Philippine teen singing sensation, Charice Pempengco, 18, performed the Philippine national anthem “Lupang Hinirang” at the Quirino Grandstand near Manila Bay on Wednesday, June 30, 2010, for the Presidential inauguration of 15th Philippine president, Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.
Charice was under a lot of pressure to get the song just right because previous singers of “Lupang Hinirang” were heavily criticized for ruining or not staying true to the proper “original tempo” of the song.
Most notably criticized were those who sung Lupang Hinirang at Manny Pacquiao’s big boxing matches.
Lani Misalucha, Jennifer Bautista, Sarah Geronimo, Geneva Cruz , Karylle Tatlonghari, Arnel Pineda of Journey and Martin Nievera all performed Lupang Hinirang at Manny Pacquiao’s boxing matches and were criticized for straying away from the true tempo and melody of the Philippine national anthem.
Davao City councilor, Nilo Abellara, was extra critical of Sarah Geronimo’s performance of the anthem before the Pacquiao vs. Erik Morales III fight, he said it was “kundiman-like” (like a love song) and a bastardization of the national song.
Nilo filed a resolution reminding the people of how the national anthem should be sung. He told the public that the “proper” way to sing the Philippine anthem is mandated by Section 37 of Republic Act No. 8491 created in 1998 stating that a “rendition of the National Anthem, whether played or sung, shall be in accordance with the original musical arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe,” the anthem’s original composer. Singers who do not follow the rules and stray from the original arrangement of “Lupang Hinirang” can be fined P50,000 or be imprisoned for a year, or both.
BayanihanTayo readers what is your opinion of Charice Pempengco’s version of Lupang Hinirang? Share your comments.
Watch the Video below of Charice singing the Philippine national anthem at Quirino Grandstand.
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