‘Lupang Hinirang’ row

MANILA – The version of “Lupang HInirang,” the Philippine national anthem sang by popular singer Martin Nievera, during the Pacquiao-Hatton fight in Las Vegas May 2 is drawing endless mixed reactions from various sectors of the community even as Malacanang and boxing champion Manny Pacquiao said he liked it.

Multi-awarded singer composer Ryan Cayabyab said Nievera “could be crucified? for what he did.” He went on to say that singing the national anthem has a standard tune.

Entertainment fan Rudolph Alama said Nievera is one of his idols as far as music is concerned being one of the country’s top balladeers.

“However, I just don’t agree how he sang Lupang Hinirang at the Pacquiao-Hatton fight, although he did a super helluva kind of job.”
But the law specifically states the right kind of marching tempo for the Lupang Hinirang, even his Philippine flag earpiece was a violation of the flag law,” Alama said.

Alama suggests that we amend Republic Act 8491 since we often see American artists coming with their different intepretations of the Star Spangled Banner (there’s a soul version, a RnB version and a rock version).

The mother of international singing sensation Charice criticized the National Historical Institute (NHI) for dragging the name of her daughter into the issue of proper rendition of “Lupang Hinirang.”

Kasi kung tutuusin, hindi naman sa sinisilip ko, pero mas madami ang kumanta ng mas palpak. Hindi naman palpak si Charice. Ang ginawa niya lang ay tinaasan niya lang at saka bumagal ng konti pero wala siyang palpak doon sa kinanta niya unlike doon sa kumanta na pumiyok pa,” Racquel Pempengco said.

Charice, dubbed as the “most talented girl in the world” by popular US television host Oprah Winfrey, sang the country’s national anthem during the “Myx Mo” concert last year.

Following her performance, the pint-sized singer received an e-mail from the NHI reprimanding her purportedly because her singing of “Lupang Hinirang” was incorrect.

“I suggest that artists who want to interpret the Lupang Hinirang must audition their piece first before the National Historical Institute which will have the discretion to approve or disapprove it,” Alama said.

In Republic Act No. 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines of 1998, the national anthem is “Lupang Hinirang. However, it is known to many Filipinos simply as Bayang Magiliw (“beloved country”), from the first line of the anthem.

R.A. 8491 specifies that Lupang Hinirang “shall be in accordance with the musical arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe.”
However, when literally followed, this means that the national anthem should only be performed by a pianist or by a brass band, as these were the only versions that were produced by Julian Felipe.

Moreover, because the original version was composed in duple time (i.e. in a time signature of 2/4) as compared to the present quadruple time (4/4), it is uncertain if this will either slow down or even double the music’s speed, making it difficult for singers to keep up with the music. Regardless of this, the national anthem is still sung with the lyrics.

R.A. 8491 also states that Lupang Hinirang “shall always be sung in the national language within or without the country,” which would exclude English, Spanish, and all other regional languages.

However, the English and original Spanish texts are recognized as the canonical lyrics to the national anthem in those languages.
The National Anthem is usually played during public gatherings in the Philippines or in foreign countries where the Filipino audience is sizeable. R.A. 8491 prohibits its playing or singing for mere recreation, amusement, or entertainment except during the following occasions.
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