Miguel Cotto has been floored twice and beaten up like a tenderized meat only to show on the last rounds of the fight what cycling skills can give to a boxer inside the ring especially when pursued ruthlessly by no less than Manny Pacquiao like a hungry lion running after a sumptuous meal. The streets of the Philippines were clear; government officials were spending taxpayers’ money on Vegas; Fr. Sinnott was earlier released for his abductors to watch without interruption the match dubbed as “Fire Power”. And of course some over-excited Pinoys held on to dear life at each brawling encounters until they breathe their last. At least 9 Pinoys died of heart attack watching the fight. Indeed Dana White of UFC is right, boxing is really a dangerous sport; even to those who are just watching from the comfort of their homes.
Well, it may be said that Pacquiao undoubtedly reigns inside the ring and into the annals of boxing history as the “greatest” of his time; Mommy Dionesia meanwhile tries to gain the upper hand by asking his superstar son to retire from the deadly sport lest she goes for a boob job early next year and do the unprecedented bold movie with Victor Woods entitled “Patikim ng Pac-Mommy.”
But an issue that never fails to surface after each fight of the Pacman like the never-ending sex scandals of celebrities to SEO enthusiasts’ delight; that not even a power punch or a stinging left hook could floor it down, is the singing of the national anthem before Pacquiao rushes in for a scientific multi-million brawl.
After the “Fire Power” Match, Ambeth Ocampo and the people of the National Historical Institute took the center stage to decry La Diva’s rendition of the national anthem saying they violated the law that instructs on how to sing properly the “Lupang Hinirang”. Furthermore, these ancient people who went out from the caves of Plato said that the trio exceeded the stipulated length of time the anthem should have been sung due to their altering of its melody from a marching song into a ballad punctuated by a high pitch note that reverberated up to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
How many times have we heard the howling of the people at NHI and even of some trying-to-be-patriotic legislators decrying the issue of bastardizing our national anthem by improperly singing it? Christian Bautista and Martin Nievera to name a few of the badly wounded singers.
There is no arguing that the National Anthem is very very important though some “emo” would argue that it will only stand next to Naruto and Green Day. It is a sign of our nationhood; it is the embodiment of our individual and collective aspirations, hopes and dreams.
However, I am already personally pissed off by these unending instances when agencies tend to police the singing of the National Anthem and only to bark after it, seemingly trying to show that our sense of patriotism is only limited to such an exercise. While other countries do not give so much big fuzz about their artists’ rendition of their national anthems – except when a celebrity uttered F**k! after singing their national anthem – as much as we make so much of an issue out of it here. It somehow then opens a little area where we can see that maybe we are not that yet so secured of our own patriotism that some severely relies on conforming to “how should it be sung” rather than savoring the moment of honor and unity and glory; the way little children savor the moment of eating an ice cream under the summer sun.
There is no problem with me abiding what is written in the book. But it is already over-bearing; it is pissing me off now. No other logical explanations for me. My barometer has passed the limit. Pissed off.
Then again as they say, it is the law.
Well, the next time Pacquiao brawls in Vegas maybe with Money Mayweather, how about April Boy Regino singing the national anthem? Or Mommy Dionesia? I heard she is having voice lessons in preparation for her upcoming music album. What about that!
Any thoughts guys? Do you agree with the people at the National Historical Institute or it is already time to unleash the vocal prowess of Mommy Dionesia to sing the national anthem next time around? Anyone for April Boy Regino?
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pinoygossipboy
3 months ago
After reading R.A. No. 8149 in toto and taking a look at the original Julian Felipe composition, I am of the opinion that the La Diva was in grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction in singing the National Anthem as prescribed by law.
Wherefore, premises considered, La Diva should be criminally liable for violating our laws, and if not, administratively liable at the very least.
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elmot
3 months ago
Wow, you really never fail to amaze me Bro with all your familiarity of the our laws.
Wawa naman ang La Diva, eheheh! They will have to sing in jail, ehehe!
But I think just like what happened to Martin, they will just be called and asked to explain.
pinoygossipboy
3 months ago
I heard the argument of the NHI. They are of the opinion that Martin Nievera has set the precedent for this case. La Diva should had been more cognizant in following the prescribed arrangement.
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elmot
3 months ago
But I guess La Diva should not bear all the weight of this issue since it is also their music arranger Danny Tan (am I right?) who made the arrangement of the national anthem for them to sing.
That incident with Martin should have taught our singers their lesson.
Jhay
3 months ago
I agree. Dura lex, sed lex. However, has there been any convictions or even a case that has been filed in court and prospered with R.A. No. 8149 in question?
Singers will continue to defile the National Anthem and violate the law as long as no one, the NHI in particular, files a suit.
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elmot
3 months ago
In this case, this law is really harsh and stiff. And the NHI will always come to bad light and have a weak case against these singers since no one is actually penalized.
sjsanjuan
3 months ago
You are referring to Republic Act No. 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Code. Republic Act No. 8149 is about giving Tagbilaran Broadcasting Company a franchise to operate.
FYI.
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elmot
3 months ago
HI SJ! Thanks for the comment. You are always welcome here on my blog
Wow, thanks for the correction too you pointed out on one of the commenter’s post…how a single number misplaced could truly spell out a great difference.
Dave Doolin | Website In A Weekend
3 months ago
You know, I have almost no idea what the hell you’re writing about… except that whiners are ubiquitous, the same everywhere, and the less important the issue, the louder they whine.
I think that’s what you’re writing about.
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elmot
3 months ago
HI Dave! Yeah, that is my impression too. Whiners tend to talk too much about issues that needs not to bother us anymore.
Though my post is basically a local issue here, I really appreciate you for getting a gist of my rants,
jan geronimo
3 months ago
There’s such a law? OMG. But that’s ridiculous!
pinoygossipboy
3 months ago
Yes, such law exists. It’s called Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines (R.A. 8491). It’s not all about the Anthem though. It also talks about the proper use of the Philippine flag, etc. Its purpose is to protect National Symbols, or something to that effect.
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elmot
3 months ago
You said the magic word Bro! Ridiculous indeed! So many lingering problems here and there and this is all that they are barking at…
As they say, it is the law and no excuses no one. Charter change now, include this one to be revisited and changed! LOL!
mizdi
3 months ago
im impressed of the way u wrote this article… luv the tone of it. straight to the point, with a sprinkling of humor here and there and overall you had Kept It Simple, not Stupid. Kudos!
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elmot
3 months ago
Thanks Mizdi for appreciating my post and the way I wrote it.
I never thought that I could still come up with a good post as this.
Love that last line: KISS (keep it simple stupid!) LOL!
Badong
3 months ago
hmm, I doubt Mommy D would be able to sing the anthem. malamang dun lang siya sa kwarto niya, full force na nagdadasal (with matching pasuntuk-suntok sa hangin). anywho, wala akong pakialam kung ano pa man ang pagkanta nila ng national anthem. just sing it with pride, dignity and passion, ok na sa akin. I really don’t get why they make such a big fuss about it. pero sabi mo nga, it’s the law.
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elmot
3 months ago
But Mommy Dionesia is now advancing her career, from movies into a recording album, LOL!
It is the law indeed, but they are just barking, what a lousy exercise of policing us on how to sing the national anthem. Anyone jailed? Nada.
Roy
3 months ago
I really don’t understand why these singers insist on singing the song in their own style. It’s not like a grandstanding performance could get them triple platinum or something.
It’s the national anthem and it’s covered by a law! Just imagine if anybody could just post the flag anyway they want to?
Yes, it’s indeed tiring to hear all these motions whenever supposed-to-be professional singers (means they can read notes, right?) sing the national anthem… that’s because, they never learn!
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elmot
3 months ago
I am pissed off already, hearing all over again…over and over again from the NHI that singers erred.
First, can’t the singers and arrangers coordinate with the NHI than do their stuff freely and only to be told they violated the law?
Or second, can’t the NHI check also on this before letting the singers belt out?
I don’t know…this is just too tiring to hear.
reyjr
3 months ago
I think it’s a weird law. But a law nonetheless. What I would prefer is for them to REVIEW THE G**MN LAW because laws can be changed. And that’s who’s job? :p
In the choir, we used to sing a wonderful wonderful arrangement of the Philippine National Anthem by National Artist for Music, the late Maestro Lucio San Pedro, but because of the LAW, we couldn’t anymore.
If the intention of the law is to retain the grandeur of the original arrangement of the anthem, I guess it is achieving it’s purpose. But threatening jail time for those who wish to perform it differently may be too much…
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pinoygossipboy
3 months ago
Yes, I get your point. But to reiterate, Dura lex sed lex. The law may be harsh, but it is still the law. I believe that there is wisdom behind the law when our forefathers (feeling American?) made that law.
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elmot
3 months ago
And take note Bro, so many of our laws are not updated that cannot almost fit the present situations.
I want for that law to be revisited and changed. Damn, everytime I am to sing the national anthem I would always be weary of the threat of being jailed.
Yep, I have heard that arrangement and it is indeed really beautiful. But many beautiful things are kept in the dark. The intention of keeping faithful to how it should be sung however suppresses the grandeur and glory and pride of singing it that comes from a spontaneous outflow of love of country.
jan geronimo
3 months ago
Rey said, “So although the law prevents the National Anthem to be “bastardized” by pop singers, it also prevents these worthy arrangements to be performed in public.”
Well said, Rey.
And just because it’s the law doesn’t necessarily follow it’s fair and just and borne out of enlightened minds.
Governments with the whole intricate laws behind them can even be brought to heel – toppled if you will. What more a knee-jerk law?
Indeed it’s the law, but it’s stupid and oppressive. What now, even flag burning is illegal, this being a symbol of our nation?
Martin Nievera et al has been ridiculed in the media, blogs, etc. And honestyly, they have it coming to them. But that’s as far as it should go. Let it rest.
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Jena Isle
3 months ago
I’m surprised when these singers sing it with so much “kaartehan” kasi. Why don’t they just sing it as it should be sang? Bakir kelangan pang makita ang pinakamataas na pitch na kaya nilang maabot?
I agree with you on what you have just said, but por santo naman kasi. Napasimpleng kanta, bakit di na lang kantahin ng diretso. Baka mas tama pa ang pagkanta ng mga grade 6 pupil diyan. Dapat sila ang pakantahin doon.
Just venting off too, Elmot…he he he…I vote for the grade-schoolers to sing the song next time.
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reyjr
3 months ago
It’s a matter of taste I suppose. Nope, I am not commenting on how The Divas sang it. (I choose to keep my peace about it lol). And yes, I agree that the law still stands. And by all means should be followed.
Some comments though:
1. If NHI is serious about this, then they should file a case NOW. Get someone in jail.
2. I can relate this to corporate branding standards. Companies have rules on how to use their logos, which color, what background, what angle, what texture, and everything else in between. I can imagine that is also part of the reason why they would impose such a law. But again, my personal opinion is that the law is too strict and too stifling for artistic interpretation.
In the past, I’ve heard our National Anthem played wonderfully on 2 acoustic guitars (i don’t think you can qualify that as a “marching tempo”), rearranged to be more dramatic with key changes and tempo changes – beautiful arrangements worthy of national pride me thinks.
So although the law prevents the National Anthem to be “bastardized” by pop singers, it also prevents these worthy arrangements to be performed in public. What of that?
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elmot
3 months ago
Indeed, if they are dead serious about it, then someone should be jailed; what is the use of the law then and the all the howling against those who violated it.
But I will totally agree with you: the law is too stifling (even stipulating the length of the song; how long should it be sung) that it leaves no room for creativity that could surely add up to our sense of national pride. And we have lots of artist oozing with unmatched creativity here in our own backyard.
Since no one is receiving a case filed against them, no one is fine or jailed; these pronouncements of NHI will only weaken their case and put them unfortunately in the bad light.
elmot
3 months ago
@Mam Jena: In fairness to La Diva, they just sung the arrangement made for them by one renown Pinoy music composer and arranger (I forgot the name, hehehe).
And this composer/music arranger actually said that as far as he is concerned, he did not violate any laws or arranged the national anthem in such a way that it degrades it or disrespects it.
But anyhow, the NHI has spoken.
Grade 6 pupils? Go, go, go! LOL! Well, grade 6 pupils are more obedient than some artists and celebrities, wink
Jena Isle
3 months ago
Hi Elmot, anak…he he he
This is the first time that I disagree with you. I don’t like how they sang it in three different voices; perhaps I’m not really an expert in music, that’s why. Rey is the expert judge on this.
But I like the simple interpretation. First and second voices should have been fine with me. lol
Let the artists be ingenious with other songs, instead.
GTG, baka, di na ako makapsok dito sa bahay mo, next time…lol…
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elmot
3 months ago
No problem Mam. Disagreement on which is the more beautiful rendition either as a duet, trio or a choral is a personal judgment in terms of our individual taste.
Naku, kayo pa, you are always welcome here. ehehhe
Maybe the next time Manny fights in Vegas, Rey should do the singing of the national anthem?
reyjr
3 months ago
They should stop bitching around and file a case. bow.
Haha, you give me too much credit. Just get Christian Bautista to sing it. But get someone to hold the lyrics up for him on a manila paper. ;p
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Reel Advice
3 months ago
I think the NHI is ridiculous. There are a lot more things to bitch about than the singing of our National Anthem. Someone should revise the law as it is not being implemented well in the first place. As long as it sounds like the Lupang Hinirang I am fine with it.
I think the NHI is doing this just to garner some attention.
elmot
3 months ago
I think they can’t bitch around that much on some others issues, only those that concern things that concern history and so on…including this one. Without bitching about these kinds of stuff, they are not therefore necessarily needed to work in the government.
darbs
3 months ago
There is a law in the Philippines regarding the right way to sing the National Anthem.
Follow the law! – as simple as that. If you could not follow the law then lobby to congress to scrap the law once and for all.
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elmot
2 weeks ago
Hehehehe…simpleng batas pero so far nakapahirap sundin…
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kamotechunks
2 weeks ago
imagine pac-mom singing the national anthem on a pac fight.. very disturbing. lol
elmot
2 weeks ago
Hahaha! Pac-mama Dionesia, darn! That could be the day dude eheheh! Maybe that also could be the ultimate reason to swear in my allegiance to singing the Star Spangled Banner? LOL!
I am very glad that you are back here para makipagkwentuhan ehehehe!
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