Multiply social platform to be scrapped by December

SOCIAL NETWORKING site Multiply, Inc. will be scrapping its photo sharing and blogging offerings by December to pave the way for its complete shift into e-commerce platform, a notice posted on its Web site showed.

"From Dec. 1, we will unfortunately no longer be able to support Multiply in its current form -- notably, we will be removing the social networking and content sharing part of Multiply (photos, videos, blogs, social messaging, etc.)," Stephan Magdalinski, Multiply's chief operating officer, told clients in a notice on the Web site.

"We have decided to discontinue providing and hosting these services, as we have concluded that other Internet sites who are committed to social networking services will do a better job serving you than we can," he added.

This comes as Multiply is eyeing to completely transform the site into an e-commerce portal.

"Multiply's mission has evolved over the past year and a half to become the biggest and most beloved e-commerce marketplace in two very exciting markets, Indonesia and the Philippines," the notice read.

"As our focus has shifted, we have reviewed all of our operations, and made some decisions that will affect everyone here."

Multiply also assured its users that it will be providing easy ways for them to either download their content, or migrate it to other online services.

"For our existing ecommerce users (both buyers and sellers) in Indonesia and the Philippines, there will be no action required," the notice read further.

The company in May 2010 formally signalled a shift to the e-commerce platform despite being successful as a social networking site, Rianna R. Trinidad, the company's marketing head, had said.

She, however, noted that e-commerce transactions in the Philippines were already seen even as early as 2006.

Since the new platform is still young, Jonathan R. Madrid, country manager of Multiply.com Philippines said bulk of the transactions are still offline or "face-to-face" arrangements.

To encourage customers to shift to online commerce, Mr. Madrid said the company would be offering more payment options.

Already, Multiply.com Philippines accepts over-the-counter deposits through Bank of the Philippines Islands and BDO Unibank, Inc. It also accepts payments through PayPal and G-Cash, the money transfer facility of Globe Telecom, Inc.

Luring customers to shift to its e-commerce platform is also necessary in generating additional revenues for the company.

Multiply currently has 250,000 merchants, of which 130,000 are from the Philippines, 70,000 of which are from Indonesia while the rest are in other parts of Southeast Asia. -- C.H.C. Venzon

https://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Corporate&title=Multiply-social-platform-to-be-scrapped-by-December&id=56576

Multiply.com quits social networking

Time to transfer those photos and videos.
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Mutliply.com announced on Thursday that it will stop its social networking functions in December, choosing to focus instead on its electronic commerce operations in Indonesia and the Philippines.

“From December 1st, we will unfortunately no longer be able to support Multiply in its current form - notably we will be removing the social networking and content sharing part of Multiply (photos, videos, blogs, social messaging, etc.),” Stefan Magdalinski, chief executive officer at Multiply Global, said in a statement posted on its website.
With the rise of Facebook as the dominant player in the social networking arena, Multiply had sought to differentiate itself from competitors by highlighting itself as the ‘social shopping’ hub for online marketers.

“For our existing users of social networking features, we will be providing easy ways for you to either download your stuff (photos, blogs, content, etc), or migrate it to other online services,” he noted, saying that they will announce the file migration details soon.

The eight-year-old service, which claimed to be the “biggest and beloved” e-commerce marketplace in Indonesia and the Philippines, will now focus on its e-commerce platform.

“Our singular focus now is for Multiply to retain its status as a vibrant e-commerce destination in Southeast Asia in the years ahead,” Magdalinski noted.

To gear up for the anticipated service transfer, Multiply launched last June its “Merchant Dashboard” that provides technology solutions to its online sellers.

The new feature provides detailed product listing, inventory management, and order tracking.

The website likewise put up a buyer protection program that aims to safeguard online shoppers from fraudulent merchants and scammers. 

Currently, about 130,000 Multiply users in the Philippines are involved with online selling. — TJD, GMA News

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/hashtag/content/269019/multiply-com-quits-social-networking/story/

Multiply.com quits social networking

Time to transfer those photos and videos.

Mutliply.com announced on Thursday that it will stop its social networking functions in December, choosing to focus instead on its electronic commerce operations in Indonesia and the Philippines.

“From December 1st, we will unfortunately no longer be able to support Multiply in its current form - notably we will be removing the social networking and content sharing part of Multiply (photos, videos, blogs, social messaging, etc.),” Stefan Magdalinski, chief executive officer at Multiply Global, said in a statement posted on its website.

With the rise of Facebook as the dominant player in the social networking arena, Multiply had sought to differentiate itself from competitors by highlighting itself as the ‘social shopping’ hub for online marketers.

“For our existing users of social networking features, we will be providing easy ways for you to either download your stuff (photos, blogs, content, etc), or migrate it to other online services,” he noted, saying that they will announce the file migration details soon.

The eight-year-old service, which claimed to be the “biggest and beloved” e-commerce marketplace in Indonesia and the Philippines, will now focus on its e-commerce platform.

“Our singular focus now is for Multiply to retain its status as a vibrant e-commerce destination in Southeast Asia in the years ahead,” Magdalinski noted.

To gear up for the anticipated service transfer, Multiply launched last June its “Merchant Dashboard” that provides technology solutions to its online sellers.

The new feature provides detailed product listing, inventory management, and order tracking.

The website likewise put up a buyer protection program that aims to safeguard online shoppers from fraudulent merchants and scammers. 

Currently, about 130,000 Multiply users in the Philippines are involved with online selling. — TJD, GMA News

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/hashtag/content/269019/multiply-com-quits-social-networking/story/

No fancy anthem singing, please

After the hoopla and all, we join our countrymen in rejoicing the third-round victory of Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao in his bout with Mexican boxer Eric Morales in Las Vegas, Nevada last Sunday. As we watched the match, beamed live all over the Philippines, we take pride with our countrymen in waving our Philippine flag inside the arena.

If his schedule pushes through, Pacquiao would arrive here by tomorrow. We should not begrudge our political leaders for organizing again a lavish "hero;s welcome" for Pacquiao. After all, Pacquiao is one of our "Champions for Life" awardees who was bestowed this title by President Arroyo earlier this year.

I don;t want to be the "let down voice" in these glorious moments over Pacquiao's victory. But enough is enough. In particular, will somebody put a stop in desecrating the singing of our national anthem "Lupang Hinirang." No matter how good the singer is, like Sarah Geronimo who sang it almost flawlessly before the fight of Pacquiao, I simply could not agree with the rather operatic rendition again and again of our national anthem. But not all those Filipinos inside the ring can hit such high notes as she can even as they can sing with gusto and identify with Pacquiao as a rallying idol.

Throughout my education in private and public schools, the singing of our National Anthem was the first thing that we did in the morning before classes and at the end of the day at 5 p.m. after classes. And that is why, I’m sure as everyone else is, we have been trained in our school to sing "Lupang Hinirang" in its four-fourth beat or tempo. I remember it was usually the music teacher or a designated student-leader who would lead the en masse singing to keep everyone in tune and in tempo.

I distinctly recall an incident at Malacañang Palace when former President Fidel V. Ramos blew his top during a formal gathering and the National Anthem was sung differently from the standard marching beat the way it should have been sung. A very angry Ramos had to ask his guests to sing it again with the proper tempo of our sacred hymn. The former President was not being chivalrous or dictatorial in demanding a take-two in singing the National Anthem. Although the singing of the Anthem during that gathering was melodious enough, the former President’s ears did not like the rendition that was completely different from the original arrangement of its music.

Our Philippine history books tell us it was the late Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, the first President of the Republic, who prompted the composition of our National Anthem to rally the nation against the continuing occupation of the Spanish colonizers. On June 5, 1898, he commissioned Julian Felipe, a Cavite pianist and composer, to work on a march for the Filipino revolutionary soldiers. Aguinaldo was not satisfied with just a marching song. Recognizing Felipe’s skills, he asked him to compose a more soul-rousing tune that would instill courage and patriotism in the hearts of every Filipino. Felipe supposedly worked on the assignment for six days and on June 11, sitting in front of a piano in the Aguinaldo living room in Kawit, played his music before the Presidente and his lieutenants. Named by Felipe the Marcha Filipino Magdalo (after Aguinaldo’s nom de guerre and his faction in the Katipunan), the music was adopted on the spot and renamed the Marcha Nacional Filipina (Philippine National March).

The national anthem was heard publicly for the first time on June 12, 1898, when, standing on the balcony of his Kawit mansion, Aguinaldo proclaimed Asia's first independent Republic before the cheering Filipino patriots. The "defiant" lyrics of the marching hymn were supplied by Jose Palma, a 23-year old soldier who was described as adept with the pen as he was with the sword. He wrote a poem entitled "Filipinas" and this was used as the fighting lyrics to the Felipe composition. And from then on, the anthem was readily taken by the Filipino nation.

But on March 23, 1901, the war with America ground to a halt with the capture of Aguinaldo in Palanan, Isabela. The American administrators discouraged the singing of the anthem. In the 1920s, Palma's original Spanish lyrics underwent several English and Tagalog translations. However, the most popular version was written by Mary A. Lane and Senator Camilo Osias, known as the "Philippine Hymn." On Dec. 5, 1938, the Philippine Congress passed Commonwealth Act 382, which made the anthem’s English words official. In 1956, a new version penned by the Surian ng Wikang Pambansa (Institute of National Language) was adopted. These are the official Filipino lyrics of "Lupang Hinirang" as we sing it today.

Based on these historical accounts, the Ramos administration aggressively pushed the passage of The Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines under Republic Act (RA) 8491 which he signed into law on Feb. 12, 1998. And specifically in Chapter II, Section 37 of RA 8491 as provided, and I quote: "The rendition of the National Anthem, whether played or sung, shall be in accordance with the musical arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe, in 2/4 beat when played; and within the range of 100 to 120 metronome in 4/4 beat when sang."

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

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 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.

So, all these fancy singing of "Lupang Hinirang" are really a violation of this law. 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. Perhaps, it is their way of showing their love of country. Singing it though in higher notes expose them to risk of being out of pitch and out of tune. And it also defeats the intention of encouraging all to sing the National Anthem.

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 the National Anthem.

The singing of our National Anthem is not only a patriotic duty but also a daily ritual for school children and perhaps for the men in uniform in the police and military camps. The civilian employees of the government, on the other hand, are only required to sing the National Anthem every Monday morning in flag-raising rites. These days, the only time I get to sing the National Anthem, except when I attend an official occasion, is when I watch the last full show in a movie house. But then again, I only get disappointed when they play the bastardized version of the National Anthem. Our government authorities should do something to correct such dishonor to the sacred hymn of our nation.

Multiply social shopping site is here to stay

When four tech whizzes from Boca Raton, Florida, got together to form content sharing website Multiply in 2003, they never thought their baby would become an e-commerce platform. But evolve they did because that was what the users wanted.

Now Multiply is a social shopping site teeming with entrepreneurs, selling myriad products and services, from trinkets to clothes to gadgets to cars. This model—a hybrid of e-commerce and social networking—may be here to stay, at least in the foreseeable future.

According to Multiply Inc. founder and chief executive Peter Pezaris, this social shopping model looked to be what subscribers wanted.

“If we’ll have a strategy shift, it won’t be soon,” he says in a recent Management Association of the Philippines conference, adding that the recent investment that global e-commerce leader Naspers Ltd. made in Multiply further cemented its positioning as a social e-commerce site.

At this point, he says the company would just be improving on the current model to ensure the satisfaction and delight of its more than 18 million registered users and more than 100,000 registered merchants worldwide.

Main difference

Unlike other e-commerce sites that just sold stuff and offered limited engagement among users, he says Multiply had more of a social element—true to the site’s original concept.

Pezaris relates that there were a number of other social shopping strategies, including group discounts or group buying as used by Groupon and outright selling via Facebook. The Multiply model, however, capitalizes on engagement, allowing buyers and sellers to interface more closely with each other.

“Engagement results in more transactions. On Multiply, there’s a lot of social interaction and conversations are public. Sellers actually talk to buyers, and buyers can learn from (the conversation threads),” he says.

Pezaris explains that Multiply recognizes it could not compete head-on with Facebook in the social networking space. This recognition, coupled with user feedback, helps prompt the shift in business model.

“To compete with Facebook, we had to raise a lot of money. We had six engineers, Facebook had more than 600, so it was really difficult. In 2009, we started to realize how much (selling) activity there was on the site,” he relates.

Philippines at the forefront

The Philippines was actually a huge factor in Multiply’s transformation into a social shopping site, Pezaris says.

When the company started to really scrutinize the traffic on the site, it was discovered that many of Multiply’s subscribers, the majority of whom came from the Philippines, used the site as a platform for business.

“Before, it was actually illegal to use Multiply to buy and sell, then we heard there was a lot of buying and selling on the site. But it was mostly anecdotal and we had no means of measuring such kind of traffic,” Pezaris relates.

“Then we started asking our users to register, and 50 percent of the registered Philippine users were sellers. That signaled our shift to e-commerce,” he further says.

These sellers, known collectively as Pinoy Multipreneurs, steered the multimillion-dollar company to the path it was now treading.

As a testament to its commitment to the Philippine market, Multiply partnered with ABS-CBN Interactive before eventually opening its own office in the country with its own staff and country manager.

The company also set up an office in Jakarta.

Moving forward, Pezaris says Multiply will continue to listen to what its customers want. The company would also be building for the future by keeping its service free to all merchants who want a storefront sans the hassle and the significant overhead.

“There will still be no charge for merchants. We’ll take the short-term loss to build for the future. These short-term losses will pay themselves back eventually,” Pezaris says. 

The company also commits to keep evolving—the very principle that allowed Multiply to be the success that it is now.

https://business.inquirer.net/22101/multiply-social-shopping-site-is-here-to-stay

Albert, Arum asked to appear at Manila court

The lawyer-president of the United Nations National Anthem Foundation has asked a Manila regional trial court judge to order Brazilian composer-arranger Morris Albert and his co-defendant Bob Arum, manager of world boxing champ Saranggani Rep. Manny Pacquiao, to bring the original copy of the “bastardized version” of the Philippine National Anthem before the court on May 20.

Lawyer Crisanto Soldevilla Cornejo filed on May 6 with Manila RTC Presiding Judge Dinnah Agulla-Topacio “A Supplemental and Reiterating Very Urgent Motion” for the issuance of a subpoena through the Brazilian embassy in Manila, directing Albert and Arum to appear in court at 2 p.m. on May 20.

In the two-page motion, Cornejo urged the court to direct Albert and Arum to answer the amended complaint together with the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas (KBP) and the other five defendants who bastardized and violated the country’s National Anthem, “Lupang Hinirang.” Cornejo also asked the court to resolve the motion to dismiss filed by the Office of the Solicitor General and the motion to cite in contempt of court the officers and counsel of KBP for misleading the court that 10,000 copies of the CD that five pop-singers bastardized were already in the custody of the National Library.

The KBP counsel earlier testified in court that 10,000 CDs were already deposited in the National Library. He called on the court to issue a subpoena duces tecum against Albert and Arum, who were mandated by the court to appear in the continuation of the trial of the case on May 20 and June 3.

He said Albert and Arum should show cause why they should not be cited in contempt of court or “as soon thereafter as the Court may schedule the trial dates addressed to the Office of the Brazilian ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Alcides Gastao Rostand Prates, Embassy of the Federative Republic of Brazil.

Bastardized version

Cornejo said he filed their latest motion on behalf of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, also named as a plaintiff in the case, which was included by the judge in the list of cases for Judicial Dispute Resolution.

Maria Serena Diokno, also the chairperson of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, was furnished a copy of the “very urgent motion.” The alleged “bastardized” version of Lupang Hinirang was sung by Martin Nievera at the start of the bout between Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 3, 2009.

In objecting to Nievera’s rendition of the Philippine National Anthem, the NHCP cited Section 37 of Republic Act No. 8491 (1998 Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines), which 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.”

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

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 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, and then finally ended on a sustained high note. The same law punishes failure or refusal to observe the provisions of the code with public censure, “which shall be published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation. The guilty person may be fined up to P5,000 or imprisoned for not more than a year, or “be meted with both penalties, at the discretion of the court.”

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

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

But Nievera has maintained he did nothing wrong, and he is unrepentant. He insisted he interpreted the song the way he “understood” it. The NHI has also slammed the performance by Sarah Geronimo, Lani Misalucha, and Bituin Escalante of “Lupang Hinirang” during the past boxing bouts of the number one pound-for-pound fighter in the world.

On October 4 last year, the House of Representatives approved House Bill No. 465 or “An Act Prescribing the Code of the National Flag, Anthem, Motto, Coat-of-Arms and Other Heraldic Items and Devices of the Philippines.”

Aside from the National Anthem, the bill also seeks to protect the Philippine flag and other heraldic items of the country.

Under the House-approved measure, a P 100,000 fine and two-year imprisonment await a performer who will deviate from the official musical arrangement of “Lupang Hinirang” as composed by Julian Felipe.

“Lupang Hinirang” should be sung in a marching-type tempo, within the range of 100 to 120 metronome, in 4/4 beat and 2/4 beat when played, the bill said.

Several popular singers, among them Journey’s Arnel Pineda, Martin Nievera, and the all-female group La Diva, had been criticized for their renditions of the country’s national anthem, both during the fights of Filipino boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao.

http://www.philstar.com/metro/684720/albert-arum-asked-appear-manila-court

Charice to sing anthem in Pacquiao-Mosley fight

Manny Pacquiao has chosen international singing sensation Charice to sing the national anthem in his May 7 fight against Shane Mosley at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

According to Pacquiao’s advisor, Michael Koncz, they talked to Charice in Los Angeles about singing “Lupang Hinirang.”

Charice, behind the hit single “Pyramid” and a returning guest of the TV hit show “Glee”, said she’s excited to sing before millions of boxing enthusiasts from around the world who are expected to watch the Pacquiao-Mosley fight.

Aside from the boxing match, the singing of the national anthem has always been the focus of attention and subsequent discussion.

Previous singers like Arnel Pineda and Martin Nievera were among those who faced stinging criticisms from the National Historical Institute for violation of Section 37, Chapter II of Republic Act No. 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines that states: “The rendition of the National Anthem, whether played or sung, shall be in accordance with the musical arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe.”

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

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 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.”

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.”

The law imposes a fine ranging from P 5,000 to P 20,000 and jail terms of up to one year, or both, for violators of its provisions.

Erring public officials and employees may face administrative sanctions besides the penalties imposed by law.

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

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

On October 4 last year, the House of Representatives approved House Bill No. 465 or “An Act Prescribing the Code of the National Flag, Anthem, Motto, Coat-of-Arms and Other Heraldic Items and Devices of the Philippines.”

Aside from the National Anthem, the bill also seeks to protect the Philippine flag and other heraldic items of the country.

Under the House-approved measure, a P 100,000 fine and two-year imprisonment await a performer who will deviate from the official musical arrangement of “Lupang Hinirang” as composed by Julian Felipe.

“Lupang Hinirang” should be sung in a marching-type tempo, within the range of 100 to 120 metronome, in 4/4 beat and 2/4 beat when played, the bill said. 

Several popular singers, among them Journey’s Arnel Pineda, Martin Nievera, and the all-female group La Diva had been criticized for their renditions of the country’s National Anthem, both during the fights of Filipino boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao. (Debbie Duraliza with reports from ABS-CBNNews.com)

Berkeley-trained Molina

Philippine Amateur Swimming Association (PASA) president Mark Joseph doesn't play favorites. He treats the athletes on the national swimming team equally. But Joseph will be the first to admit that the 5'8", 170-pound, 21-year-old Miguel Molina probably has the best chance to win a medal at the Asian Games or even the Olympics.

"He's the one I'm drum-beating for a medal in Beijing," says Joseph. "With three years to go, he is already ranked No. 15 in the world."

Joseph believes Molina could've bagged as many as seven gold medals in the last Southeast Asian (SEA) Games with the proper focus, direction and support. Still, Joseph isn't complaining. Molina, after all, hauled in three gold medals and a silver - in the process, setting four new Philippine records. And Joseph himself is new to the job, hardly warming his seat in less than a year as PASA president.

"He's growing up and he needs to face the realities of life," notes Joseph. "I'll try and parlay that into an Asian or Olympic medal. It won't be easy [but with] the right kind of support, he can do it."

At the moment, Joseph says Molina is concentrated on making a big splash in his final year as a varsity swimmer for the University of California at Berkeley. "He's in his last season as a senior," continues Joseph. "He's very busy and his coaches are kicking his ass. It's his swan song for Berkeley."

At the 2003 SEA Games in Vietnam, Molina captured two gold, two silver and three bronze medals. His harvest in the SEA Games in Manila last year wasn't as bountiful in terms of numbers, but was more productive in terms of quality.

Molina picked up his first gold medal in the last SEA Games with a clocking of 4:26.21 in the 400-meter individual medley, breaking Carlo Piccio's national record of 4:30.31 set in 2001. Ariski Parmadi of Indonesia was a distant second at 4:48.53. Then came his gold in the 200-meter individual medley as he timed in at 2:03.8, erasing his own national record of 2:04.68 established at the World Championships in Montreal last July. Runner-up Radamyos Matjiur of Thailand wasn't close at 2:07.12. Molina took a third gold medal by clocking 2:16.88 in the 200-meter breaststroke, resetting his own national record of 2:18.71. Vorrawuti Aumpiwan of Thailand was second at 2:17.56.

In the 200-meter freestyle, Molina settled for the silver medal with a time of 1:52.83, eclipsing his own national record of 1:52.89 set in 2003. Daniel Bego of Malaysia pocketed the gold by a fraction of a second at 1:52.67 and Bryan Tay Zhirong of Singapore took the bronze at 1:54.39.

"I think the SEA Games in Manila coinciding with my senior year in the NCAA definitely helped me to improve my times," says Molina. "Since it's my last year swimming for Berkeley, I've been training harder and also I now have more experience than I had in Vietnam. I think my failures in the last Olympics fueled me to swim harder in practice and make sure that my times would drop."

At the 2004 Athens Olympics, Molina went only as far as the heats in four events. A consolation was he placed second in his 200-meter breaststroke heat with a clocking of 2:19.19 and third in his 200-meter individual medley heat at 2:05.28.

Molina describes his Olympic experience as unforgettable.

"Being there was a great experience," he relates. "It was my first time in Greece and I loved sight-seeing after my competitions were done even though it was limited. Although I did not do as well as I personally thought I would, I enjoyed hanging out with the rest of the Philippine team in our apartments at the Olympic Village."

Molina failed to earn a medal at the 2002 Busan Asian Games even as he qualified for the finals in the 200-meter freestyle (fifth) and the 200-meter and 400-meter individual medleys (both sixth). To gain a medal at the Asian Games in Doha this year and at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 would be a dream come true for Molina.

Molina was born in Quezon City. He was only three years old when his parents Tomas and Mitos moved the family to Tokyo after they were contracted to teach at St. Mary's International School. It was in Tokyo where Molina learned to swim.

"I started swimming when I was in first grade, so I was around six years old," said Molina in an interview by Gretchen Kell found on the Berkeley Web site. "I don't know if there's any truth to this story, but apparently soon after I was born either my grandfather or my dad put me in the bathtub and I was floating, so I guess you could say I started early. No one else in my family swims. My parents are both runners and basketball players."

Even as Molina has lived most of his life outside the Philippines, he often visits home because his relatives, except for two aunts, are in the country. A sister, 18, is enrolled at Stanford University as a freshman.

Molina studied at St. Mary's for 12 years, was on the honor roll from Grade 9 to 12 and skippered the swimming varsity team for two years. He was a four time Swimmer of the Year at St. Mary's.

From St. Mary's, Molina chose to study in California after seriously considering the University of Minnesota and Northwestern University.

"My coach in Tokyo recommended swimming under coach Nort," says Molina. "I felt the other schools I was looking at didn't have the reputation that Berkeley had in Tokyo."

Since transferring to California in 2002-03, Molina has made waves in Berkeley and was described as the most versatile varsity swimmer during his junior season last year for posting a top-six time in six events, including second place in the 200-meter individual medley (his favorite event "because I have the most fun training for it and swimming it"), and gaining All-American honors.

On campus, a typical day for Molina begins with a 6 a.m. practice swim. After two hours, he goes back to the dorm to nap, relax, study or watch TV if there is no class schedule. Afternoon practice starts at 1 p.m. and extends to 4:30 p.m. Then he reports for class and has dinner at 7 p.m.

"When my workload is light, I just watch TV or surf the Internet," says Molina. "I usually try to get my homework done on the weekends. If I need to get it done on the weekdays, I do it after dinner. I try to go to bed by 9 p.m. but it ends up being after 10 p.m. sometimes. I want to get a good eight or nine hours of sleep to be prepared for practice the next morning."

It's a Spartan regimen for Molina but he knows working hard is the only way to get ahead in anything in life.

No doubt, Molina has become a more mature athlete with the experience of competing in the Olympics, two World Championships, an Asian Games, two SEA Games and the US NCAA. His poise and maturity were evident in the last SEA Games where he smashed four Philippine records on the way to collecting three gold medals and a silver.

Molina says he'll continue swimming competitively until he reaches his full potential. That could mean the sky's the limit for Molina as he prepares to go for gold in Doha and maybe even a medal for Beijing.

Celebrities may not renew contract with Bench

Star Magic is seriously considering not renewing the talents’s contract with Bench

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Zyrene consults NHCP over national anthem

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Babastos sa ‘Lupang Hinirang’ parurusahan

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

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

Sa ilalim ng panukala, pagmumultahin ng P100,000 at makukulong ng dalawang taon ang sinumang performer na lalayo sa official musical arrangement ng “Lupang Hinirang” na binuo ni Julian Felipe.

“Lupang Hinirang” should be sung in a marching-type tempo, within the range of 100 to 120 metronome, in 4/4 beat and 2/4 beat when played,” binigyang diin pa ng pangunahing may-akda ng panukala na si Sorsogon Rep. Salvador Escudero.

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

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

Pacquiao picks Zyrene to sing anthem

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But the anthem may be played during the following: international competitions where the Philippines is the host or has a representative; national and local sports competitions, during the “signing off” and “signing on” of radio broadcasting and television stations, before the initial and last screening of films and before the opening of theater performances; Provided, that the owners and management of the establishments shall be mandated to enforce proper decorum and implement the pertinent provisions of this act; and other occasions as may be allowed by the NHCP.

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

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

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

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

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

Article by JERUEL N. ROA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DOMSAT has affected local programming, but not adversely.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CCTV's "June 1" gets a new look

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

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

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

Mali na naman daw!

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

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

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

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

NHI mulls filing a case vs Arnel Pineda

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RA 8491 prescribes that any person who will violate its provisions may be punished by a fine of at least P20,000 or imprisonment of not more than one year.

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

Not alone

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

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

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

Mixed reactions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OSG: Stylized rendition of anthem violates law

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Arnel Pineda apologizes to NHI (Update)

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

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

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

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

And that's what Pineda did.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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