Saturday, May 16, 2009

What's wrong with the Philippine National Anthem?

I know this is kind of late but I can't help but ask. Why do Filipino singers have the habit of changing the musical arrangement of the Philippine National Anthem especially when they're singing in a boxing arena? Is there really something wrong with our National Anthem that our great performers can't help but tweak it?

Martin Nievera, the Philippine's concert king, went under fire after tweaking parts of the Lupang Hinirang during the Pacquio-Hatton bout in Las Vegas. He's now facing possible charges for violating R.A. 8491 which prohibits anyone from singing the national anthem in a different rhythm and melody. The law specifies that Lupang Hinirang "shall be in accordance with the musical arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe."

No, Martin was not the first one who has done this. In fact, there've been many others way before him who have slaughtered, even decapitated Lupang Hinirang in more ways than one. Remember when singer Christian Bautista skipped a few good lines of the national anthem? It wasn't intentional though. He forgot the lyrics! Sigh.

Honestly I wasn't THAT disappointed nor infuriated by Martin's rendition of the national anthem because I've seen worse by Geneva Cruz, Charize Pempengco, Christian Bautista and many more. They all have good vocal prowess, yes, but Lupang Hinirang is not about that. It's not like any song that an artist could just tweak and make it his own. Lupang Hinirang is not to be altered. That's what the law says. Why alter the tempo and the melody? Doesn't it sound good in its original arrangement? The late great composer Julian Felipe would be flipping in his grave.

Martin did great in singing the middle part in a marching tempo but the beginning and end parts were his own and that caused the outrage.



Glad I found this video by the Himig Singers. This is how Lupang Hinirang should be sung. Isn't this what they're teaching us in school? Compare the two videos.

14 comments:

  1. oh, i did not know about this, thanks for sharing. maybe, they tend to think of showing off their originality and vocal prowess?

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  2. I can not say I know anything about the Filipino anthem, but maybe they are trying to show their talents. I would think though, they might be asked not to do that. I was wondering why your entrecard widget always says thanks, even though I have not been able to drop on it.

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  3. bethai % melissa: that's exactly what's wrong.those singers may have wanted to show off their originality and vocal prowess.but it's not their song nor were they having a concert.it's the Philippine Anthem they were singing and they,as the law says,should stick to the original arrangement.a lot of Lupang Hinirang bloopers are now in YouTube and it's really sad.For most of us,Filipinos,it's really disappointing.

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  4. melissa:thanks for informing me about my widget.i don't know either.i'll try to ask around the forums.

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  5. They are probably trying to demonstrate their skill. It seems to me, if it is illegal, it is a foolish way to demonstrate your singing skill.

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  6. I am for how it should be sung. Singers should know when and where to show off their prowess, and when to really adhere to the law.

    In my opinion, none would react that much if he sung an ordinary song. Just like me, I may be strict and old fashioned but I just want it (Our National Anthem) to be treated as part of our cultural heritage.

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  7. These singers just wanted to show off. The good thing about this controversy is, I now know that there's a law prohibiting anyone from singing the national anthem in a different rhythm and melody, hehehe.

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  8. Hi, I read through several of your blog post -- very interesting writing. I enjoy your blog.

    Thank you for visiting my blog: overthetopaprons.blogsot.com and leaving a comment - I do appreciate it!

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  9. I think when it comes to something like a national anthem they really shouldn't change the song. That is kind of disrespectful.

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  10. You're right, previous performances by other singers have deviated from the real tune and beat way more than Martin Nievera. I don't get why he's getting all the blame. I like the middle part of his rendition. It actually sounded like a march, which is how it should be. Too bad he had give it a twist at the end.

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  11. Hello,

    There's nothing wrong with our national anthem. It's so good. It's just that our singers wanted to brag about their singing, I mean shouting, in front of the spectators.

    Have a nice day!

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  12. Thanks for visiting my blog. I can see where those 'complaining' are coming from but like you mentioned here, he's not the only one who sang our natl anthem 'differently' so why is he getting all the grunt? Singers here in the US singing the Natl anthem in sports events also have their own way of interpreting it...pataasan at pahabaan ng hininga but I don't think they've been subjected to what Martin is being subjected now [or is it over na?].

    Anyway, you have some great reads here. I'll be 'buck' sabi nga ni Governator Arnold....

    TC...enjoy the weekend.

    J

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  13. hi, ya'll!thanks for leaving your comments.

    pinayWAHM: the issue has died out already,at least in the media. alam mo naman here,hanggang ingay lang then eventually matatabunan din ng ibang issue.the hottest now is the hayden-katrina scandal but i'm sure it'll die down too in a few.only, this time sana we'll achieve something good out of all the hullabaloos.

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  14. oh! i have seen martin's rendition of our national anthem at hayton-pacquiao bout. i do no understand it either why would they changed the tempo much more the lyrics..its down right outrageous!

    it a marching tempo and befitted the lyrics. we know these singers can sing, for cryiong out lous most filipinos can sing but that doesn't give them any right to alter the national anthem.

    sorry,got carried away!

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