Millions gather for Pope Francis in stormy Philippines Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/665910/millions-to-gather-for-pope-in-stormy-philippines#ixzz3UoRlnN2Z Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook

Pope Francis will celebrate mass with millions in the Philippine capital on Sunday in what could be the world’s biggest papal gathering, capping off a dramatic trip in the Catholic Church’s Asian heartland.

A tropical storm that killed one papal volunteer forced the 78-year-old pontiff to cut short his visit to a typhoon-devastated island on Saturday, and rain is predicted for the Manila mass.

But storm-hardened Filipinos are famous for practicing a passionate brand of Catholicism with huge numbers flocking to religious festivals, and millions had already descended on Manila’s streets on Sunday morning.

“We are devotees of the pope,” Bernie Nacario, 53, told AFP as he stood amid a torrent of people with his wife and two young children, hoping to reach the park where the pontiff will give mass.

“The pope is an instrument of the Lord and if you are able to communicate with him, it is just like talking to God himself.”

Nacario said he was a long-time arthritis sufferer, but today his pain had disappeared.

“It is as if the Lord has cured my ailment.”

Catholic Church organizers said they were preparing for a crowd of up to six million, despite forecasts of rain for early evening when the pope is due to give mass at a giant park.

While there were no early official estimates of the crowd, aerial footage displayed on television showed masses of people surrounding the park area and others where the pope would travel earlier in the day.

If the turnout is as big as expected, the crowd would surpass the previous record for a papal gathering of five million during a mass by John Paul II at the same venue in 1995.

– Asia’s importance –

The pope’s five-day visit to the Philippines, which began on Thursday, followed two days in Sri Lanka.

It is his second trip to Asia in five months, in a nod to the growing importance of the region to the Catholic Church as it faces declining support in Europe and the United States.

It is also the fourth papal visit to the Philippines, the Catholic Church’s benchmark in Asia, with 80 percent of the former Spanish colony followers of the faith.

Rapturous receptions for the pope throughout his Philippine journey, including millions crowding his motorcade routes in Manila, have cemented the nation’s status as the Church’s Asian role model.

– Danger –

But not everything has gone as planned.

The pope said the main reason for visiting the Philippines was to meet survivors of Super Typhoon Haiyan, the strongest storm ever recorded on land which claimed more than 7,350 lives in November, 2013.

He flew on Saturday morning from Manila to Leyte island, ground zero for the typhoon, for a planned full day in communities where homes were flattened by monster winds and tsunami-like storm surges.

But, with another fierce storm descending on the region, he was forced to abruptly cut short his visit and fly back to Manila.

“I apologize to you all. I’m sad about this, truly saddened,” the pontiff told thousands of people who had gathered at one church shortly before he raced back to airport.

Just 30 minutes after his flight left, a plane carrying top aides of President Benigno Aquino overshot the same runway as it was buffeted by strong side winds while trying to take off. No-one was seriously injured.

Earlier in the day, the storm’s winds tore down scaffolding at the venue where the pope gave mass, killing a woman who was working as a volunteer with the organizing committee.

– Joy –

Still, the crowd of 200,000 typhoon survivors who heard the pope deliver mass in heavy rain were overjoyed the pontiff had braved the dangerous weather to see them.

“Long live the pope,” the crowd chanted as he arrived in Tacloban, the capital of Leyte and one of the worst-hit cities.

The pope delivered a truncated but highly emotional mass in the rain wearing the same type of thin yellow poncho handed out by organizers and worn by most in the crowd.

“I would like to tell you something close to my heart,” the pope said as many in the crowd clutched crucifixes and cried.

“When I saw in Rome that catastrophe, I felt I had to be here. And on those very days, I decided to come here. I’m here to be with you.”

He acknowledged the enduring pain experienced by the survivors.

“Some of you have lost part of your families. All I can do is keep silent. And I walk with you all with my silent heart,” he said.

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Amid light rains, papal Mass in Luneta underway Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/666005/amid-light-rains-papal-mass-in-luneta-underway#ixzz3Un01aL8e Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook

After weaving through the throng of people in Luneta Park in his jeepney-style popemobile, Pope Francis on Sunday afternoon arrived at Quirino Grandstand to celebrate Mass in one of the world’s biggest outpourings of papal devotion.

Rain fell steadily in Manila in the hours before the Mass but Filipinos are famous for practicing a passionate brand of Catholicism and they turned out in a joyous mood that defied the gloomy skies.

With Pope Francis to concelebrate the Mass are 2,500 priests and 200 bishops from all over the country.

The 78-year-old Pontiff thrilled crowds on his way to the bayside park venue for Mass. Clad in a plastic yellow disposable poncho, Pope Francis waved and smiled to cheering crowds. They chanted “Papa Francisco!” as he arrived in Quirino Grandstand where he repeatedly stopped to kiss babies.

He than arrived to a sea of devoted followers for a Mass expected to last two hours.

People raised their Sto. Niño statues and danced to the rhythm of the Sinulog to mark the Feast of the Sto. Niño. In addition to Sto. Niño statues, the public was also asked to bring candles, which will be lighted as the song “Tell the World of His Love” is sung.

While the Mass will predominantly be in English, the profession of faith led by Pope Francis will be in Filipino and the intercessions in different languages.

Among the readers are a blind person and a student. The responsorial psalm will be given by a youth leader while the vessels of the bread and wine will be presented by three families.

The choir and the orchestra will be composed by a thousand people from different parishes. There will be 5,000 communion distributors and another 5,000 communion ushers.

The Mass will be the culminating activity of Pope Francis’ five-day visit to the Philippines.

His first two Masses were marked by pleasant surprises from the Pope. After his Mass at Manila Cathedral, he and Tagle broke security protocols and left the church to visit street children. At Tacloban, on the other hand, he deviated from his prepared homily and gave an impassioned speech.

“Some of you lost part of your families. All I can do is keep silent, and I walk with you all with my silent heart. Many of you have asked the Lord, ‘Why, Lord?’ And to each of you, Christ responds from His heart upon the Cross,” he told hundreds of thousands of people at the Tacloban airport on Saturday.

Many wept as the raincoat-clad Pope consoled the people of Leyte, many of whom lost loved ones during the onslaught of Supertyphoon “Yolanda” (Haiyan).

The Philippines is the Catholic Church’s bastion in Asia, with 80 percent of the former Spanish colony followers of the faith, and the Pope is a revered figure.

“We are devotees of the Pope,” Bernie Nacario, 53, told Agence France-Presse as he stood amid a mass of people with his wife and two young children near Rizal Park ahead of the mass.

“The Pope is an instrument of the Lord and if you are able to communicate with him, it is just like talking to God himself.”

As groups of friends sang nearby and others burst into spontaneous cheers, Nacario said he was a long-time arthritis sufferer but today his pain had disappeared.

“It is as if the Lord has cured my ailment.”

Organizers said they were preparing for a record-breaking crowd of up to six million. Aerial footage showed masses of people surrounding the park and nearby areas.

If the turnout is as big as expected, it would surpass the previous record for a papal gathering of five million during a mass by John Paul II at the same venue in 1995.

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Justice head: ‘Pineda’s rendition may have violated national anthem law’

By Dona Pazzibugan

Journey vocalist Arnel Pineda may have violated the law with his stylized singing of the national anthem during the Pacquiao-Clottey fight last Saturday in Texas (Sunday in Manila), according to Justice Secretary Alberto Agra.

Agra, concurrent Solicitor General, said Republic Act 8491, the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, it will be mandatory for students to memorize the national anthem at schools and clearly banned the singing or playing of “Lupang Hinirang” in any way other than the original musical arrangement made by composer Julian Felipe.

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

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

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

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

But the anthem may be played during the following: international competitions where the Philippines is the host or has a representative; local competitions; during the “signing off” and “signing on” of radio broadcasting and television stations; before the initial and last screening of films and before the opening of theater performances; and other occasions as may be allowed by the Institute.

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


Section 20 of the law also states: “The rendition of the flag ceremony in official or civic gatherings shall be simple and dignified and shall include the playing or singing of the anthem in its original Filipino lyrics and march tempo.”

RA 8491 imposes a penalty of imprisonment of not more than one year or a fine of between P5,000 and P20,000, imprisonment for not more than one year, or both at the discretion of the court.

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

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.

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.

Agra said he did not get to watch Pacquiao's latest fight so he could not say yet if Pineda violated the law, as the National Historical Institute (NHI) charged.

“In no uncertain terms the law is very categorical. Under our law we must follow the arrangement of Julian Felipe,” he said when asked for comment.

Should the NHI decide to pursue a case against Pineda to set an example to other singers who would be singing the national anthem in such a prominent event, Agra said government lawyers would have to settle the legal question of where to file the case since Pineda sang it in the United States.

“We are confronted with the issue of jurisdiction. I haven't been requested to issue a new (legal opinion on that),” Agra said.

DOJ ready to probe 'wrong rendition' of Philippine national anthem during Pacquiao-Clottey fight

Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary and concurrent Solicitor General Alberto Agra on Monday said that they are ready to investigate the alleged wrong rendition of the Philippine National Anthem during the Manny Pacquiao-Joshua Clottey fight on Sunday.

Agra stressed that if ever a case is filed regarding the improper singing of the national anthem, they will immediately form a panel of prosecutors specifically assigned to conduct the investigation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

But the anthem may be played during the following: international competitions where the Philippines is the host or has a representative; 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 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 rendition of the flag ceremony in official or civic gatherings shall be simple and dignified and shall include the playing or singing of the national anthem in its original Filipino lyrics and march tempo.”

Under Section 48 of RA 8491, “failure or refusal to observe the provisions of this Act; and any violation of the corresponding rules and regulations issued by the Office of the President, shall after proper notice and hearing, shall be penalized by public censure which shall be published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation.”

If found guilty of violating Republic Act 8491, the singer may be imprisoned for not more than one year and fined from P5,000 up to P20,000.

All citizens to stand at attention and sing with fervor, as a sign of respect, when the National Anthem is played at public gatherings.

Even moviegoers who do not stand up when the National Anthem is being played in cinemas will be sanctioned if the measure subsequently, as it empowers the security personnel and ushers in movie houses to arrest a violator and summon law enforcement officers to assist in conducting citizens' arrest.

However, the National Historical Institute (NHI) clarified on Monday that they have not yet filed a criminal case against singer Arnel Pineda in connection with the wrong rendition of "Lupang Hinirang" during the Manny Pacquiao-Joshua Clottey boxing bout on Sunday.

According to Prof. Teddy Atienza, chief of the Heraldy section of the NHI, at present they are still gathering a video footage of Pineda's singing of the national anthem in the Pacquiao-Clottey fight.

After this, they will file a report before the NHI board who will determine whether Pineda will be charged before the DOJ.

However, Atienza said that they are ready to forgive if Pineda asks for an apology by way of helping in the campaign of the NHI to educate the public on the proper singing of the national anthem.

Atienza added that the explanation of Pineda that his rendition of "Lupang Hinirang" was from the bottom of his heart was not enough as there is a law regarding the proper way of singing the national anthem. (PNA)

UP Concert Chorus, ipinarinig kung paano dapat kantahin ang Lupang Hinirang

Kung ang UP Concert Chorus ang tatanungin, ganito raw dapat inaawit ang ating National Anthem.

Naniniwala silang dapat na igalang ang orihinal na komposisyon ni Julian Felipe, pero merong itong iba't ibang bersyon, may mabilis: "Bayang Magiliw, Perlas ng Silanganan, Alab ng Puso sa dibdib mo'y buhay / Lupang Hinirang, duyan ka ng magiting sa manlulupig di ka pasisiil" at merong kasimbilis: "sa dagat at bundok sa simoy at sa langit mong bughaw; may dilag ang tula at awit sa paglayang minamahal. Ang kislap ng watawat mo'y tagumpay na nagniningning, ang bituin at araw niya kailan pa ma'y di magdidilim. Lupa ng araw, ng luwalhati't pagsinta, buhay ay langit sa piling mo; aming ligaya na pag may mang-aapi, ang mamatay ng dahil sa'yo."

Ang mahalaga, sundin ang orihinal na himig na ito.

"And then, ito naman ang mga umawit kay Pacquiao, si ating kaibigan, and, sana naman nag-consult muna bago para hindi naman sila magsalita uli, and merong kasing law", sabi ni Prof. Janet Sabas-Aracama, Artistic Director and Conductor, UP Concert Chorus.

Pirme na lang ang isyu ng "Lupang Hinirang" tuwing may laban si Manny Pacquiao, iba't-ibang sikat na singer na ang umaawit na ito pero halos lahat hindi umano sumunod sa orihinal na komposisyon.

"Bayang Magiliw, Perlas ng Silanganan, Alab ng Puso sa dibdib mo'y buhay / Lupang Hinirang, duyan ka ng magiting sa manlulupig di ka pasisiil, sa dagat at bundok sa simoy at sa langit mong bughaw; may dilag ang tula at awit sa paglayang minamahal. Ang kislap ng watawat mo'y tagumpay na nagniningning, ang bituin at araw niya kailan pa ma'y di magdidilim. Lupa ng araw, ng luwalhati't pagsinta, buhay ay langit sa piling mo; aming ligaya na pag may mang-aapi, ang mamatay ng dahil sa'yo." Di ba? Martial siya? And I think the way we should, that way good itself already," sabi ni Dr. Ramon Acoymo, Associate Professor Voice and Music Theater/Dance Department.

Isa pang bagay na laging na iniiba ng mga singer ay ang dulo ng "Lupang Hinirang".

Kung titignan natin yung original version ng "Lupang Hinirang" ni Julian Felipe, makikita natin na yung nota doon sa dulo parang ganito na siyang maririnig. Pero ang madalas ginagawa ng mga singers sa boxing match ni Manny Pacquiao na ibang-iba doon sa original na melody na sinulat ni Julian Felipe.

"Ang mga kulot, birit, ornament, dekorasyon, o embellishment should only sang the original intent from the music and the words. Kung ang ginawa mo ay nakakatanggal na focus, so dapat i-focus ang tao, masiyadong marami ngayon, it's too much", sabi ni Acoymo.

May kalayaan daw ang lahat na singers ng bigyan ng ibang interpretasyon ng isang awitin, pero sa kaso ng National Anthem, may sapat na dapat sundin, at malinaw sa RA 8491, section 37, na ang tamang pag-awit ng National Anthem ay ang bersyon ni Julian Felipe, dapat 2/4 beat ang pagtugtog dito, at dapat ay nasa 100 hanggang 120 beats per minute sa 4/4 beat kapag kinakanta.

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 pandaigdigang kumpetisyon na host ang Pilipinas o may kinatawan ang ating bansa; sa sign on at sign off ng mga istasyon sa radyo at telebisyon; bago ang pagbubukas ng oras ng trabaho at nagtatapos ang trabaho ng mga emplyeado; at sa una at huling screening ng pelikula sa mga sinehan at bago simulan ang mga teatrong pagtatanghal.

Ang Panatang Makabayan ay dapat na bigkasin pagkatapos ng pagkanta ng pambansang awit sa mga pangunahing institusyong pang-edukasyon. 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 lumabag nito na babastusin o gagawing katatawanan ang pambansang awit ay mahaharap sa kasong criminal o administratibo o dapat na magmulta ng 5,000 to 20,000 pesos o isang 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 ipakalat ang National Historical Institute ang orihinal na bersyon at masusing ituro ito ng mga mangaawit na hindi na muli pagmulan pa ng kontrobersya.

Kilalang personalidad dumagsa sa laban ni Manny

Muling dinumog ng ilang kilalang personalidad ang laban ni Manny Pacquiao kay Joshua Clottey kahapon.

Kabilang sa mga sumaksi sa panalo ni “Pacman” ay ang dati nitong karibal na si Mexican boxing legend Marco Antonio Barrera at Puerto Rican fighter Miguel Angel Cotto.

Sina Barrera at Cotto ay parehong tinalo na ni Pacquiao.

Umiskor si Paquiao ng isang 11th-round TKO kay Barrera sa kanilang Peoples’ Featherweigth Championship” noong Nobyembre ng 2003 sa Alamodome, Texas. Tinalo naman ni Pacquiao si Cotto via 12th-round TKO noong Nobyembre ng 2009 upang agawin sa huli ang suot nitong World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight crown sa MGM Grand sa Las Vegas, Nevada.


Bago pa man talunin ni Pacquiao si Clottey ay nagsabi na sina Barrera at Cotto na ang tubong General Santos City ang mananalo sa laban.


Nakita rin sa Cowboys Stadium sina dating American football linebacker Charles Haley, dating football coach Barry Switzer at ang retiradong si football quarterback Troy Aikman.


Nanood rin sina American football wide receiver Miels Austin, sportscaster at dating American football wide receiver na si Drew Pearson at Harrion Barber.


Samantala, mula sa puso para sa bayan.


Ito ang naging bersyon ni Arnel Pineda, ang frontman ng rock band na Journey, sa pagkanta niya ng pambansang awit ng Pilipinas sa laban ni Pacquiao kay Joshua Clottey kahapon sa Cowboys Stadium sa Arlington, Texas.


Inamin ni Pineda, naging bisita ni Pacquiao sa kanyang ika-31 kaarawan noong Disyembre sa General Santos City, na ilang beses na siyang nahilingan ni Pacquiao na kumanta sa kanyang laban.


Ngunit ang mga ito ay hindi natupad dahilan sa kanyang ‘hectic schedule’ bilang bokalista ng Journey.


Si Pineda ang ikalawang Filipino male singer na kumanta ng National Anthem sa laban ni Pacquiao ma­tapos si Martin Nievera noong Mayo sa kanyang laban kay Ricky Hatton sa MGM Grand sa Las Vegas, Nevada. Inulan ng kritisismo si Nievera sa kanyang maarteng pagkanta ng “Lupang Hinirang.”


Ayon sa Section 37 ng Republic Act (RA) 8491, ang pagkanta ng national anthem ay nararapat na angkop sa musical arrangement at mula sa komposisyon 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 pandaigdigang kumpetisyon na host ang Pilipinas o may kinatawan ang ating bansa; sa sign on at sign off ng mga himpilan ng radyo at telebisyon; bago ang pagbubukas ng oras ng trabaho at nagtatapos ang trabaho ng mga emplyeado; 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 na bigkasin pagkatapos ng pagkanta ng pambansang awit sa mga opisina at 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.

Habang ang section 20 naman nito ay nagsasaad na ang seremonya sa pagtataas ng watawat ng pilipinas sa mga opisyal o sibikong pagtitipon ay dapat na simple at may paggalang, at dapat na patugtugin o kantahin sa orihinal na lirikong Filipino at pamartsang ritmo.

Ang parusa sa ganitong paglabag ay pagmumulta ng limang-libong piso o pagkakabilanggo ng hindi hihigit sa isang taon, o kaya’y parehong pagpataw ng nasabing parusa.


Ang pangangailangan na pagtayo tuwing National Anthem sa isang public gathering tulad ng sinehan. Ang mga manonood na hindi tatayo tuwing National Anthem ay maaaring hulihin sa pamamagitan ng citizens arrest ng security personnel at ushers.

Subalit ito’y mariing itinanggi ni Arnel. Tama lang daw ang kaniyang pagkaka-awit.

Kung gayon, papaano nga ba aawitin ang Lupang Hinirang?

Hindi naman siguro mahirap sagutin ang tanong na ito na kahit isang musmos na bata sa kindergarten ay alam kung papaano ito aawitin.

At papaano nga ba? Titindig dapat ng matuwid, iiwanan o ititigil panandali ang ginagawa, ilalagay ang kanang kamay sa dibdib, titingin sa watawat, sabay buka ng bibig habang sinasabayan ang kumpas ni titser at pag-awit ng “Bayang Magiliw, Perlas ng Silanganan. Alab ng puso sa dibdib mo’y buhay. Lupang Hinirang, duyan ka ng magiting. Sa manlulupig, di ka pasisiil sa dagat at bundok, sa simoy at sa langit mong bughaw, may dilag ang tula at awit sa paglayang minamahal. Ang kislap ng watawat mo’y tagumpay na nagniningning, ang bituin at araw niya, kailan pa ma’y ʻdi magdidilim. Lupa ng araw ng luwalhati’t pagsinta, buhay ay langit sa piling mo. Aming ligaya na pag may mang-aapi, ang mamatay nang dahil sa’yo.”

Hindi naman pala mahirap awitin kung saan kahit isang paslit na bata ay makaka-awit nito ng buong ningning. You don’t need to be a concert king or a balladeer to sing it, and sing it well. Ang kailangan lamang pala ay taglay ang dalisay na puso at malinis na pakay kapag aawit nito, tulad ng isang bata, at hindi upang ipagmalaki sa buong mundo na tayo ay magaling na mang-aawit. Ito ang tamang pag-awit ng Lupang Hinirang.

Ang pagdiriwang ng ating Kalayaan at ito’y sa Hunyo 12. Nawa’y sa pag-awit natin ng Lupang Hinirang bilang pagpupugay sa nakamit na kasarinlan, tiyaking tama ang lyrics ng ating awit at nasa tamang tono at bilis.

papal choir and orchestra

• Sanctuary Choir
• Tabernacle Choir
• EGM Symphonic Choir
• Quiapo Choir
• Pasig Choir
• Brookside Choir
• Central Harmonic Choir
• Central Youth Choir
• Padilla Edify Choir
• the NEU Glee Club
• Dasmariñas City Teachers Chorale
• Ilocos Norte High School Chamber Singers
• Pangasinan Provincial Chorale
• Calbayog City Chorale
• Bayugan City Division Choir
• City Government of Makati Employees Chorale
• PAGCOR Voice Symphony
• PAG-IBIG Fund Chorale for Metro Manila

Old Star Network Channel ID

Sky 25 Years

SkyCable Corporation is turning 25 years old this 2015, simultaneously with the 65th Anniversary of GMA-7

Baby boomers why SkyCable was launched 23 years ago? The channels on SkyCable are free-to-air networks ABS-CBN, PTV, GMA, RPN (New Vision) 9 and IBC (Islands TV)-13 and in-house channels where: ?


News video clips were provided by ABS-CBN News, is the news division of Philippine media conglomerate ABS-CBN Corporation and GMA News and Public Affairs, news and public affairs programming division of the multimedia conglomerate, GMA Network, Inc.

Opening ident and Video clips of news programs Courtesy:

• Balitang Balita (ABC 5)
• The Big News (ABC 5)
• GMA Balita (GMA 7)
• GMA Network News (GMA 7)
• NewsWatch Evening Cast (RPN 9)
• TV Patrol (ABS-CBN 2)
• The World Tonight (ABS-CBN 2)

Days to Remember

• On 6 June 1990, Sky Cable Corporation was incorporated as Central CATV, Inc.On 25 March 1991, Sky Vision Corporation, a holding company incorporated with the primary purpose of buying and owning stocks of Central CATV, Inc. was founded.
• January 26, 1992 – SkyCable began its CATV operation
• February 21, 1992 – SkyCable launched ABC-5.
• June 30, 1992 – SkyCable launched SBN/World TV-21.
• February 1 – Home Cable was launched as second national cable television operator in the Philippines.
• SkyCable launched Sky Shop.
• SkyCable launched HBO Asia
• SkyCable launched Aquarium TV and EL TV.
• May 1993 – SkyCable launched RJTV-29
• SkyCable launched "i" channel and Sky Movies replacing HBO Asia.
• SkyCable launched its own shopping channel, Sky Mall replacing Sky Shop.
• January 1, 1994 – SkyCable launched Asia Business News.
• June 12, 1994 – SkyCable launched Sky1: The Filipino Channel (later renamed to Pinoy Blockbuster Channel then to Cinema One.
• January 1995 – SkyCable launched Cartoon Network and TNT as a Timeshare Channel on Channel 34.
• January 12 to 16, 1995 - Visit of Pope John Paul II and 10th World Youth Day
• May 1995 – SkyCable relaunched HBO Asia.
• August 27, 1995 – SkyCable Launched Citynet 27 and WINS TV.
• September 1, 1995 – SkyCable Relaunched Cartoon Network and TNT as Philippine Feed on Channel 34.
• 1996
• April 1996 – SkyCable launched NBC Asia.
• April 17, 1996 – STAR TV rebranded STAR Plus into Hindi programming channel and launches STAR World as a new English-language entertainment channel.[20]
• May 1, 1996 – SkyCable launched its first local news channel, Sarimanok News Network (now ABS-CBN News Channel or ANC).
• May 6, 1996 - HomeCable and SunCable launched the 24-hour Filipino movie channel VIVA Cinema.
• October 12, 1996 – SkyCable launched Studio 23.
• November 2, 1996 – SkyCable launched Cinemax.
• June 1997 – SkyCable launched its first cable TV branded credit card in the Philippines in partnership with SolidBank Corporation, the SkyCard Mastercard.[8]
• SkyCable removed Discovery Channel and launched its first documentary channel, the Knowledge Channel. 
• August 31, 1997 – SkyCable launched MGM Gold.[23]
• November 30, 1997 – SkyCable changed its channel guide; Studio 23 moves to channel 23 and Community Channel moves to channel 18.
• December 15, 1997 – SkyCable launched Hallmark Channel (now Diva Universal).
• SkyCable launched Pinoy Blockbuster Channel replacing Sky1.
• February 2, 1998 – SkyCable launched CNBC Asia Business News.
• April 19, 1998 – Sky Cable change It's Channel guide: Zoe Broadcasting Network It's broadcast on channel 11.
• June 12, 1998 – Philippine Centennial Celebration
• July 1998 – SkyCable launched National Geographic Channel replacing NBC Asia.
• January 1, 1999 – The "i" channel ceased airing on SkyCable.
• May 1, 1999 – SkyCable removed STAR Movies and replaced by Nickelodeon as an add-on channel.
• May–June 1999 – SkyCable removed STAR World and Channel V.
• July 1, 1999 – SkyCable Launched ANC replacing Sarimanok News Network.
• July 11, 1999 – SkyCable launched Lifestyle Network.[25]
• August 1, 1999 – SkyCable removed AXN.[24]
• October 1999 – SkyCable relaunched Discovery Channel.
• November 6, 1999 – SkyCable relaunched Knowledge Channel as an educational cable channel, replacing the old Knowledge Channel, as documentary channel broadcast on channel 16.
• April 23, 2000 – SkyCable Launched Planet 25.
• May 1, 2000 – SkyCable relaunched AXN.
• August 2000 – SkyCable launched MTV-41 replacing MTV Asia.
• September 2000 – SkyCable relaunched SkyCard Mastercard to SkyCard-Citibank Mastercard in partnership with Citibank N.A. and launched E!31 on CTV.
• In 2001, Benpress Holdings Inc. and Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company signed a master consolidation agreement for SkyCable Corporation to consolidate its interest.
• May 20, 2001 – Cinema One replaced Pinoy Blockbuster Channel as a digital Filipino movie channel.
• In July 2001, Unilink Communications Corp. operator of Home Cable, Philippines second largest cable TV company, merged its CATV operation to SkyCable and created Beyond Cable Inc. with an enterprise value of P14.5 billion. Beyond Cable Inc. controls 66.5% through Benpress Holdings Corp. and 33.5% through MediaQuest Holdings, Inc.
• July 16, 2001 – PTV rebanded as NBN starts commercial aired on channel 8.
• November 1, 2001 – SkyCable acquired Home Cable. SkyCable also launched its own sports channel (channel 29).
• December 31, 2001 – SkyCable launched ABC Asia Pacific (now Australia Network).
• April 18, 2002 – SkyCable and Home Cable relaunched STAR TV channels (namely ESPN, STAR Sports, STAR Movies, STAR Movies Mandarin (now STAR Chinese Movies), STAR World, Channel V and National Geographic Channel). However, STAR VIVA Cinema, the competitor of Creative Programs' Cinema One on Home Cable would not make a comeback.
• June 3, 2002 – Vid-Ok became MYX as the local music channel.
• July 1, 2002 – SkyCable launched Disney Channel.
• October 1, 2002 – SkyCable removed ABC Asia Pacific (now Australia Network) and launched TCT.
• February 1, 2003 – Channel realignment: Knowledge Channel moved to channel 6, ABS-CBN to channel 8, NBN to channel 10, ABC (now TV5) to channel 12, GMA Network to channel 14, RPN to channel 15 and IBC to channel 16.
• December 8, 2003 – Channel realignment: ABS-CBN to channel 6, NBN to channel 8, ABC (now TV5) to channel 10, GMA Network to channel 12 and Knowledge Channel to Channel 14.
• May 7, 2004 – SkyCable launched ETC and Sports Plus (now Basketball TV).
• July 1, 2004 – SkyCable changed their hotline number to 631-0000.
• April 17, 2005 – To stop further economic losses, Sky and Home agreed to merge their cable television and free newspaper operations.
• June 30, 2005 – Sky and Home announced that the merger is legally completed, thereby creating the new holding company Sky Television Broadcasting Arm, which will manages and operates SkyCable.
• July 1, 2005 – SkyCable changed its channel guide; acquired Sun Cable. Its sister cable operator, Home Cable, ceased operations on this day, due to the limited Cable TV market in the Philippines.
• July 1, 2005 - SkyCable was now a single cable TV provider
• July 7, 2005 – SkyCable launched Zee News, Zee Cinema, Zee TV, Power TV, Asia Plus, Disney Channel Mandarin and STAR Chinese Movies as premium channels.
• October 1, 2005 – Hero TV aired test broadcast on channel 44.
• October 15, 2005 – SkyCable launched Crime/Suspense.
• November 11, 2005 – SkyCable launched QTV (now Q) start commercial aired on channel 11.
• December 15, 2005 – SkyCable launched ETC 2nd Avenue (now 2nd Avenue).
• January 1, 2006 – SkyCable rebranded as SkyCable Gold while Home Cable and SunCable as SkyCable Silver.
• January 11, 2006 – Channel realignment: NBN moved to Channel 4 and QTV (now Q) to Channel 6 and then 2 weeks later on January 25, they returned on their original position
• February 1, 2006 – Disney Channel Mandarin ceased airing.
• March 16, 2006 – SkyCable launched SkyCable Platinum, offering new channels: Fox News Channel, CNN Headline News (now HLN), CNBC Asia, Adventure One (now Nat Geo Adventure), Playhouse Disney, Discovery Science, Discovery Travel & Living (now TLC), STAR Plus and MGM Channel (formerly MGM Gold).
• SkyCable launched HBO Signature, HBO Hits and HBO Family via SkyCable Platinum's HBO Pak.[15]
• April 11, 2006 – SkyCable launched infomercials on SkyCable Platinum package.
• April 12, 2006 to July 20, 2006 – SkyCable previews platinum channels on SkySked channel 33.
• July 12, 2006 – Channel realignment: QTV (now Q) to channel 24,[32] and ZPDee Channel to channel 11.
• September 1, 2006 – Channel realignment: KBS World replaced Arirang TV on channel 75.
• November 13, 2006 – SkyCable launched UniversiTV on channel 5.
• December 2006 – SkyCable launches its children's club, the SkyCable Fun Club.
• April 12, 2007 – SkyCable launched DZMM TeleRadyo on channel 22,[33] moving MTV Philippines (now a defunct channel) on channel 57 and Channel News Asia to channel 79.
• June 26, 2007 – SkyCable reformatted SkySked on channel 11.
• August 13, 2007 – Channel realignment: DZMM TeleRadyo to channel 26, Zpdee to channel 61, Iglesia Ni Cristo TV to channel 22, and NHK World Premium to channel 78.
• August 15, 2007 – SkyCable launched Makisig Network (formerly Karera Channel) on channel 76.[34]
• September 1, 2007 – Balls conducted test broadcast, aired the 2007 US Open.
• September 15, 2007 – MySky conducted test broadcast on channel 33.
• November 7, 2007 – Channel realignment: Velvet on channel 25, Balls on channel 33 and Maxxx (now a defunct channel) on channel 61 (test broadcast), while CUBEiTV to channel 67.
• January 1, 2008 – SkyCable dropped six Solar Entertainment channels: Basketball TV, ETC, 2nd Avenue, C/S, Jack TV, Solar Sports and launches Balls, AXN Beyond, Fox Crime, Maxxx, Velvet and KidsCo.[35] SkyCable moved Preview Channel on channel 25.
• January 30, 2008 – SkyCable corporate name changed from Central CATV Inc. to SkyCable Corporation.
• February 5, 2008 – SkyCable launched Phoenix Chinese Channel replacing Power TV.
• February 6, 2008 – SkyCable launched Asian Food Channel on channel 58 moving Da-Ai TV to channel 61.
• March 2008 – SkyCable relaunched Lifestyle Network to a 24/7 channel.
• March 1, 2008 – SkyCable launched Phoenix InfoNews Channel replacing Asia Plus.
• April 1, 2008 – SkyCable reformatted MySky on channel 33.
• August 9, 2008 – ABC rebranded as TV5,[44] while its interactive TV shopping program Venta 5 is now a 24/7 channel on CUBEiTV.
• September 19, 2008 – SkyCable launched its high definition service, SkyCable HD.
• September 22, 2008 – SkyCable launched Discovery Turbo replacing Discovery Real Time.
• October 4, 2008 – C/S 9 rebranded as C/S on RPN.
• October 28, 2008 – SkyCable relaunched Basketball TV on channel 149.
• January 1, 2009 – SkyCable launched FX on channel 156.[43]
• January 15, 2009 – SkyCable launched Zoe TV, ACQ-KBN, and 3ABN.
• February 9, 2009 – San Lazaro Broadcasting Network (owned by Manila Jockey Club) occupies channel 113 replacing Season Pass.
• February 26, 2009 – Channel [V] International and Makisig Network launches Channel [V] Philippines on channel 135.[44]
• February 26-March 2, 2009 – Channel 61 aired the Accenture Match Play Championship Games temporarily replacing Da Ai.
• February 27, 2009 – SkyCable launched Euronews and TV Maria on channels 155 and 160, respectively.
• March 1, 2009 – Channel realignment: Channel [V] Philippines from channel 135 to channel 29 while TCT Network and EWTN to channel 60 and 161 respectively.[45]
• March 3, 2009 – SkyCable launched The History Channel (now History), Biography Channel (now Bio), Crime & Investigation Network, FX while platinum channels, CNBC Asia and Arirang TV becomes available for Gold and Silver subscribers respectively.[46][47]
• March 7, 2009 – Channel realignment: EWTN to channel 61.
• March 29, 2009 – Cinemax rebranded as Max on channel 36.[15]
• April 17, 2009 – Channel realignment: C/S Origin to channel 33 replacing MySky.
• April 28, 2009 – SkyCable launched Discovery HD (now Discovery HD World) and History HD on channels 164 and 165 respectively.[47][48][49]
• May 1, 2009 – Channel realignment: Channel [V] Philippines to channel 25. Platinum Preview channel to channel 22.
• July 1, 2009 – RHTV ceased airing in celebration of DZRH's 70th anniversary.
• July 15, 2009 – SkyCable launched Sci-Fi Channel channel 33 replacing C/S Origin.[50]
• August 15, 2009 – SkyCable launched Al Jazeera English News Channel on channel 152.[51][52]
• September 25, 2009 – SkyCable launched All Sports Network on channel 158[53] while PBB Double Up 24/7 was added to its lineup on channel 150.
• October 1, 2009 – SkyCable launched All Sports Network.[54]
• December 28, 2009 – SkyCable launched HBO HD[55] and replacing Balls HD on channel 166.
• January 1, 2010 – SkyCable dropped TCT on channel 60.
• January 5, 2010 – Channel realignment: Fox Crime to channel 59 and Fox to channel 50.
• February 1, 2010 – Channel realignment: Voice of America to channel 149 and Basketball TV to channel 71.
• February 16, 2010 – SkyCable dropped MTV Philippines on channel 57.[56]
• April 16, 2010 – SkyCable hot line 631-0000 is now also available to SkyCable CAMANAVA subscribers.
• June 1, 2010 – SkyCable launched SBS on channel 149.
• June 1, 2010 – Channel realignment: History Channel (now History) on channel 64, Crime & Investigation Network on channel 68 and All Sports Network on channel 69.[57]
• July 1, 2010 – SkyCable relaunched MTV Asia and Solar Sports on channel 66 and 70 respectively.
• July 26, 2010 – SkyCable launched Universal Channel on channel 21 replacing Sci-Fi.[58]
• August 1, 2010 – SkyCable launched Fox Crime HD, STAR Movies HD and National Geographic Channel HD on channels 169, 170 and 171 respectively.[59][60]
• September 1, 2010 – SkyCable launched TLC on channel 120 replacing Discovery Travel & Living.[61]
• September 19, 2010 – SkyCable launched Diva Universal on channel 37 replacing Hallmark Channel.[62]
• October 1, 2010 – SkyCable relaunched Jack TV on channel 51 replacing Maxxx.
• October 11, 2010 – SkyCable dropped Wine TV on channel 131.
• October 26, 2010 – SkyCable launched NBA Premium TV and NBA Premium TV HD channel 63 and 168, respectively.[63]
• November 1, 2010 – SkyCable launched ESPN HD on channel 172.[64]
• November 10, 2010 – SkyCable relaunched Wine TV on channel 131.
• November 15, 2010 – Channel realignment: Asian Food Channel to channel 22. SkyCable Preview Channel to channel 60 and will be available only for subscribers with Digibox. UNTV from channel 21 to channel 33 (for analog) and on channel 58 (for digital). Universal Channel from channel 33 to channel 21. Basketball TV (BTV) from Channel 71 to Channel 33 (for digital) and NBA Premium TV from channel 63 to channel 71 (for digital).[65]
• December 20, 2010 – SkyCable launched CGE.TV on channel 57, a user-generated video channel created by ABS-CBN Interactive.
• January 15, 2011 – SkyCable launched CBeebies on channel 126 replacing Disney Junior (Asia). Consequently, Disney Junior (Asia) moved to channel 38, taking the slot of KidsCo, the latter moved to channel 135.[67][68][69]
• January 24, 2011 – Channel realignment: KidsCo to channel 131 replacing Wine TV. Channel 135 is now a reserved channel.
• February 20, 2011 – Q ceased commercial operation and replaced by GMA News TV test broadcast on channel 24.
• February 28, 2011 – GMA News TV started commercial operation on channel 24.
• March 2, 2011 – ETC moved its programming operation on RPN,[70] while Solar TV ceased commercial broadcast. Talk TV started its test broadcast on channel 16.
• March 21, 2011 – SkyCable launched Digibox iRecord.[71]
• March 26, 2011 – SkyCable temporarily ceased Channel [V] Philippines broadcast and replaced it with Preview Channel on channel 25.
• April 1, 2011 – Talk TV began its proper broadcast on channel 16.
• April 30, 2011 – SkyCable launched AksyonTV on channel 61 moving EWTN to channel 76 as its originating channel.
• July 4, 2011 – Channel realignment: AksyonTV to channel 59, Fox Crime to channel 60, Crime & Investigation Network to channel 67, NBA Premium TV to channel 68, MTV Southeast Asia to channel 71, CGE.TV to channel 72, DW TV Asien to channel 79, TVE to channel 80, TV5MONDE Asie to channel 81, Chinese Entertainment Channel to channel 83, Preview Channel to channel 99 and Living Asia Channel to channel 113. In addition, SkyCable conducted test broadcast of E! on channel 57, launched Thrill on channel 62 and KIX on channel 63, and dropped Channel News Asia and San Lazaro Broadcasting Network to its lineup.[72]
• July 5, 2011 – SkyCable reinstated Channel News Asia on channel 82 and San Lazaro Broadcasting Network on channel 113 (shared programming with Living Asia Channel).
• July 12, 2011 – SkyCable launched E! on channel 57.[73]
• September 1, 2011 – SkyCable launched Fox Family Movies and Nat Geo Wild on channels 61 and 66 respectively.
• October 1, 2011 – Channel realignment: History to channel 25, Preview Channel to channel 11 and launched The Game Channel on channel 84.
• October 15, 2011 – SkyCable launched high-definition channels: HBO Hits HD on channel 169, Fox Family Movies HD on channel 171, STAR World HD on channel 172 and Fox HD on channel 173. Channel realignment: HBO HD to channel 168, Fox Crime HD to channel 174, NBA Premium TV HD to channel 175 and ESPN HD to channel 176.
• In November 2011, new corporate logo as "SKYcable" and slogan "The Way You Want It." and new corporate tagline was "Imagine what you can do."
• November 14, 2011 – SkyCable launched TeleNovela Channel on channel 60 and moved Fox Crime to channel 64.
• December 1, 2011 – SkyCable launched BabyTV on channel 140 replacing Familyland.[78]
• December 15, 2011 – SkyCable launched ASN HD on channel 177.
• December 24, 2011 – SkyCable launched Chase on channel 84.
• January 1, 2012 – SkyCable changed its hotline to 381-0000.
• January 20, 2012 – SkyCable conducted test broadcast of Cartoon Network HD on channel 178.[79]
• January 24, 2012 – SkyCable conducted test broadcast of Cartoon Network HD on channel 167.
• February 15, 2012 – SkyCable launched Screen RED on channel 74.
• February 17, 2012 – SkyCable launched Cartoon Network HD on channel 178.
• March 15, 2012 – SkyCable launched Freeview Channel HD, Outdoor Channel HD and Fashion TV HD on channel 167, 179 and 180 respectively.
• April 15, 2012 – SkyCable launched Discovery Kids on Channel 120;[80] channel realignment: TLC on channel 62 and Thrill on channel 73.
• May 17, 2012 – SkyCable launched Unitel Classica HD on channel 181.
• July 15, 2012 – SkyCable launched ESPNews on channel 86, Goal TV 1 on channel 87, Goal TV 2 on channel 88 and Setanta Sports on channel 89.
• August 2, 2012 – SkyCable launched CCTV 4 on channel 92, CCTV 9 Documentary on channel 93, STAR Chinese Channel on channel 95, Da Ai on channel 96, Celestial Classic Movies on channel 97, tvN on channel 145, MBN on channel 146, Light TV 33 on channel 161 and ABP News on channel 152; channel realignment: Chinese Entertainment channel moved to channel 90, CCTV News moved to channel 91, STAR Plus moved to channel 155, EuroNews moved to channel 159 and STAR Chinese Movies moved to channel 94.
• October 1, 2012 – SkyCable conducted a test broadcast of Jeepney TV on channel 69 and launched Star Cricket on channel 103; channel realignment: NBA Premium TV moved to channel 72 and All Sports Network moved to channel 83.
• October 8, 2012 – SkyCable launched Food Network Asia on channel 68, CNN HD on channel 181, Food Network Asia HD on channel 182, Sundance Channel on channel 183, and CinemaWorld on channel 184.
• October 15, 2012 – SkyCable launched Preview Channel on channel 21.
• October 20, 2012 – SkyCable dropped Chase and replaced by JACK City.
• October 22, 2012 – SkyCable launched Jeepney TV on channel 69.
• October 30, 2012 – SkyCable dropped Talk TV and replaced by Solar News Channel.
• October 31, 2012 – SkyCable dropped GEM TV and replaced by INC TV.
• November 5, 2012 – SkyCable launched HBO Signature HD on channel 185 and HBO Family HD on channel 186.

Luneta Papal Mass attendees

• Noel and Duday Tuason, Carol Almazan, Pinky Antonio, Sunny Vergara, Linda Ley, Yen Guevara, Jane Sy, Norma Smith, Linda Yu, Dette Aquino-Tan, Li Eng, Freddie Yap

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