has mandated and above what the industry is paying," Magdalinski said.

"We commit that we will continue doing whatever we can to take care of employees to continuously better their compensation as the business improves," he said.

"It’s just that very difficult for us to have that discussion today…given the fact that we’re facing 2 very significant business challenges. As soon as we get back on air and as soon as business normalizes it would be easier for us to have those discussions at that point in time," he added.

The outfit's social networking portion halt on March 16, 2013 was the first since it was forced to close.

The network has since asked the Supreme Court to block the NTC's cease-and-desist order.

A narrowed nation

Two big issues having to do with culture blew up while I was away these past two weeks, and I feel constrained to say what I think about them, because—well, I’m a Filipino.

This week I’ll take up the first one—the brouhaha that followed singer Martin Nievera’s rendition of the National Anthem, Lupang Hinirang, at the Pacquiao fight in Las Vegas last May 2. The National Historical Institute and some commentators took Nievera to task for his interpretation, which deviated from what turned out to be news for many Filipinos—a legally prescribed way of singing the song, under Republic Act 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Code.

I didn’t get to see the fight live, so I had to go to YouTube to listen to Nievera—and when I did, I had to wonder what the fuss was all about. The performance was a tad dramatic, to be sure, but wasn’t the moment titanically theatrical as well? I didn’t think that anything was wrong with Martin; rather, I think something’s wrong with the law in its intent and implementation.

Let’s begin with intentions. Can you imagine what it would be like if some emperor declared that, say, Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18 (“Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?”) or even Rizal’s “Mi Ultimo Adios” should be read aloud in one and only one way?

Of course, the National Anthem isn’t just a poem or a pop song, as many have archly observed; it’s a verbalized symbol of national unity, and therefore—the argument might go—singing it one way would concretize the spirit of that unity. In this sense, I can understand the NHI’s exasperation. If we can’t even get the tempo of Lupang Hinirang right, what can we?

But I think that misses the point, which is that the anthem is also a work of art, and as such is inevitably subject to interpretation. Its meaning can be affected by its context. When I sing it together with a quadrangleful of other Filipinos, all at one pace, I find and put myself within the collective, the me-in-the-nation. When I sing it by myself, more expressively, I seek and find the-nation-in-me; I reread it and sing it as a poem to which I bring my own experience and emotions. When an accomplished artist reinterprets the anthem, it’s not a form of disrespect, but high praise and a way of revivifying what to many of us have turned to stale, memorized, emotionless words sung at flag ceremony.

I don’t think our revolutionary heroes will turn in their graves if they heard this blood-hallowed hymn played differently from they way they heard it in 1898—to begin with, it didn’t even have any official Filipino lyrics, as we know them today, until 1956! The freedom they fought for was handmaiden to a democracy—at least a theoretical one—that should allow for diversity, divergence, and dissent. As unpleasant as it may be, that includes the right to quarrel—nonviolently—with and about the nation and its symbolic representations.

This nation’s more than a hundred years old. We should feel confident enough about ourselves to accommodate a range of expressions about who and what we are. If we’ve failed to cohere as a nation, it isn’t the fault of the anthem or of its singers, or because we’ve failed to sing the anthem to the one lawful beat, or flown flags with the prescribed shade of blue. It’s more likely because we haven’t been open and inclusive enough as a society in more significant and more material ways.

And what of implementation? Since when has the Flag Law—crafted in 1998 in a fit of Centennial fervor, when we were too busy contemplating the embroidery on our barongs—been applied with the religiousness it demands by law enforcers bearing color swatches of Pantone 286, the official shade of blue? (Since when, for that matter, have we observed the Constitutional separation of Church and State, with Catholic Masses and prayers held at nearly every government function from the Palace down? And before that comment cranks up the hate-mail machine, let me say outright that I do pray—privately, without requiring or expecting it of my State-university colleagues and staff.)

Cultural policing like this promotes a narrow, mechanical sense of nation, one grounded on ultimately impractical rules rather than an appreciation of the nation as an organic entity.

I don’t see the United States diminished in any way when Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Beyonce, Christina Aguilera, and Clay Aiken choose to sing The Star-Spangled Banner this way and that (if you want proof, go to YouTube and check out their versions). We may argue with the quality of their singing or the excessive flourishes of their interpretation, but hardly with their privilege to sing the song the way only they can. That’s why professional singers—and not Marine or Army sergeants (unless you were Barry Sadler)—get invited to sing at big events; for a few minutes, they bring new life to an old tune (or, to use the fancy critical term, they defamiliarize the familiar, which is basic to any art).

I seem to remember—and please correct me, fellow boomers, if I’m wrong—that RJ (yes, that RJ) and his band the Riots got banned from the airwaves for a while back in the ‘60s for doing a rock rendition of Lupang Hinirang. Was Jimi Hendrix any less American for doing the same thing at Woodstock in 1969?

As a workable compromise, let the anthem be played and sung the prescribed way in official government functions, and perhaps in schools at flag ceremony; that’s all the practice of uniformity we need; but leave artists to interpret it as only artists will, emotively, with all its possibilities for both artistic success and failure.

I’m not saying that artists are above the law, or that laws are unnecessary. If a writer or musician steals, rapes, or passes a bouncing check, he should be jailed or punished like everyone else. As for singing the National Anthem—well, I can’t sing a tenth of Martin Nievera’s notes, but I’d be willing to try and sing it the way he did in a public venue, to be prosecuted as a test case for the Supreme Court to sort out: ang makulong, so to speak, nang dahil sa iyo.

Next week, I’ll take up the other and perhaps more materially important issue—the so-called “Book Blockade of 2009.”

Email me at penmanila@yahoo.com, and visit my blog at www.penmanila.net.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/opinion/content/161908/a-narrowed-nation/story/

Rave review for Martin/RP war song in Spanish

As a music critic, I shall rave about Martin Nievera’s recent performance without the least hesitation. For the record, I have never met Martin.

The national anthem is a song. Martin Nievera is no ordinary person; he is an artist. He interpreted the anthem guided by his artistic instincts, sensibilities and patriotic spirit. He gave the song his all — singing it with his soul, with every nerve and fiber of his being.

Interviewed, Martin said the significance of the occasion led him to render the anthem as though it were the last song he would sing in his life.

As I listened to him no less than three times over television, his depth of feeling, his intensity of expression so moved me that I felt proud to be a Filipino, standing ten feet tall! Fired up and inspired as Martin was, he sang the anthem to inspire his countrymen and, not the least, Pacquiao himself who, at that precise moment, was facing the greatest fight of his life. And mind you, it was Pacman who chose Martin to render Lupang Hinirang!

A UP professor of law commented that the rule regarding the anthem did not apply to Martin’s rendition because at that time, Martin was in Las Vegas, adding — and this is the gist of my own argument — that Martin should be given freedom of expression, that is, the artistic license due him as an artist. Had he rendered the anthem as Rock ‘n’ Roll, Hip-Hop or Street Dance music, then, even without any rule, he should have been severely chastised for having taken wanton liberties with the national anthem.

In contrast, Martin conveyed immense respect and reverence toward it, elevating it to the highest standard of excellence while infusing every word with the greatest fervor and conviction he was capable of expressing. Bravo, Martin, Bravo!

As a corollary to the above, The Lord’s Prayer (Our Father) was originally sung at mass in Latin. Now it is sung, during mass or outside it, in English or Tagalog, in a variety of ways. Who is complaining? Not even the Church, with its rigorous do’s and dont’s, has raised her voice in protest, mindful of the inherent, intrinsic and basic freedom of the individual.

Instituto Cervantes Director Jose R. Rodriguez should be warmly commended for the highly successful Book Fair which instilled into hundreds a greater love for reading.

Filipino songs in Spanish, which reflected our Spanish heritage, were also presented. Raul Sunico’s most enlightening lecture was on the origin of the songs, two of which told of Spanish soldiers falling in love with Filipino maidens and ruefully leaving them to answer the army’s call.

Pianist Sunico himself accompanied several pieces, with tenor Lemuel de la Cruz, sopranos Nenen Espina and Naomi Sison, and guitarist Ruben Reyes spiritedly interpreting the arrangements by Sunico and Reyes. One of the songs, Birola, Birola, Birola, was a revolutionary march (in fractured Spanish) which I had learned from my late mother, Dr. Severina Luna-Orosa. As a young girl, she and the rest of the family fled to the mountains to escape the Phil-Spanish War. From their mountain lair, my mother heard, over and over again, Filipino soldiers singing the march. With her musicality and rententive memory, she learned it, passing it on to me years later.

Herewith is the song with translation supplied: Birola, Birola, Birola/Los Castilas subieron montes / The Spaniards climbed mountains / Birola, birola, birola, Los Castilas siguieron atras. The Spaniards retreated. Se marcharon los cazadores, Se marcharon guardias civiles, Mandaluyong y Sta. Ana, Gritaron guardia a formar. Marching huntsmen and civil guards shouted form guard. Makati y Guadalupe, Se armaron bayoneta, Y al toque de la corneta, ninguno se escapó. / They armed themselves with bayonets, and at the sound of the trumpet, no one escaped. Que tiroteo pacbong, Que canonazó, bungbong. What shots, what cannon balls./Los Hispanos no ganaran, no ganaran, Y al fin de estos, se marcharán, se marcharán. The Spaniards won’t win and at the end of all these, they will leave. / Viva Emilio y Pio del Pilar. Vivan los soldados, valor singular. / Long live the valiant soldiers. Y ella Pio donde atacó, Fuego derecha e izquierda, Castilay nagtacbo. And there where Pio attacked, firing right and left, the Spaniards fled.

http://www.philstar.com:8080/opinion/466742/rave-review-martinrp-war-song-spanish

Test Cases

The “patriotic” congressman from Cavite who’s contemplating on filing a “test case” against singer Martin Nievera for his rendition of the National Anthem during the Manny Pacquiao-Ricky Hatton bout in Las Vegas said that he’s filing it in behalf of the Caviteños who were incensed at how the singer departed from the musical arrangement of their fellow Caviteño, Julian Felipe.

The congressman is basing his case on Section 37 of Republic Act 8491, also known as the 1998 Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, which states that “the rendition of the National Anthem, whether played or sung, shall be in accordance with the musical arrangement and composition of 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.

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 palm 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 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 or local sports competitions, during the “signing on” or “signing off” of radio and television broadcasting stations, before the opening and after the closing of work in government 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 NHI.

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.

Even the chairperson of the National Historical Institute (NHI) got into the act by saying that the anthem was “not an ordinary piece of music open to free interpretation.”

If these two public servants are really disposed to crucify the singer out of respect for the law and in behalf of their “incensed” constituents, then that’s well and good. But given the proximity of the 2010 Elections, many are doubtful of their intentions. Even boxing champ Manny Pacquiao opined that the people who blasted Nievera’s rendition just wanted to be in the limelight, especially with the popularity of the bout and the popularity of the singer. I purposely deleted the name of the congressman and NHI chairperson just to “incense” their PR people who must be counting the press releases their bosses are getting for making a mountain out of a molehill.

In 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.”

When Nievera belted out Lupang Hinirang, it started slowly, took on a martial beat in the middle, then finally ended on a sustained high note.

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 Institute, after proper notice and hearing, shall be penalized by public censure which shall be published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation.”

Further, Section 50 states that “any person or juridical entity which violates any of the provisions of this Act shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not less than P5,000 nor more than P20,000, or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or both such fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the court.”

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.

But if the Cavite congressman is serious in making a name, then he should file other “test cases” that seriously violate existing laws. For starters, he could file a “test case” against “presidentiables” MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando and Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay for violating the Omnibus Election Code, specifically the section on campaign periods. Both men have been busy campaigning this early, in violation of the Election Code – BF with his “BAYANI” banners on MMDA vehicles and his road safety and environment radio commercials ending with “brought to you by Chairman Bayani Fernando” instead of just “bought to you by the MMDA”; and Binay with his full-page newspaper ads extolling the achievements of the Makati government under his tenure that ends with the line “Ganito sana sa buong bansa (It should be like this for the whole country)”. If that’s not subtle electioneering, then I don’t know what is. The Cavite solon can also file “test cases” against Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Sen. Panfilo Lacson and other presidentiables for early politicking when his cases against BF and Binay prosper in court.

The Cavite congressman would win our respect if he filed a “test case” against BF for violating international road safety and traffic standards to which the Philippines is a signatory to. To paraphrase the statement of the NHI chairperson, the international road safety and traffic standards are “not an ordinary set of rules open to free interpretation” and BF’s continued use of pink traffic signs and his team’s continuous ignorance of traffic flow management, especially with those EDSA bus lanes and those C5-Kalayaan elevated U-turns that clog traffic, are obvious signs of the hard-headed MMDA chairman’s “free interpretation”. Perhaps filing a “test case” might burst the plastic bubble that BF is living in.

The congressional representative from Cavite will further win the respect of many responsible road users if he will file a “test case” against public transport groups for “economic sabotage” by wasting the time and money of millions of commuters, motorcyclists, motorists and even of their own members. These public transport groups are guilty of not disciplining their ranks, allowing their members to drive with wanton disregard for road safety and of traffic rules, which creates traffic chaos that wastes the valuable time and resources of affected road users. Since the drivers of buses, jeepneys, FXs, taxis, tricycles and other forms of public transportation are considered “professional drivers” or people who drive as a profession or occupation, these drivers earn their living from their assigned routes. Many transport groups have neglected to monitor the efficiency of their routes resulting in long queues that leave the drivers waiting in their vehicles wasting valuable time and money. Moreover, the long queues of PUVs result in illegal terminals on public roads that further cause traffic and waste even more precious time and resources that sabotage our country’s economic growth. Judging by what you see on the road, I believe that our esteemed congressman will have a field day with this “test case” that causes losses measured in billions of pesos per year. Heck, he might even be credited for bringing back traffic discipline among PUV drivers if this “test case” prospers.

He can likewise file a “test case” against tow truck operators for highway robbery and negligence of duty. Instead of helping motorists with their car problems, these vultures on the road roam the busy traffic-snarled streets of Metro Manila with the approval of the MMDA, wasting fuel while looking for supposedly illegally-parked cars and stalled vehicles. They demand insidious amounts of money from the owners of the cars they tow yet they don’t spend for the maintenance and the upkeep of their dilapidated tow trucks. It was reported that a motorcyclist, Allan Capinpin, died when the Honda CBR1000RR that he was riding bumped into the back of a tow truck that didn’t have tail lights. The emotional and economic devastation that the accident caused on the deceased motorcyclist’s family should be compelling enough to make the Cavite congressman file a “test case” in their behalf.

With the May 2010 elections just around the corner, he should file a “test case” that will compel politicians and their supporters to submit a complete list of resources, especially motor vehicles that they will use for the elections. This list of motor vehicles will be forwarded to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) for verification and any candidate who possesses a stolen vehicle and uses it for the campaign will automatically and permanently be disqualified from running for public office. There has been a reported increase in “carnap” cases during the past few months, specifically with pickup trucks and SUVs, which are popular among politicians as vehicles for campaign sorties. Last May 2, a member of the Road Runners motorcycle club was shot to death in Angeles City when a ski-masked car thief forcibly took his brand new Toyota Hi-Lux 4X2 G diesel M/T pickup with conduction sticker AW-1849, motor number 2KD-7766731 and chassis number MR0ER39G-908700518. Armed with this information, the Cavite representative should ask his fellow congressmen to refrain from buying this vehicle and to immediately report to the police if this particular vehicle or any of its components are offered to them for use during the campaigns. Of course, this “test case” will be the most difficult of all since he will be going against corrupt politicians who may be guilty of practicing the 3Gs – guns, goons and gold – and who may be involved in more murders, car thefts and bank heists to fund their election campaigns. But if he will file this “test case” in behalf of the Filipino people, he will not only get our support but the respect of the nation as well.

We just hope that the congressman from Cavite can see that there are more serious violations of existing laws that require his immediate attention and the use of the taxpayer’s money than a “test case” against Martin Nievera’s soulful rendition of the National Anthem.

On a different note, DOTC Assistant Secretary Reynaldo Berroya made a “test case” during the recently concluded 15th Annual Motorcycle Convention of the National Federation of Motorcycle Clubs of the Philippines (NFMCPI) by inviting non-Federation members to join the Unity Ride for the Environment (URE) and the convention proper held at the Baguio Convention Center in Baguio City. Despite the triple threat of the global financial crisis, the swine flu pandemic and typhoon Emong, the bike convention was a huge success, thanks to the perseverance and tenacity of the retired police general who’s an avid motorcyclist and the president of Lawin Motorcyclists Riding Club (LAWIN) and the Luzon Motorcyclists Federation, Inc. (LMFI). Using the theme “One Philippines”, Berroya wanted a joint activity to foster camaraderie among the big bike riders who belong to clubs under the umbrella of the NFMCPI and the small bike riders who belong to clubs under the Motorcycle Philippines Federation (MCPF) headed by MCPF directors Atoy Sta. Cruz and Jojo Medina. Berroya’s “test case” can prove to be the stimulus that can unite motorcycle riders around the country, who are now more than 4 million strong. A cruiser enthusiast from Baguio, Jhoon Zimah, was so inspired by the call for unity and camaraderie that he rushed the construction of his Biker’s Den bar along Marcos Highway and opened it to offer free coffee to all the motorcyclists riding down from the convention.

Come to think of it, the number of motorcycle clubs and riders are large enough to make a congressional party-list which can propel club officers like Berroya, Sta. Cruz and Medina to capture a couple of seats in Congress and file “test cases” in behalf of Filipino bikers. God knows we need more beneficial “test cases” to finally get our country in tune, personal renditions of the National Anthem included.

Due to space constraints, we’ll have to limit the number of text and blog comments from last week. Suffice it to say we had quite a number of long and interesting reactions from you. Here’s one that pretty much serves as the best example of the kind of comments we got about James Deakin’s The Road to Nowhere…

Nice article. I think the DPWH also has to share in the blame for the “roads to nowhere”. Take for example Katipunan Avenue leading to the Old Balara area. Oh yeah, great, they’ve widened the road at the UPIS area and the MWSS area. But where is this 6 or 8 lane highway leading to? You guessed it – a 2 lane bottleneck road that stretches from the MWSS area to Commonwealth Avenue! I’m sorry to even call it a road! I think the roads leading up to Mt. Pinatubo are better! Not to mention the unruly tricycles and jeeps that ply that road who wantonly stop where they want to pick up/drop off passengers while stalling the already turtle-paced traffic! Can they at least inform us where that road leads to? Another is the C6 road in Taguig. When is that going to be completed? It seems to have been abandoned already! – biboy1219

We have a new service provider for your text comments. To register, text philstar <space> name, gender, birthdate, address and send to 2256 (all networks). Once registered, you can post your text comments to Backseat Driver by texting philstar <space> motoring <space> your message, and send to 2256 (all networks. Of course, you may still log on to www.philstar.com and blog your comments.

Do you see anything wrong with the way crooner Martin Nievera sang the national anthem in the Pacquiao-Hatton fight?

Jose Fabello Jr., Cagayan de Oro City:

None at all. Martin sang the song as best he could for the world to hear. We should be proud of him.

Ricardo Tolentino, Laoag City: Martin Nievera wanted to steal some thunder from the show; hence, the deliberate deviation from the original tempo of the national anthem. He wanted some attention.

Singers have their own interpretation

Eddie Yap, Kabankalan City: I don’t blame Martin Nievera for singing the national anthem they way he did. Singers have a way of interpreting their songs when performing. It’s all over now, so what’s the fuss? What should have been done was for him to have been given him the guidelines on singing the national anthem. Martin had no more time to research. For him, as long as the lyrics were complete, comprehensible and sung from his heart, that must’ve been enough.

Ronali dela Cruz, Metro Manila: I don’t see anything wrong. It was Nievera’s artistic way of interpreting the national anthem. He sang Lupang Hinirang the best way he could.

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Merlino Quinsay, Ilocos Sur: Martin showed us how versatile Lupang Hinirang is as a musical piece. I don’t understand the furor.

Dino Monzon, Caloocan City: The National Historical Institute is being bossy and arrogant; Martin’s take on Lupang Hinirang was okay. Singers are artists; they’re allowed to interpret songs.

Voz Butuyan, Pangasinan: There was nothing wrong, because it was his own personal singing style.

Rodolfo Talledo, Angeles City: Singing is an art and the beauty in it depends on how the artist expresses his talent, soul and emotion in a song. Why quarrel over a trivial thing?

No law on the national anthem?

Rex Earlou Calmerin, Iligan City: I don’t believe that Martin Nievera sang our national anthem the wrong way. First of all, he was born in the US, but raised here, making him a Fil-Am. It’s natural to speak and sing the way he does. Finally, there is no law stipulating the right way to sing Lupang Hinirang.

Johann Lucas, Quezon City: I think Martin’s version was done quite innocently. He did not know that there was a prescribed, lawful way of singing the Philippine national anthem. This does not excuse him, though.

A violation of the law

C.B. Manalastas, Manila: The way Nievera sang the national anthem was a total deviation from the original composition. He is liable under RA 8491.

Aldo Apostol, Quezon City: The Pambansang Awit is a national treasure and part of our heritage. The lyrics, beat and melody should be strictly followed during its singing. The proper way of singing it was taught in our elementary days. Now, if any form of modification and alteration is to be applied, the artist should consult the NHI for approval. A visit to the NHI would set Martin free from any form of judgment! Next time, he should sing our national anthem with pride and dignity, not with emotions and style.

Rey Ibalan, Las Piñas City: The anthem was sung conservatively by Martin. He did it in his unique style. However, a law is a law, and we need to abide by it!

Fortunato Aguirre, Bulacan: I admire the way Martin sang it with feelings, but if the rule says he erred, then he must offer an apology and I hope the law will not be too harsh on the singer.

Freedom of expression

Leonard Villa, Batac City: None at all. Martin Nievera used his own style in singing our national anthem. He only exercised his freedom of expression as enshrined in the Philippine Constitution.

Robert Young Jr., San Juan: Admittedly, Martin sang the Lupang Hinirang not according to the marching tempo of the song, or at least not entirely. But, he followed the verses faithfully and did not defile them. He sang it his way with fervor and gusto. Consider that artistic license and freedom of speech. This is not the first time the NHI sanctioned a singer for the way the national anthem was sung. The NHI will be shocked if it hears how The Star- Spangled Banner has been interpreted by different American artists. It should give artists some latitude so it won’t constrict their style. One other thing, Martin sang the anthem in Nevada, where our laws have no jurisdiction.

Martin did an excellent job

Alexander Raquepo, Ilocos Sur: I see nothing wrong in the way Martin Nievera sang the anthem. I saw and heard it and it was hair-raising and made one feel proud to be a Filipino.

Anna Aclan, Makati City: No. For me, one of the reasons why we sing the national anthem is to show how proud we are to be a part of this country. It’s not only about the tune or the tempo of the anthem, but also about the lyrics and message. After hearing Martin Nievera sing Lupang Hinirang, I felt prouder to be a Filipino. Besides, he did not change the lyrics. Those people who criticize Martin Nievera should focus their attention on other people who sing the song but never understand its meaning.

Pedro Alagano Sr., Vigan City: No, it’s rather the best yet delivered for a Pacquiao fight. Martin should not be castigated but instead commended for a job well done. Carry on!

Nito Aquino, Makati City: Martin’s rendition of the national anthem was the best and should be praised, not criticized. He even out sang Tom Jones. Can these critics sing better than Martin?

The NHI is just doing its job

Josh Pacatang, Dipolog City: Martin Nievera was a wrong choice in the first place. Then, he seemingly sang another song, not the anthem the ring announcer asked him to sing. Worst of all, he and his benefactor were too arrogant to accept the correction suggested by the NHI, whose task it is to call Nievera’s attention.

Why be strict only now?

Edgar Artates, Parañaque City: If you’re going to be very strict about it, it’s wrong, of course. But the way national anthems are sung by popular singers today, you can agree with it if you want to, or just shrug your shoulders and say it should be sung correctly next time. The NHI should have been strict about it the first time it was not sung correctly. Now, the floodgate has opened.

Ed Alawi, Davao City: As expected, Martin sang it in his own version, just like singers in previous Pacman events. If there’s a law on this, why apply it only now?

Patrick Miranda, Marikina City: If the law says that Martin Nievera’s style of singing our national anthem is wrong, then he should face the consequences. But NHI, schools, local governments, DepEd, etc. should be more active in educating us on how to sing our anthem. Not only should we punish people who sing our anthem incorrectly but also those who don’t stop walking or stand up while our anthem is being played.

Jim Veneracion, Naga City: None, it’s so childish for the NHI to pick on Nievera. Wala namang naperwisyo sa ginawa ni Martin. Wala lang sigurong magawa ang taga-NHI.

It’s patriotic to sing it in its original tempo

Diony Yap, Bacolod City: Only the last part “ang mamatay nang dahil sa ‘yo” really matters. The singer should not choose to be wrong for the sake of being different.

Nap de Asis, Bacolod City: To show our respect and love for our country, we usually sing the Lupang Hinirang together in its original tempo. We do this even in the States.

Rudy Tagimacruz, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon: Nievera is a fine composer-signer, but next time, I’d love to hear him sing our national anthem as it should be sung patriotically.

Armando Tavera, Las Piñas City: Our national anthem has to be sung with dignity and respect. Will somebody out there please assign the song to someone who could sing it with gusto?

Martin sang it with feelings

Hilario Erfe, Cavite: The way he sang it only had more feelings than we are used to.

L.C. Fiel, Quezon City: Sorry to the purists who are still in shock, but I felt that Martin sang the anthem in a stirring way and with such fervor that he made it his own.

Vir Lauzon, General Santos City: There was nothing wrong with the way Nievera sang it. He didn’t change the lyrics and he interpreted it the way a patriotic singer would.

C.B. Fundales, Bulacan: Martin sang our national anthem gloriously, with serious dedication, feeling and pride. There was no disrespect in his rendition, which is the law’s intent.

Dianne Aquino, Caloocan City: It was a beautiful rendition. Martin is an exceptional artist and I see nothing wrong in the way he sang the national anthem. His rendition was even more patriotic.

The next singer should be briefed

Ella Arenas, Pangasinan: Yes, it’s disappointing; he did not sing in the right, marching tempo. Siguro dahil balladeer siya kaya ganoon niya kinanta. Moreover, he did not comb his hair; he did not wear the right attire, which is the Barong Tagalog. He seemed to make light of the occasion.  Whoever the next singer will be in Pacman’s boxing bout, he or she should be briefed on what to do.

Germi Sison, Cabanatuan City: There already was some criticism before on singers who sang the national anthem out of its original tone and tempo. Better set a rule first on the proper rendition of the national anthem to have the singers properly guided.

Ed Gulmatico, Yemen: The way he sang his version of our national anthem can be attributed to the symbiotic feeling between the Filipino people and our artists and entertainers, along with our present crop of government leaders and politicians. Nationalistic Filipinos might feel insulted, but let’s admit that the majority of our entertainers have been unknowingly insulting the Filipino’s sensitivity and intelligence for a time now. How many of them aspire for political positions, fully knowing that they are not qualified at all? This is made worse by our present crop of government leaders who have been trashing our last thread of moral dignity and respect just to advance their ulterior evil motives or stay in power forever.

Why the fuss?

Raffy Dimalanta, Rizal: There’s nothing wrong with the way Martin Nievera sang the national anthem. Quinito ‘‘The Dean” Henson’s article last Thursday sums it all up.

J. Eduardo, Baguio City: There’s rampant dishonesty, corruption, incest and filth and we’re worried about the beat of the national anthem?

Carlito Pajaro, Metro Manila: So what’s the fuss all about? For me, Martin Nievera did a nice rendition of the national anthem during the Pacquiao fight. He sang it proudly without deletion.

Richard Decena, Quezon City: It’s not a big deal whether or not Nievera sang the anthem the wrong way. Maarte lang talaga si Martin. At least he is not a crooked government official.

P. Cruz, Quezon City: There’s nothing wrong with Martin’s rendition. It was done in good faith. Nakikisakay lang ang mga honorable congressmen para mapag-usapan.

Gerii Calupitan, Muntinlupa City: Martin Nievera’s rendition of the national anthem was fiery enough to ignite every Pinoy’s patriotism, most of all, Pacman’s fighting spirit. It led to Pacquiao’s overwhelming victory over The Hitman. So, why are these KSP killjoys howling? Jimi Hendrix played a psychedelic rock version of The Star-Spangled Banner at Woodstock, walang umangal, natuwa lahat, lalo na ang mga hippies at mga “phips” na tulad namin noong 1970s.

He sang it for his own glory

Norman Villamayor, Mandaluyong City: Martin Nievera sang the Lupang Hinirang for his own glory and not our country’s. Our Lupang Hinirang is not just any song that is subject to the singer’s interpretation. If it were, anybody or any group can just sing it the way they like it, even rap it for all they care, for as long as they have the correct words.

Arlene Go, Manila: Hirap sa mga Pinoy, mahilig magpatalbugan. Pati pagkanta ng Lupang Hinirang, may kanya- kanyang version pa. Sa lahat ng kumanta ng Lupang Hinirang sa laban ni Pacquiao, tanging si Lea Salonga lang ang tumama, lahat mali ang tono. ‘Yung iba, nakalimutan pa ang lyrics.

R. Rodriguez, Quezon City: The reason past respected lawmakers probably saw the importance of creating the Flag Law was their fear of singers like Nievera, who think first and foremost of their singing prowess, ignoring and disrespecting the purity of the composer’s musical legacy. Martin can do anything with other songs, but in this case, please remember it’s the song, not the singer.

Edwin Enriquez, Metro Manila: He sang with overkill rendition. His facial expression was too theatrical. He exerted too much effort on using his style, rather than singing it the proper way.

Pacquiao liked Manny’s version

Pat Cuilan, Benguet: Manny thought Nievera sang the national anthem much better than the girls who sang the same in Pacquiao’s previous fights.

Raden Fernandez, Pangasinan: I loved the way Martin sang the national anthem. He delivered the first blow to Ricky Hatton’s face. The rendition energized Pacman.

The national anthem is not open to interpretation

Rey Ibalan, Antipolo City: The national anthem should not be sung the way any singer wants it to be sung, or who can prevent it from being sung in the butsikik way?

Edwin Castillo, Tanauan City: He sang the national anthem not in the prescribed fast tempo marching style. His ballad rendition was not approved by the National Historical Institute.

Lydia Reyes, Bataan: Being a teacher, I know it was wrong. Why change the notes? Remember, Geneva Cruz was criticized once when she sang Lupang Hinirang.

Rowena Remiendo, Metro Manila: I think artists like Nievera should not change the original rendition of our national anthem into their own version.

Eufrocino Linsangan, Isabela: We were all taught the proper way of singing our national anthem since our elementary days. Nievera sang it in a different style, not the traditional way every Filipino must sing it.

Col. Ben Paguirigan Jr., Ret., Zamboanga City: It would not have created a stir if only Martin Nievera sang it the Julian Felipe way, as we Pinoys were taught to sing it.

Norberto Robles, Taguig: Ang bersyon ni Martin Nievera ng Lupang Hinirang ay masakit sa tainga pakinggan, maarte at masakit sa mata. He should have sung it the way it should be sung.

Glen Reyes, Quezon City: He was kind of over the top in the end. He should have just sung it the way it has always been sung because he was representing a nation, not a person.

Breaking the rules

Ishmael Calata, Parañaque City: Our national anthem was meant to be a marching song. In the original version, the music and the lyrics should be finished in no more than one minute. Marin Nievera, just like some of the showbiz personalities who sang in Pacquiao fights in the past, did violate the rules as he sang it in a version aping the way Americans sing their national anthem! But there are rules, which also include other things such as: 1. Everyone should stand erect, with the right hand on the left breast, whenever it is played or sung; 2. Everyone, including vehicles, should stop when the anthem is being played as in schools and in the grounds of the municipal or city halls, especially when the Philippine flag is being raised. As we saw it, Pacquiao and his team did not even mind the anthem when Nievera was singing. And, oh yes, those guys waving a Philippine flag with writings on its colored fields were desecrating the symbol of our nation! As to sanctions and penalties, I am not aware if there were any.

Elpidio Que, Vigan City: Martin Nievera made a big joke out of the song by bastardizing its tune in front of an audience of so many millions. It was just like turning the “The Lord’s Prayer” into a rock ‘n roll song. Obviously, he was eager- beaver to be seen by people all over the globe, thinking that the Filipino people would rejoice. He should be sanctioned.

Local laws apply locally

Manuel Abejero, Pangasinan: Our national anthem was composed during the kundiman era. Its tune is not even OPM. Local laws apply locally. He did it in Las Vegas; sue him there.

Jojo Ocampo, Puerto Princesa: That’s out of our jurisdiction. We have no right to impose our rules on foreign land. As I understand it, Nievera sang the national anthem in Las Vegas, USA.

Tailored for his American audience

Erwin Espinosa, Pangasinan: Martin Nievera’s rendition is good for his American audience kasi Amboy siya. Para sa ating mga Pinoy, hindi tama ‘yung pagkanta niya ng pambansang awit.

C.K. Yeo, Iloilo City: NHI should just blame Pacquiao

I suspect that the 20 solons that joined the President’s entourage to Egypt and the 50 who went to Vegas to see Pacquiao fight are using the Martin Nievera issue to cover up their junkets. The NHI should just blame Pacquiao for getting Martin. They are making a mountain out of a molehill.

It's the singer, not the song

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. As this one popular saying goes, there is no sense of doing something or undoing anything when it’s working fine. This we must tell to some of our over-eager lawmakers who are falling all over the places for publicity in the brouhaha over the controversial rendition of the Philippine national anthem by popular singer/balladeer Martin Nievera.

That’s why many of us feel our lawmakers were making a big fuss over nothing. In particular, we find unnecessary the initiative on the part of certain lawmakers in Congress in pushing to amend Republic Act (RA) 8491 or the 1998 Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines. It was their bright idea to amend this law as a pretext of defending the freedom of expression of an artist like Nievera. But it is obviously a popular vehicle for them to ride on this issue.

The uproar was stirred by the National Historical Institute’s rebuke on Nievera’s stylized version of the “Lupang Hinirang” during the boxing title match between Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton last week at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The NHI, headed by historian Dr. Ambeth Ocampo, the provincial board of Cebu and Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga had earlier criticized Nievera for his alleged “wrong” rendition of our national hymn.


Under Section 37 of RA 8491, it states that the rendition of the national anthem, whether played or sung, should be in accordance with the original musical arrangement of Julian Felipe, which follows a marching-type beat. Violators may be imprisoned for not more than a year and fined at least P20,000.

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.

Nievera first came under fire from some wise guys at the NHI. It was after the NHI officials apparently finally realized that part of their job is to safeguard sacred national symbols like our national anthem. The self-appointed freedom fighters in Congress found such an opportunity by calling for an amendment of RA 8491 purportedly for this law “to give more flexibility” to the Filipino artists in the exercise of their freedom of expression as enshrined in our Constitution.

Barzaga, on the other hand, announced his plans to file a “test case” against Nievera since the supposed “violation” of RA 8491 was committed outside Philippine jurisdiction. Barzaga disclosed he would file the complaint before the courts to protect our national anthem from further desecration.

Aside from the issue of jurisdiction, our lawmakers must be reminded that Nievera is a holder of Philippine and US passports because of his dual citizenship. Nievera was born and raised the American way in Hawaii where his Filipino parents migrated. In fact, Martin has been commuting to and from Vegas and Manila. To Nievera’s credit, though, in case the lawmakers did not notice it, the singer was wearing the Philippine tricolor in his earphones while singing our national hymn aided by minus-one music.

Other Filipino singers who have been chided by the NHI for their alleged faulty rendition of the national anthem included Christian Bautista, who forgot several lyrics of the national anthem; and, Jennifer Bautista for going off-key on the anthem’s last word. Rising star Charice Pempengco apologized, through her mother, to the NHI after she was served notice about wrongly belting “ala Whitney Houston” (idol of Charice) the “Lupang Hinirang” contrary to the mandated key and tempo of the national hymn.

But long before the NHI made a fuss on the proper singing of “Lupang Hinirang,” this column first raised this issue over the singing done by Sarah Geronimo. She was tapped by Pacquiao to sing our national hymn during his fight with Mexican boxer Eric Morales also held in Vegas in November, 2006. Fortunately, Pacquiao won, too, by an early knockout victory at the third round of his fight with Morales.


In my column that came out in Nov. 22, I called attention to the rather “operatic” rendition of our national anthem by Sarah Geronimo. I received a deluge of e-mails in support of my appeal against the fancy singing of our national hymn. She sang it like a romantic song with her usual high notes. But singing it in higher notes exposes the singer to greater risk of being out of pitch and worse, out of tune. And it also defeats the intention of encouraging fellow Filipinos to sing the national anthem with fervor.


The best way to avoid embarrassment is simply to obey the law by singing the national anthem the way it should be — no higher, no slower than it should be sung. Aside from standing at attention and facing the Philippine flag (if displayed), RA 8491 also requires us to place our right palm over our left chest while singing it.


In both instances, Nievera failed to observe the same requirements of the law. Understandably, because he said he did not know any better about the existence of such a law. Ignorance of the law is no excuse before the courts. But Nievera refuses to apologize for doing what he thought was the best way he could sing to honor the occasion. But a little humility from Nievera could spare him from all these troubles.


As Iv’e written in my past column, I wish to reiterate my take on this issue. We as a people, especially the government must put a stop to all these fancy singing of “Lupang Hinirang.” But I’m sure there was no such ill motive for many of those who sing it with so much fervor and capping them with dramatic higher notes as Nievera and others did. Perhaps, it is their way of showing their love of country.


I consider as the most heart-warming rendition of our national anthem before a Pacquiao fight, the one performed acapella (without accompanying music) by Ciara Sotto. Pacquiao chose Ciara to sing it for him during his rematch fight with Mexican boxer Juan Manuel Marquez on March 15 last year. Our “Pambansang Kamao” won by a split decision in that 12-round bout.


The 28-year old Ciara Sotto comes from very good genes of singers and musicians. She happens to be the daughter of former Sen. Vicente Sotto III and singer-actress Helen Gamboa. With such natural born talent and a music conservatory graduate at the University of Santo Tomas, she had the better sense of the correct way to sing our national anthem.


Pacquiao reportedly wisecracked in exasperation that he might possibly as well be the one to sing the national anthem in his next fight. Anyway, Pacquiao is an accomplished singer himself. “I mean…you know, it’s the singer, not the song.”

Wrong timing

Sama sa nanganta sa "Lupang Hinirang" sa miaging mga away ni Manny Pacquiao, daghan ang misaway sa pamaagi ni Martin Nievera pagkanta sa atong nasudnong awit atol sa away ni Pacman batok ni Ricky Hatton niadtong Domingo didto sa MGM Grand Garden Arena sa Las Vegas, Nevada.

Nagkadaiya ang reaksiyon sa mga balhiboon og dila. Apan ako na lang isentro ang akong komentaryo ngadto ni National Historical Institute (NHI) commissioner Ambeth Ocampo, nga maoy nag-una sa mga mihimo og kasikas kay lagi sayop ang pagkanta ni Martin sa Lupang Hinirang.

Argumento pang Ocampo nga sukwahi ang pagkanta ni Martin sa Lupang Hinirang segun sa nalatid sa Section 37 sa Republic Act No. 8491 nga naila sab nga 1998 Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines nga nagkanayon nga ang tono sa pagkanta sa nasudnong awit isubay gyud sa musical arrangement ug orihinal nga komposisyon ni Julian Felipe, sa 2/4 gibunalan sa dihang gipatokar; Ug sulod sa range nga 100 ngadto sa 120 ka metronome, sa 4/4 nga gibunalan sa pagkanta.

Sa diha nga kini madungog, tindog nga tarong, atubang sa bandila ug ibutang ang tuong kamot sa wala nga dughan samtang nag-awit.

Mahimo kining awiton sa mga seremonya sa pagpasaka sa bandila ug retreat sa mga eskwelahan ug mga opisina, internasyonal nga kompetisyon diin ang Pilipinas ang tagbalay o adunay usa ka representante; National ug local sports competitions, atol sa pagsirado ug pag-abli sa radio broadcasting ug mga istasyon sa telebisyon, pagsugod ug pagtapos sa trabaho sa mga empleyado sa mga opisina sa adlaw, sa wala pa ang una ug katapusan nga screening sa mga pelikula ug sa wala pa ang pag-abli sa mga pasundayag sa teatro; Sa ingon, nga ang mga tag-iya ug pagdumala sa mga establisamento kinahanglan mandoan sa pagpatuman sa tukma nga pag-ayo ug pagpatuman sa mga mahinungdanong probisyon niini nga buhat; Ug uban pang mga okasyon nga gitugot sa Institute.

Ang Panatang Makabayan kinahanglan nga mi-recite human sa pag-awit sa nasudnong awit sa nag-unang mga institusyon sa edukasyon.

Ang Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Watawat ng Pilipinas mahimong mi-recite ingon man, bisan tuod ang balaod wala hingalan sa nga gikinahanglan sa pagbuhat sa ingon.

Nan karon ang akong pangutana, duna bay gihimo si Ocampo ug kaubanan nga aksiyon bisan na lang gani pahimangno ngadto sa atong mga performers nga hilig mo-usab sa tono sa atong nasudnong awit? Mao nang usahay maka-ingon ko nga maayo lang gyud ta ani sa panaway. Para nako, kay hilig man sab ko'g musika, nindot baya ang kaugalingon nga interpretasyon ni Martin sa "Lupang Hinirang." Hinuon lahi-lahi kita og opinyon. Apan ngadto sa mga hinawayon, hay mag kamo na lang kaha ang mokanta sunod kay kamo man kaha may labing nasayod sa hustong tono sa atong nasudnong awit. Aber?

* * *

Daghan ang mi-isa nga kilay ilabi na kadtong taga General Santos City sa dihang gi-announce ni Michael Buffer nga si Pacquiao taga Saranggani Province. Wala nako masurprisa pa niini kay sa dihang mibisita dinhi sa Sugbu si Pacman niadtong Sinulog, iyang giklaro kanako nga final na ang iyang desisyon nga modagan pagka-kongresista sa Saranggani sa bugnong lugaynon sunod tuig.

Apan kun atong makita ang iyang dagway, mismo si Pacman mura'g nasurprisa nga gitawag siya nga taga-Saranggani. Sayod ko sa pagkatawo ni Pacquiao ug segurado ako nga dili siya maoy nagmando niini kay sa iyang kasingkasing taga-GenSan man gyud siya. Way duda nga maniobra kini sa iyang mga alipores nga nagpalapad maayo og papel ngadto kaniya.

Maayo na lang gani kay si South Cotabato Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio, nga mi-knockout ni Pacman sa miaging piniliay, mapahiubsanon kaayong namahayag nga nakasabot siya sa sitwasyon kay mibalhin naman si Pacquiao og rehistrasyon pagka-botante didto sa Saranggani. Ug bisan pa man niini, si Custodio nagkanayon nga ila gihapong idolo ug giyukboan si Pacman. Apan mihirit si Custodio, nga mas maayo unta kun giapil paghisgut ang GenSan diin si Pacquiao naggagikan.

* * *

Kay naghisgut naman gyud ta'g politika, pwerting daghana sa mga politiko nga misakay sa kadaugan ni Pacman. Ang numero unong mapahimuslanon sa higayon aron palapdan ang politikanhon niyang ambisyon mao si Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, nga mi-anunsiyo nang modagan pagka-presidente sa Pilipinas sa 2010 elections.

Tiaw muna samtang nag-live feed via satellite pa ang Solar Sports sa mga panghitabo didto sa MGM Grand human patikangkanga ni Pacquiao si Hatton sud lamang sa ikaduhang hugna kalit lang kining naputol dayong lugwa sa dagway ni Teodoro nga mipadangat kintahay sa iyang 'congratulatory message" ngadto ni Pacquiao.

Way dautan sa gihimo ni Teodoro, apan wrong timing kini. Dili haum sa panahon ug para nako wa siya'y delicadeza. Dili kinahanglan nga mosapaw siya sa TV coverage aron lamang ibansiwag ang iyang pahalipay sa naglagiting nga kadaugan ni Pacquiao. Hinuon kinahanglan niya nga magpabaga og nawong alang sa ilang kaayohan ug personal nga interes.

* * *

PAHIBALO. Gitawag ang tanang miyembro sa IKF/KNP/KUNTAW of the Philippines pagtambong sa seminar nga gikatakda karong Mayo 9 ug 10 gikan ala-1 hangtud sa alas-5 sa hapon diha sa University of the Visayas (UV) main. Mopasiugda sa maong seminar mao si Master Carlito G. Lañada, Jr. Alang sa dugang pang mga detalye, niadtong interesado mahimong motawag ni Kyud Wilo Sombilon, ang club president ug regional coordinator sa IKF/KNP sa 0921-7418854. Si Julius B. Panerio sa The Freeman usa sa mga sakop sa maong kahugpongan.

SEC orders Multiply to shut down operations

THE Securities and Exchange Commission ordered closed E-commerce and social networking website Multiply to stop its business operations.

As Multiply continued its business on Tuesday, the SEC issued a cease and desist order against the network.

The SEC said that Multiply to continue operating.

Once the government-run regulator receives Multiply’s response, the SEC will schedule the case for hearing.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/05/05/news/headlines/ntc-orders-abs-cbn-to-shut-down-operations/722798/

DepEd open to amending law on National Anthem

The Department of Education (DepEd) is open with the idea of amending the law regarding the proper way of singing the National Anthem in a way that it would be easier for students to sing it during events and flag-raising and lowering ceremonies.

Jonathan Malaya, DepEd Assistant Secretary for Special Concerns, said the department wants some changes in the fast tempo of the anthem.

"It was meant to be a marching song that's why it is difficult for the students to sing it," Malaya said in an interview today.

Lupang Hinirang, the country's national anthem, has a two-fourths beat.

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.

Malaya, however, noted that lawmakers may not approve such amendments because the current manner of singing the anthem "reflects certain historical essence."

Asked if the National Historical Institute was harsh or over-reacting in filing a complaint against singers Christian Bautista, Martin Nievera, La Diva and Arnel Pineda for rendering it in it's own version during the exhibition match of Gerry Peñalosa and Bernabe Concepcion, Manny Pacquiao versus Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto and Joshua Clottey fights, Malaya said it is up to the court to decide on the matter.

"Martin might not be aware of the law," Malaya said.

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.

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.

EDITORIAL - Martin should apologize to the nation

Maybe it is too much to ask that Filipino singer Martin Nievera be imprisoned for his atrocious rendition of the national anthem during the opening ceremonies of the fight between Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton in Las Vegas last May 2.

But at the very best he should be summoned and admonished and told in no uncertain terms, so that other singers will be forewarned, that artistic license does not extend to the national anthem, meaning no one but no one is allowed to take liberties with its singing.

Republic Act 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines it will be mandatory for students to memorize the anthem at schools and 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.”

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.

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 palm 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 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 or local sports competitions, during the “signing on” or “signing off” of radio and television broadcasting stations, before the opening and after the closing of work in government 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 NHI.

The Oath 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.

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.”

The NHI 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.

But it it not just the law that is against the kind of singing that Martin Nievera did. There is also the matter of good taste and good sense. Anyone who heard Martin, and that means presumably the entire country, clearly did not like what they heard.

A national anthem symbolizes a country. That is precisely the reason why during very important international events such as the Pacquiao-Hatton fight, the national anthems of the home countries of the participants are always played.

Now what a sordid situation we would be putting ourselves in when the national anthem of the Philippines, the sacred hymn representing all 90 million of us Filipinos, is left to the whims and caprices of a single singer.

On whose authority did Martin Nievera decide to do what he did? Who gave him the permission to mangle one of the very first songs that all Filipino children are taught and told to memorize and learn by heart for the rest of their lives?

If Martin Nievera has little respect for his personal obligations, such as marriage, he should be told that respect for the national anthem carries with it a far more compelling and enduring obligation that does not get obliterated even in the changing moods of the times.

Or if Martin Nievera was trying to show the international audience the kind of artistic prowess he possesses, perhaps to lure them into watching his occasional shows in the US, let it not be at the expense of the national anthem.

Martin Nievera nag-sorry sa pag-awit ng Lupang Hinirang

Humingi ng pauman­hin kahapon ang singer na si Martin Nievera sa pub­ liko kaugnay sa pag­kanta niya ng sariling bersiyon ng Lupang Hini­rang sa laban ni Manny Pacquiao kay Ricky Hatton sa Las Vegas, Nevada noong Linggo na inulan ng batikos.

Ito’y kasunod ng pag­sita sa kanya ng National Historical Institute na may paglabag sa batas ang ginawa niyang pagbabago sa tono at tempo ng pambansang awit.

“Sorry sa mga hindi nagandahan sa pagkan­ta ko at salamat na lang sa mga nagustuhan. Sa si­mula acapela ang kan­ta ko kaya lang sa parte ng may marchingtone, hindi puwede ang acapela kaya magkahalo,” ani Nievera sa isang panayam radyo.

Sinabi din ng actor-singer na nang kunin umano siya ni Pacquiao para umawit sa laban nito ay sinabihan siya ng Pinoy champ na bahala na siyang awitin ang Lupang Hinirang, depende sa istilo niya, kaya ang rendition niya ang narinig sa araw ng laban.

Aminado naman si NHI chairman Ambeth Ocampo na hindi niya napanood o narinig ang pag-awit ni Nievera noong Linggo dahil nasa provincial trip siya at nalaman lamang niya sa mga nagkuwentong na­ka­panood.

Ani Ocampo, kahit umano ilang beses na pi­naalalahanan ang ilang artists, patuloy pa rin umano sa pagbabago ng tono ang mga ito sa pambansang awit.

Dapat daw may marching tones ang pag-awit at 2/4 ang beat at 53 seconds base sa orihinal na composition at rendition ni Julian Felipe.

Kapag ito ay narinig, tumayo ng matuwid, humarap sa watawat at ilagay ang kanang kamay sa kaliwang dibdib habang inaawit.

Ito ay pwedeng kantahin sa mga pandaigdigang kumpetisyon na host ang Pilipinas o may kinatawan ang ating bansa; sa signing on at signing off ng mga himpilan ng radyo at telebisyon; bago ang pagbubukas at pagkatapos ng pagsasara ng oras ng trabaho ng mga emplyeado; at sa una at huling screening ng pelikula sa mga sinehan at bago simulan ang mga pagtatanghal sa teatro; Ibinigay, na ang mga may-ari at pamamahala ng mga establisimyento ay dapat na utusan upang ipatupad ang tamang pakikitungo at ipatupad ang mga may kinalaman sa batas na ito; At iba pang okasyon na maaaring pahintulutan ng Surian.

Ang Panatang Makabayan ay dapat bigkasin pagkatapos ng pagkanta ng pambansang awit sa mga paaralan. Ang Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Watawat ng Pilipinas ay maaaring kabisado din, bagaman ang batas ay hindi tumutukoy kung sino ang kinakailangan upang gawin ito.

Ang sinong may karampatang parusa sa mga lumabag nito na babastusin, babaguhin o iibahin ang tono, gagawing katatawanan o hindi magbibigay galang kapag tinutugtog ang ating pambansang awit ay mahaharap sa kasong kriminal o administratibo at dapat na magmulta ng 5,000 to 20,000 pesos o isang taong pagkakakulong. Pero balak pagtaasan ng Kongreso ang parusa rito, at gawing 100,000 pesos o dalawang taong pagkakakulong.

Ang pagpapahintulot sa mga security personnel at sa mga usher sa sinehan na hulihin ang sinumang lalabag. Maari silang humingi ng tulong sa mga awtoridad sa pag-aresto sa lalabag.

Mukahin ng UP College of Music, sana raw ang National Historical Institute ang orihinal na bersyon at masusing ituro ito ng mga mangaawit na hindi na muli pagmulan pa ng kontrobersya.

Sa Section 20, nakasaad na “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.”

Si Martin ay mabagal sa una at masyadong bumirit sa pagtatapos na isa umanong paglabag sa Section 37 ng Republic Act No. 8491, o 1998 Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.

Handa namang patawarin ng NHI si Nievera at paguusapan na lamanguma­no ang isyu. (Ludy Bermudo)

http://www.philstar.com/bansa/464347/martin-nievera-nag-sorry-sa-pag-awit-ng-lupang-hinirang

Palace: SEC should independently decide on Multiply

The Securities and Exchange Commission should rule independently on Multiply, Malacañang said Tuesday as it insisted that the Palace will respect any decision on the fate of the website.

"I don’t think SEC will let any institution influence its decision," Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said during a Palace press briefing.

Lacierda, a lawyer, said the SEC should be allowed to decide freely on the franchise of the website.

"The official position of the President is: since the matter is pending with the SEC, we will respect the decision of the SEC. Pero sa ngayon po antayin muna natin ang desisyon ng SEC," he said.

(For now, let's wait for the SEC decision.)

Solicitor General Francis Jardeleza had warned the SEC against issuing provisional authorities to Multiply in the absence of a franchise from Congress.

The SEC earlier committed to allow Multiply to operate, as requested by lawmakers, who have yet to tackle several bills seeking a fresh 25-year-franchise for the company.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/05/20/palace-ntc-should-independently-decide-on-abs-cbn-franchise

Provincial Board condemns way Martin sang nat'l anthem

The Cebu Provincial Board condemned concert king Martin Nievera for “murdering” the Philippine National Anthem he sang during the Pacquiao versus Hatton boxing match the other day.

The condemnation is expressed in an immediate resolution passed and approved by the PB in yesterday’s session.

In a unanimous decision of the PB, approved was a resolution condemning Martin Nievera for singing the Philippine National Anthem in a beat and tune different from what is prescribed by the law.

The PB also considered the act not at all respectful of the sacred song of the country.

Cebu fourth district Provincial Board member Jose Ma. Gastardo also included in the resolution the mandate that the Philippine National Anthem should strictly and consistently be sung in accordance to Section 37 of the Republic Act 8491 or the 1998 Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.

RA 8491 provides that the rendition of the national anthem entitled “Lupang Hinirang,” 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 public to stand at attention and face the Philippine flag when the anthem is played. In case no flag is displayed, the public should face the band or the conductor.

Members of the uniformed services, security guards and trainees in uniform should execute a salute to the anthem as prescribed by their regulations. The public is also required to put their right palms over their left chests until the last note of the anthem.

The National Historical Institute is mandated to disseminate a copy of the “official music score sheet that reflects the manner in which the national anthem should be played or sung” to ensure standards are followed.

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; 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.

In 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.”

When Nievera belted out Lupang Hinirang, it started slowly, took on a martial beat in the middle, then finally ended on a sustained high note.

Council chairman Vice Governor Gregorio Sanchez said that the culture of the country must always be protected.

Gastardo pointed out that it should be a condemnation of illegal act as Nievera violated the RA 8491.

The PB at first considered referring the matter to the committee on culture and arts since it was not the first time that Filipino singers had sung the national anthem in a revised tune.

But Sanchez insisted that Nievera should not be exempted from the law just because he is a “stylist singer”.

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 Institute, after proper notice and hearing, shall be penalized by public censure which shall be published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation.”

Further, Section 50 states that “any person or juridical entity which violates any of the provisions of this Act shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not less than P5,000 nor more than P20,000, or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or both such fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the court.”

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.