Violations are rampant as regards respect for the flag and anthem but nobody is ever held accountable. Yan ang pinoy!

I am not pleased that every time there is a singer singing the way they feel how to sing the national anthem … all authorities has something to say.

If they can’t do something about it or do measures to prevent recurrence, just shut-up!

For me, its a bigger issue that the number of Filipinos not knowing how to sing the National Anthem with correct lyrics & notes…very alarming!

I don’t know what’s with this country…
I believe R.P. stands for Republic of “Pelikula” would you agree? Or “Papogi” or “Porma”…the words that it may connote is endless….

Shame on you Rep. Hontiveros…. Akala ko isa kang makabayan yon pala isa ka rin makabanyaga. Pambansang awit di mo pa maipaglaban ng tama. Ipagpapalit mo lang sa para sa artistic na rendisyon ng atin pambansa awit. Ang pakakaalam ko bilang isang mamayang Pilipino ay ANG PAG-AWIT PAMBANSANG AWIT AY DAPAT AY NAAAYON SA ITINAKDA NG BATAS BILANG PAGGALANG SA MGA LUMIKHA AT SUMULAT NITO.MAGING PUBLIKO O PRIBADONG OKASYON DITO LANG NATIN MAIIPAKITA ANG ATIN PAGIGING ISANG PILIPINO SA BUONG MUNDO. MAG-ISIP-ISIP KA MUNA BAGO KA SUMAWSAW AKMERIKA REP.HONTIVEROS

Who designed the Philippine Flag anyway? Who decided on the design for all Filipinos? Were all different tribes and indigenous people consulted? What about the highlanders? The moros? The lumads? The Flag was designed by Imperial Manila imposed on all Filipinos. I think it’s about time we redisgned our Flag after consultation from the different sectors, tribes, indigenous people of the country. Malas naman ang Flag natin, di na tayo nagkaroon ng magandang ekonomiya, no. 1 pa tayo sa corruption, dapat lang na palitan natin ang design ng Flag at magkaroon tayo ng pagbabago, magsimula man lang sa pagbabago sa Flag at sa National Anthem.

With all due respect to Martin Nievera as a performer, in my opinion the national anthem must never be re-arranged or modified. It’s like attempting to rewrite history.

I’ve seen the replay of the fight half a dozen times already, and I still get goosebumps listening to Martin Nievera’s version of the national anthem. I was truly proud to be a Filipino because of Pacquiao’s victory, and hearing Mr. Nievera’s anthem was the best introduction one could have imagined. It’s the best rendition I’ve ever heard sung at a sporting event, and I’d encourage other singers to put their own signature on the song, as long as it is respectful and inspires national pride.

To the NHI and Mr. Ocampo - I’m sure you have better and most useful things to work on than to nitpick about how long and at what pace the national anthem should be sung! Watching you on TV last night talking about it in all your seriousness actually made me laugh.

Here are some worthier projects to keep you busy:

1. Update the national history books being used to teach our elementary to college students. Make sure you “guard” against spelling and grammatical errors while you’re at it. Don’t tell me this is CHED’s or DEPED’s job. Work with them because you’re the supposed guardians of national history.

2. Refurbish, expand, and promote our museums so people can start visiting them again, learn more and have a deeper appreciation about the country’s history and heritage, and promote them to tourists as “can’t miss” stops when they visit the Philippines.

3. I’d suggest a third project, but I think the first 2 will be enough to keep your hands full. You do both well, and I’ll have a deeper appreciation for the NHI.

martin sang the national anthem beautifully - in his own personal way of expressing the words from his patriotic heart. almost any song that martin sings turns out to be more beautiful than the original.
i find nothing wrong with martin applying his own style. our anthem has been sang in various ways on different occassions whether in acapela, chorus, or solo. no one complained really.
perhaps some people bet on hatton, lost and got bitter. maybe. the fever will soon die down and so will the disappointments of those who took the road of less value.

i would be more proud (as a filipino) with the way martin interpreted the song more than i would if i listened to probably SSKPil or Ocampo singing.

if we are to become fundamentalist with Section 37 of the Republic Act No. 849, martin might as well sung La La La La La because when julian felipe made the march song, there was no lyrics to it.

since it was first written, a lot of revisions came to it:

first, the inclusion of the spanish poem as its lyrics.

then the beat was changed to 4/4 to facilitate the singing of it. (1920)

then the key was changed from C major to G.

then the lyrics was changed from spanish to english. (1920’s)

it wasnt even until 1938 when it became official.

a number of tagalog versions appeared, was used, revised until it became the national anthem only in 1948 as “O Sintang Lupa”. even ocampo knows a lot has been lost in translation from the original “Filipinas”.

i think one of the most imporant part of the said provision specifies that the singing must be done with fervor. martin accomplished that and more - he made me proud as a filipino with the message came across well drowning the noise of the potential hooligans present at MGM.

O.A. namang masyado giving more importance on singing our anthem samantalang bulok naman ang sistema, mahilig lang talaga pinoy sa tsismis kaya laging gustong napag uusapan at gumagawa ng pag uusapan. why dont they just do their job at unahin yung mga sobrang batas na hindi naman kayang i implement, lets face it, palakasan parin sa pinas, at kung sinong mapag initan, malas mo lang. tama ba Mr. Failon?

i’ve always dreamed of fighting for my country, with rifle in hand, advancing towards the enemy and singing the national anthem in it’s purest form - in time with how the original composition was. march time, with my heart pounding with the beat of the drums. the way nievera sang the anthem is not the way i want to go and fight. i have read nievera’s explanation and accept it. i don’t necessarily agree with it but i accept it. i suggest that the NHI impose the RA on how to sing the national anthem in the strictest possible way and provide guidelines that everyone should follow. artists should not take any liberty when playing or singing the national anthem.

its the fault of the NHI!!!they know it beforehand that Martin was going to sing the national Anthem,why not find ways to contact him or sent him the proper notes,as in the case also of the previous singers.NHI will just came out after the mistake was committed.If the NHI is doing their JOB they could have Prevented the mess to happen in the first place!!!So,next time Manny P will fight,remind them that the designated singer should coordinate your office first and foremost!!!

It’s always artists having problems with the authority! And the so-called authorities are loath to admit that they are eternally, pathetically dependent on artists to make themselves look good and promote themselves to the people. It’s about time we recognize, nurture, and uphold the power of art in its role in nation-building. Let us differentiate a well-done piece of work from a badly, tastelessly sung anthem. If the tune is alright, and the words are correct, then give the artist a pat on the back and let it go. It inspired pride and patriotism enough. Focus on bigger things!

It is unfortunate that Filipinos always tend to make a mountain out of a molehill. Needless to say, most would want to grandstand in anyway they can. Perhaps this is what the NHI wants to do. While Filipinos criticize the way Martin sang our National Anthem, it is ironic that the Americans Loved Charice’s rendition of the Star Spangled Banner during the opening of the LA Dodgers game and to think Charice is not even an American….a simple case of Filipino crab mentality. No wonder we are a poor nation.

Martin did not break any Philippine law. Its like this, you kill a co-OFW or your employer abroad, certainly no judge here can hang you. In the US, Martin has all the bill of rights to allow him to be famous there. High time we adopt our old ways with the footsteps of time. First step is to change all those people at the NHI with our younger ones.

If anyone should be reprimanded, it should be the NHI for not dessimating the law properly. Have they informed all industries and the general public about the law? NHI wants to punish Martin for showing the NHI logo over GMA tv. Hello, does Martin have control over that? They should go after GMA. If NHI wants to be strick about it, they should just require an authorized tape version played everytime. But one thing for sure, it will make a lot of Filipinos lose their national identity and respect for the anthem. Thank you Martin, your rendition has made me proud to be a Filipino once again!! MABUHAY ANG PILIPINAS, MABUHAY ANG FILIPINO

Before I watched the delayed telecast of the fight online, I already read in a news article that there was an issue regarding how Martin Nievera sang the National Anthem. I thought the lyrics was wrong so I searched for it and watched it. When I saw it, this is the only time I felt chills down my spine I cried. I heared so many artist singing the national anthem but this is one of the best.

The lawmakers, instead of spending your time looking into this, our fellow citizens are dying of hunger, being beaten by typhoon and so on and so forth, you should be ashamed. I agree with the bishop from Pagasinan (?)… instead of looking into this, why don’t you investigate your fellow lawmakers (quite a few) that went to Las Vegas to watch the game. I could raise a lot of issues that you all should look into, for example, CARPER. I wonder why you people are being elected in that very important seat.

Then, as this issues always come up, then we have to revise the law regarding it. DO you know how ashamed I am with our fellow filipinos here abroad because they cannot even sing the National Anthem or say the Panatang Makabayan or Panunumpa sa Watawat ng Pilipinas? What are you going to do about this?

What is important I think is that, the person who is singing and going to sing the NAtional ANthem, put it into their hearts, because that is the only way they will be to affect the listener, how it feels to be a Filipino. Manny didn’t mind Martin singing it that way.

It doesn’t mean we disrespect our heritage, this only shows how we appreciate what they have given us. They hoped for freedom and now that we have it, why this issue?

I never cease to be amazed at the amount of time Filipino politicians waste on trivial matters. I have watched Martin Nivera’s singing of Lupang Hinirang, and I think it was wonderful. For someone like me who is working in another country, hearing the song actually gives me such a wonderful feeling and reminds me of the Filipinos’ potential for greatness. There is so much message in that one single song. Now, this petty politician comes along to ruin everything and reminded me again of all the bad things about the Philippines. Sure, the tune and score was a bit altered, but the message and feeling is the same. It would probably be logical for them to “complain” if, say, the song was sung in rap or head-banging rock-and-roll whose intentions are completely distorted. I hope politicians can keep a good perspective of things.

And about the mentioned disappointments at the failure to handle Philippine symbols (e.g. the flag) - well, they are as much as product of the Philippine “way of life” as the Philippines’ politics is; and the nation has only itself to blame.

I also did not particularly like the tone when Pacquiao was being compared to the national heroes. That was completely out of line. I’m sorry to tell you that Pacquiao and all the Filipinos in the stands that are supporting the country are as great as Dr. Jose Rizal and all our past heroes, and as great as each street child in the roads of Manila. It is, after all, “the people that make up a nation” as Manuel Quezon once put it. It would be good if you stop thinking that the individual heroes of the past, and the symbols they created, are what defines us as a nation.

To those “complaining,” I suggest that you just sit back and revel in the fact that the Philippines has something to be proud of again. That you are witnessing a new breed of heroes, in the form of its people, making the country greater than it was yesterday.

for me ok lang ang pagka-awit ni Mr.Martin
ng Lupang Hinirang actually natuwa ako ng inawit n’ya ito sa sarili n’yang version.
Nandun pa rin naman ang paggalang and I’d think he just sang it happily and with all his heart.And naramdaman ko rin naman…and one thing lahat tayo my karapatan na awitin ito sa paraang kaya’t alam natin…basta isinasapuso natin ito bilang isang Pilipino…Ang pangit nga lang sa pinoy ang sulatan pati bandera ng Pilipinas dun ko nakita na hindi tamang gawin pa ang ganon.
unti-unti na nga nawawala ang respect ng mga pinoy sa ating bandila…

you people in the SSKPhil sound like fascists but I bet your lefties

Ang makahulugan siguro ay naiawit ito ng maayos at may paggalang sa atin pambansang bandila at para sa mga magtutuligsa bakit di nyo tuligsain ang pamamlakad ni gloria arroyo sa ating kawawang bansa ( puro pagnanakaw at katiwalian na pamumuno ni gloria arroyo na huwad na pangulo ng ating bansa)

Whoever this Ambeth Ocampo is doesn’t know a thing about music. Her musical repertoire is perhaps limited to “leron leron sinta” or “pan mo linawen”.

Promdi’s please stay home. We don’t need your stupid comments!

It is funny. There are the Filipinos who say theyare proud of being Filipino. Butat the same time, they agree that some people who think they are superstars above anything, us, miuse, alter what are the original and official matters representing the Philippines.
Nievera has to respect that anywhere in the world national anthems have to be performed in the original, official form.
And Mannyhas also to respect the Philippine flag, it something that reresents his country. Saying that he is boxing for the honor of RP is blasphemy, he boxes formoney and nothing else. Thinking of entering politics, maybe he sees him already as President. He showed that he has not much respect of laws and constitution, as he shoed before that he has not much respect of contracts. Not a character that would make a honorablrolitico. He should know the difference between serving country and constituents and the not so honest professional “sports”

The National Anthem is composed by Julian Felipe. During 1998 Congress passed a law protecting The National Anthem and our National symbols. FYI it was hailed by all.

Now that the law is being applied and applied fairly, which is supposed to be, how come most filipino is reacting negatively.

Ginagawa po ng NHI ang kanilang trabaho kaya’t dapat natin itong ipagmapuri dahil pinoprotektahan nila ang ating Pambasang awit, hindi awit na kung ano, kundi ang “Pambansang Awit ng Pilipino”

Tama lamang po na tawagin ang Pansin ni G. M. Nievera.

Here we go again.
Critics pretending to be patriotics.
Tell you what.
Singing the national anthem, Bayang Magiliw as they say, in foreign land, in the ears of foreigners seen all over the world is already a patriotic act.
Much more, if the Philippine flag is waved while Martin Nievera was singing is already hair straightening experience.
Respect to the flag was given by foreigners especially when Manny Pacquiao dethroned that brit Hatton.

What kind of respect more you want.
And what heroes are you talking about. Those heroes are all history.
My advice to these pretenders… Recite Panatang Makabayan especially the end… Sa isip, sa salita at sa gawa.
Gumawa kayo ng patriotic act wag sa isip o salita lang kundi sa gawa.

Sheez give Martin a break !! HISTORY !! What ! are you guys crazy or too educated !!
Did HE by any chance ruined the WORDS !! Last time I listened to it there’s nothing wrong with it !! Danm that one of the best rendition !!
I saw GO Martin !!

Patawarin mo po sila, hindi nila alam ang batas at panuntunan ukol sa ating Pambansang Watawat at Pambansang Awit! Marami kasi ni hindi nga kayang sumunod sa simpleng batas trapiko.

Ngunit mabuti ang sagutan ng mga kuro-kuro ukol dito, malusog ito sa para sa isang demokrasya. Ang hindi nga lang maganda, ang gawing personal ang pagbatikos sa mga nagbibigay ng kanilang opinyon, hal: promdi ba si G. Ambeth? Kapatid, kulang ka lang seguro sa kaalaman, magsaliksik ka. Sana dagdagan natin ang paggalang kahit sa mga may pinag-aralan.

Maiba ako, Pilipino ba si Martin? Inawit kasi niya ang Pambansang Awit hindi para sa kanyang sarili, ni hindi para kay Manny Pacquiao, kundi para sa bayang Pilipinas!

Kawawa naman tayong mga Pilipino kung kasikatan lang ang batayan ng ating pagmamahal sa bayan!

What the NHI is doing is what they are tasked to do because that is what the law states.

and with regards to the Panatang Makabayan reaction…

correct me if I’m wrong. I suppose that, following the law is a great and noble act of practicing that last line “sa isip sa salita at sa gawa.”

Just to reiterate…

There is nothing wrong with Martin singing the National Anthem in Foreign land, what the NHI is pointing and insisting is that, the arrangement should be how Julian Felipe created it.

Tunay po na dapat nating ipagmalaki ang ang ating Pambansang Awit, na inawit ng ating tanyag na kababayan sa araw ng tagumpay ng isang magiting na Pilipino, ngunit tila mali ang pagkakaawit nito. Tila nagpapaimpluwensya tayo sa mga gawang banyaga gayong ang pagkakaayos ng Pambansang awit ay nito ay Pilipinong pilipino.

There’s nothing to argue about being proud to be filipino, and for crying it out loud, but its a bit odd to say it as if we are trying hard.

“AKO AY PILIPINO” and AKOW AY FILIPINOW (with american twang)
Both proclaiming the same favor but you judge… ano ang trying hard?

The same with the National Anthem, It is Lupang Hinirang arranged composed Julian Felipe and not by Francis Scott Key or John Williams.

What the NHI is doing is what they are tasked to do because that is what the law states.

and with regards to the Panatang Makabayan reaction…

correct me if I’m wrong. I suppose that, following the law is a great and noble act of practicing that last line “sa isip sa salita at sa gawa.”

Just to reiterate…

There is nothing wrong with Martin singing the National Anthem in Foreign land, what the NHI is pointing and insisting is that, the arrangement should be how Julian Felipe created it.

Tunay po na dapat nating ipagmalaki ang ang ating Pambansang Awit, na inawit ng ating tanyag na kababayan sa araw ng tagumpay ng isang magiting na Pilipino, ngunit tila mali ang pagkakaawit nito. Tila nagpapaimpluwensya tayo sa mga gawang banyaga gayong ang pagkakaayos ng Pambansang awit ay nito ay Pilipinong pilipino.

There’s nothing to argue about being proud to be filipino, and for crying it out loud, but its a bit odd to say it as if we are trying hard.

“AKO AY PILIPINO” and AKOW AY FILIPINOW (with american twang)
Both proclaiming the same favor but you judge… ano ang trying hard?

The same with the National Anthem, It is Lupang Hinirang arranged composed Julian Felipe and not by Francis Scott Key or John Williams.

Contrary to what the NHI thinks, Martin did the best rendition I have ever heard in a Pacquiao fight. I really don’t see the big deal, sorry.

If NHI wanted an issue, they should have gone after Christian Bautista for singing a shortcut version of the National anthem.

To think that Martin actually grew up in the States and that he’s really struggling with his Tagalog, he did a great job.

If NHI thinks otherwise, then maybe they should be the ones singing on the next Pacquiao fight.

Leave Martin N. alone pleasssee..
Tell you the truth that was the best rendering of our national anthem period.
Us filipinos should be proud in the way he sang it..This people who criticized should
do something that actually benefits the country . So Shut up.

Well, regardless of the outcome, Martin’s rendition DID inspire patriotism. Win-Win!

Anyway, aside from Martin, go hang all the other artists who sang for Pacquiao fights. Maybe even Francis M. for slapping the national colors on tshirts and other “artistic” canvasses. How dare they all.. =_=

Nevermind if they were meant no offense in their deeds. Nevermind if they say they do it because they’re so proud of being Filipinos. We must twist every situation into the worst posible scenario if we are to protect the sanctity of our national symbols. We must punish them all because it is the law. And as Filipinos, that’s what we are good at: following the law to the letter.

Oh yes. I feel a song and dance number coming on…

“No one is above the law… It is applied to all otherwise none at all.”

Andrae’s suggestions should be considered!

Ang problema sa ating mga Pilipino imbes na kilalanin natin ang nararapat na tama at matuto sa tama, ay parang sa mga pananalita dito ay inapi na ng walang patumangga si G. M. Nievera.

Hindi naman dapat si Martin Nievera ang topic na pinag-uusapan kundi ang paraan ng kanyang pag-awit. Oo nga at magaling ang pagkakakanta. Tunay na tunay na napakaganda. Wala pong problema doon, ang katanungan lamang po ay kung tama ba ang gayong pamamaraan.

Artistry, creativity and the delivery of the person is not in question. What the law is asking is if it was the right version of the Anthem, as stated.

I believe no one would dare to file case against martin nievera for it’ll be stupid. But we should take note that the NHI is just telling us Filipinos what is dutifully right with regards to our National Anthem and Emblems.

But the way people look at the situation is as if Martin Nievera will be put to jail because of it.

Tutal sarcastic na ang mga reactions,

Don’t just stop on those who are just messing with our national symbols but also include those who are tampering with the sanctity of the ballots, cheaters and grafters!

Now let’s see who the real patriots are.

There is nothing wrong in creating your own rendition of songs as long as it is not the national anthem.

If the government will just let this pass and all of the previous cases, then maybe, they should delete the law about the national anthem.

And Andrae, maybe you should look around. Only a few are following the law. And the people in the government are the best lawbreakers.

well, if there IS a law that dictates how the national anthem should be sang and that any other version/rendition is unlawful then i stand corrected with my earlier comments - that martin’s version was a beautiful rendition. if he sang it in rap then i would have reacted differently.
scold martin. but thank him too for being there to support pacquiao. his only fault : he sang so well that he drew attention to himself, not the country.

ryles,
yes you are right - that the politicians waste their time on trivial matters. nad mr. amercelo describes them as well as you do : making mountains out of molehills.

The issue is not how beautifully or badly the National Anthem was sung, but “was it sung correctly”? There is no question all of those who sang it during boxing bouts are good singers and sang it beautifully. However, some of them did not sing it correctly. And that includes Martin and that guy who sung before the Donaire fight at the Araneta Coliseum two weeks earlier.

Think it is very arrogant of Martin to declare “Why should I apologize for doing my best?” He should have humility instead - he did it wrong.

It is not right to say Martin was only “artistic and creative” because the version was beautiful. But beautiful is relative. What if Max Surban would sing it to the beat of “Baleleng” or “Mitulo Na”? Or Andrew E to the beat of “Humanap Ka Ng Panget”?

It is not even about violation of law, it is about respect. The event was not a concert but a showcase of the Philippine symbol represented by the National Anthem. In religion, Martin’s version of Lupang Hinirang is equivalent to blasphemy.- Thanks - Ronnie Ambe

Can’t say I’m surprised. Martin Nievera didn’t grow up Filipino, he probably knows (and understands) the “Star Spangled Banner” more than our “Lupang Hinirang”! This is symptomatic of what is happening all over our country: a raging disrespect for institutions and history. There has to be due respect to the national anthem, as opposed to songs like “Ako Ay Pilipino” or “Mga Kababayan Ko” which are nationalistic, yes, but not part of the nation’s historical treasure. Let’s show due respect to our forebears, please. Nililipat na nga ang mga araw ng pagdiriwang ng mga mahahalagang pagkakataon sa kasaysayan ng ating bansa, tulad ng Araw ng Kagitingan at Araw ng Kalayaan… There has to be a line!

It is very ironic that people are so concerned about the correct way of singing the national anthem yet, on the other hand, do not mind the many versions in singing the Lord’s Prayer which is supposedly a prayer and not a song.

Nationalism is in the heart and not in a flag or how a song is sung. People are always looking at the outside appearance when what is important is what’s inside.

Our national hero, Jose Rizal loved our country even before the Philippine flag was first unfurled or even before “Lupang Hinirang” was sung in 1898.

There are so much issues the Philippines has to take care of without taking a big deal about how Martin sung his own rendition of the Philippine Anthem. My goodness, the US artists have their own way of singing the US anthem and nothing came out to criticized the singer. Come on lighten up and move on.

To begin, I am an American not Filipino. I would like, however, to voice my opinion about Martin Nievera and how he performed your National Anthem. He was AMAZING and your country should be proud of him. Look at of the people who have said they had goosebumps listening to him.

It would be different if he changed the words but that wasn’t the case. He had a different arrangement. It was sung by him with his heart and with so much passion and yet you have the nerve to criticize it? Doesn’t your country have more important things to be concerned with other than your National Anthem?

I ask you to tune into American tV if you can, to baseball games, or NASCAR, or football games or even concerts and you probably will see that every person performing our National Anthem has their own arrangment. That does not make it disrespectful and certainly not illegal.

Martin does not need to and should not give anyone an apology. He most certainly should not be fined. I commend everyone who has had the guts to stand up in Martin’s behalf. You live in a democracy last I knew, and that should include a right to sing your National Anthem as an artist or any other person desires as long as it is not damaging or negative to your Country and this was not.

How do you choose something so petty to criticize? The song is still your Anthem and it is still “sacred”.

We all love you Martin and we are behind you.

I didn’t know when the NHI website was last updated, but it sure detailed the prohibited usage of our flag. (See the one where Pacquiao is written)
http://www.nhi.gov.ph//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=69&Itemid=5

Regarding law violations done on the day of Manny’s fight, I would say that based on our laws, NHI should not only go after Martin, but Manny and the fans as well. But it seems only Martin earned their ire, for what reason? I wouldn’t want to presume that they think he’s the esier target. I hope not, because if what they’re aiming for is to implement the law and yet they single out one person amidst many violators, that’s just not serving their purpose.
What saddened me about this isssue is that a lot of time and effort seems to be wasted on a trifling matter. Yes, i agree that a violation is a violation, but if you compare the negative effect this may have to the Philippines in general, it pales in comparison to a lot of other issues that we should be addressing right now.
To NHI, maybe you don’t have any other matter to focus on right now? Is this why this issue was so high on your list? I just saw your website today, and I think your agency could do a lot of good in promoting and protecting our heritage, but I wish I could have known any other accomplishments from you other than reprimanding Martin. That’s just sad.

When news reported that Martin Nievera was chosen to sing the our anthem, I was already disappointed because I believe that Martin is not a pure Filipino to deserve such a rare privilege. Except for the color of his skin and the size of his nose, everything else about this crooner is American: His American English, his swagger and demeanor, his fatherly attitude, even his stage antics and sense of humor is American. You saw that he would rather wear a James Bond-like suit than our national Barong Tagalog. Recently on local TV, he didn’t even utter a single Tagalog word (even if he could) when he guested for Pinoy Bingo Night the whole show. And you call this jerk your Kabayan Pinoy? He stays in the Philippines-not for sentimental but for financial reason- to earn money from his concerts and TV appearances. Then he disappears and hibernates away most probably in Vegas where he can live his preferred American way of life. Besides, why choose a symbolic personality who is leading a broken family life to sing a sacred song? That he sang our anthem inappropriately is bad enough, but for him to sing for us all is the worse national blunder.

Again, just like his choice for Solar and Kapuso over ABS-CBN, Manny’s left hook hit the air when he chose Martin over Lea or Charice. I also pray that his eagerness to go home against the advice of our authorities won’t be derailed by a swine.

flag? piece of cloth. not even worth to wipe my ass.

national anthem violations? who cares. nobody will be held accountable anyway.

be patriotic while the people in power sucks your coffers dry.

Ambeth Ocampo should do the singig next time.. my my my.. can the Inquirer please investigate how money is being squandered by the NCCA rather than pick on Martin Nievera who pays his taxes?
Why pick on someone who makes his own living without wasting our tax money.
I think Martin did a GREAT job.. I bet you Ambeth Oampo whoever can’t sing half that well anyway.

Bat pa kasi si Martin ang pinakanta ng Bayang Magiliw.

Unang una hindi yan purong pilipino.
More on english si Martin. kaya nga umuwi ng pilipinas, gutom nasa america, hindi kumita sa pagkanta.
Kaya Sawit managalog.
Pangalawa, maraming gimmick itong si Martin kaya iniba niya ang tono ng kanta.

At higit sa lahat, kasalanan rin ng taga NHI dahil hindi binigyan ng briefing si Martin bago pakantahin.
Ng tapos na ang kanta saka bibirada na mali.
Itong NHI ay palpak din, sila ang authority kung ano ang tamang pagkanta hindi yong mali ang nakikita.
Sa susunod na laban ni Manny, itong NHI dapat ang pumili ng kakanta at magensayo sa kanila para wala ng tsetse buretse.

We will not know how Nievera really thinks about. But we know now how Paquiao is thinking. From Malacanag to WHO, all told him to go with his entourage on a 5 day quarantine for to make sure thay are not carrying the flu virus, even they themselves did not yet show any signs of infection.
But no, he did not care about other passengers and he did not care about his “beloved Filipinos” whom he or one of his group could infect and in the worst case, create a health mess.
And this hero wants to be elected for Senate? Representing millions of people he did not care for?
Or does he really not know that he could infect hundreds and more people already before he himself shows to be sick? Then to his arrogance comes a good portion of thumbness added since even kids know that carrying a virus or bacteria does not yet mean to be sick already. Not a good basis for a Senator.
It will also be interesting to hear what he declares as income for RP taxes. Buying a house in Los Angeles for about 100 million Pesos and staying long time in USA looks more like being a holder of a Green Card. Only, this would bar him from running, except he got a very special Comelec treatment, because he could not permanantly hide his status and would be removed from his position even if elected. Manny sounds very like money, and maybe he thinks money can do anything….

This NHI is carrying its name. History.
They complained after the fact.

We know beforehand that Martin Nievera will sing the national anthem.
Why did this so called patriotics did not call Martin and taught him how to sing the Bayang Magiliw properly.

Martin is not a school boy from our elementary ang high school. He was born and grew up in america. So, he has no knowledge of our Bayang Magiliw on how to sing the national anthem.
For sure he can sing for he is a singer. But he cannot sing a patriotic song from the heart, he cannot sing a song inculcated in our mind; this bayang magiliw is ingrained in our heart and soul but not Martin.
He is more of a star spangled banner guy.

Next time, I suggest that Pacquiao should consult first our NHI or this NHI offer their services to the next singer.
For the time being, no one is to be blamed except the NHI.
They are hearing the song and not singing it.
And to test our patiotic congressmen who will invite Martin for investigation as test case, let them sing the Bayang Magiliw also and if they cannot sing it in proper way and pumiyok or sentonado, then they should sing the star spangled banner.

Martin is selfish, he is doing it for his own benefit. He said he is doing it for his country. Is he a Filipino? Common Mr. Nievera, since when have you become a Filipino.

THE ISSUE ON MARTIN

It does not really matter whether one likes Martin’s version of the Anthem or not. The issue is did Martin violate the law?

The problem is that a national anthem is supposed to be a sacred national song and because of it a law was crafted to make sure it is respected.

So, shall we say then let’s exempt Martin since he’s an artist and what he did was simply an artist’s rendition of the song that expresses his feelings? If so, that’ll be like saying Martin is an artist and artists are above the law?

If we craft laws only to exempt violators what’s the point of having laws?

Is there already a law that regulates the manner of singing the national anthem?

The focus of that event was the boxing not the singing. . . there is no good reason to make a bash out of it. .

The star-spangled banner is sung in many ways. .

Martin Nievera sang the Philippines’ national anthem (well, he’s said to be an American and doesn’t hold a Phil. passport) the way he knows how to sing - like a ballad.

I’m not surprised that he mangled Lupang Hinirang. Martin, who didn’t grow up here, and up to now after spending decades in the country profiting from singing and other showbiz gigs, has not learned to speak decent Tagalog, does not have a sense of history. So he doesn’t know that the national anthem was written during a great time of upheaval in the country, when our Founding Fathers wanted to rouse nationalism and fervor for the fighting troops. That’s why it was composed as a military march.

Apparently, Martin did some preparations on how to sing it. Researching on the history of the song was not one of them, though. And he can’t say he didn’t know about the law because he’s been warned by a lot of people about it, but he still went ahead.

Anyway, it’s a good thing that all of this has come out now so that the next singers in Pacman’s fights already know better.

di ko maintindihan kung bakit pa natin kailanagan palitan kung pano awitin ang Lupang Hinirang… di naman ito pang concert na kanta… mga pinoy na gustong sumabay sa pagkanta hindi makasabay… kasi ang singer lang ang may alam kung pano kantahin… parang selfish… ayaw ko na dagdagan pro hindi tama…

si Geneva Cruz lang talaga ang nakita at narinig kong magaling na kumanta sa laban ni Pacquiao…wala na iba…

07apr2009
las vegas,nv

the opinion of maestro a. ocampo, i assummed have rattled some nerves of these- wannabes-self-appointed music afficionados.

i wonder if these people can write-down the phil. national anthem in less than 10 min. w/o any mistakes. in tagalog version.

their “bone of contention” your line-maestro- are, that mr.nieverra’s rendition of our phil. national anthem is all good and no further criticism required.

when “rossane barr” sang the USA national anthem on a telivised national baseball league with some improvisation- and grabbing herself after the awful rendition, geez. did we see some national uproar everywhere here in the USofA. being out of tune is okay, but re-arranging the national anthem is not the proper protocol. the national anthem is what it is. it is sacred as your first communion. no improvisation needed…period…..it should be sung the way it is notated and given life with lyrics.

i wonder if our kabayans knew whos is prof. ambeth ocampo and at least read one or two of his published book?

kayana2sends
sincitylasvegasnv.

p.s.
mr. nieverra will not make me see his run-of-the-mill show here in vegas- if he have one, even if it’s free. ask the pinoys here in vegas if they knew who is martin nieverra? those who just got off the ship, maybe.why do you think nieverra put up a show in the last manny’s fight? just to get exposure. another hanger’s on>lol

Problem with many Fil-Ams is they’re American! That’s why you hear comments from them that it’s the best rendition, etc. Only in the U.S. do they sing their anthem as if it were a pop song. Do that in another country and they’ll shoot you!

It was the most OA rendition of the Philippine National anthem I’ve ever seen and heard! Don’t impose American culture on Filipinos!

While Martin Nievera’s rendition of Lupang Hinirang may have broken the letter of the law, I don’t think it has, in anyway, violated the spirit of the law. It was sung with a great deal of reverence, passion and respect. I for one was teary eyed after listening to it. The best rendition I have heard in a long time!

As for the lawmakers and so-called guardians of the country’s Heraldic Code, I don’t have any problem if you prosecute Martin for the way he sang the national anthem as long as you would also exert the same level of will and earnestness in prosecuting so many in our country who continue to trample with our laws with utter disregard.

Heard this in my barbershop crowd, I love the Philippines, well, until I get my green card.

It is perhaps time that the boundaries for the respect due to and with regard to our national colours be clearly stated, defined, and be delineated (from what is to be considered an artistic expression to mere vandalism) by our lawmakers/NHI people/et al. I believe there are lines that distinguishes one from the other (say, like the existing lines that distinguishes religion from spirituality).

but if there’s a cd with martin’s version of the national anthem i’d buy one.

Let go of your ultra strict “nationalistic” idealism, as long as the national anthem is not desecrated, we should allow that!

with regards to the flag, we should allow it to be worn as fashion items, just like in many western nations. are they suppose to learn from us or the other way around???

the problem here is that, we are sticking with that “SENTIMENTAL NATIONALISM” yun bang inapi tayo ng mga ispanyol, inabuso ng mga hapon etc. etc….

We should be proud of our heritage and past, and we must be allowed to express our love for our country the way we feel it better.

Yung mga nasa malacanang at kongreso nga tama kunwari yung pag-awit, pag display ng watawat…ANO BA ANG GINAGAWA NILA SA BAYAN? diba puro SCAM AT SCANDALS???

Revisiting R.A. 8491
After seeing the last Pacquiao fight, it seems like he will be needing a lot of anthem singers before he finally retires. Since the National Historical Institute, NHI is consistently policing every version of the anthem, it takes away some of the pride we get from our Filipino champ. This issue will continue to pop up every time he defends his title. This might offer some insights as to what direction we may take.

True to Our history
The legislated version is not developed during Julian Felipe’s time but during Martial Law. This period is not one of the proudest moments in our history. Julian Felipe composed the music (without lyrics) originally used by Aguinaldo as a marching hymn in 1898. Jose Palma wrote a Spanish poem entitled Filipinas a year later. It was adapted as the lyrics. In 1919 this was translated in English and legalized (under American rule) later on as Philippine Hymn. The first Filipino interpretation came out in 1940s, but the 1966 version translated by Felipe Padilla De Leon serves as the current version. Lupang Hinirang as we know it today is not the original composition but rather an evolution that have undergone changes through time. If Julian Felipe wrote the music and lyrics in tagalog, then it is understandable that to change it might infrige his rights as a composer. The anthem is the mixture of talents by Felipe, Palma and De Leon, Knowing that this piece is a living, breathing, dynamic song, why do we have to make it a crime if interpreted in a different way?

‘Murdering the Anthem’
It’s like putting the anthem in a glass box that no one else can touch except the anointed ones. Instead of letting the younger generation embrace it by putting their individual voices and identities in this song, we are practically isolating it and possibly causing its demise. If strictly enforced, no reputable singer would dare risk a fine or imprisonment for singing a song. In this case, is the performer guilty of murdering the anthem for giving a bad rendition or is the lawmaker guilty of killing it for not allowing this song to evolve further?

Conserbatibot
Are we that immature about our nationalism that a bad rendition of the anthem would shake our patriotism? As a proud Pinoy, I wear shirts that display the colors of our flag to show my identity. This should not be illegal. If Manny Pacquaio wants to develop wardrobe designs with our flag and his initials, don’t stop him. If Francis Magalona used the three stars and a sun to appeal to our younger generation, why make it illegal? Filipinos should be given freedom to wear symbols of the Philippines. Perhaps we are being too conservative and naïve about the whole thing.

Fanatic Expat
As a sports fan myself, I have seen on TV the Star-Spangled Banner interpreted by singers prior to any baseball, basketball and football championship games. None of the singer’s rendition is the same; the worst I heard was Roseanne Barr (see the links below). But the U.S. government is not going after each bad rendition. They leave it up to the audience to applause, boo or criticize a bad performance. That to me is the real display of a confident, strong and democratic nation. I’m guessing their 232-year old democracy won’t be threaten as long as they continue to value the rights of the people.

Whose way
To prosecute someone for a bad rendition of the anthem is a waste of much needed resources. Imagine the cost of lawyers, judges, witnesses, etc. being spent for the litigations arising from singing a song. We cannot legislate on art, and music is a form of art. It is comparable to the government shooting it’s own people for a bad rendition of “My Way”.

Unenforceable Law
The original version of Julian Felipe’s composition is in 2/4 time signature, meant to be performed using the piano and/or brass instruments. Any singer would run out of breath singing the anthem due to it’s fast faced rhythm as it is intended to be a marching hymn. The law states it should be Julian’s Felipe’s version alone. How can you enforce it in its true context? Who would provide the expert testimony on this? Is it the National Historical Institute who might not be musically inclined or is it the musicians who refuse to be regulated? These are the technicalities that are needed to be sorted out. We should never enact laws that cannot be implemented.

Ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng Bayan
Instead of the artists being protected by the government against piracy, they are being persecuted for putting their own voices in their performances. It is tantamount to breeding less nationalistic singers here.

This is not about Martin Nievera’s struggle alone. This is about our children’s right to sing the anthem without the government breathing down their necks. This is about the younger generation having freedom to embrace the anthem with their individualities.

Shameless Thanks
Our gratitude to Manny Pacquiao for not only making us proud with his boxing accomplishments but also for putting a spotlight on R.A. 8491, which might need a second look. Thanks also to Mr. Nievera for his own rendition of Lupang Hinirang and for refusing to put the anthem in a box. Lastly, thanks to Julian Felipe for composing the music, Jose Palma for writing the poem that eventually became the lyrics and to Felipe Padilla de Leon for translating it in tagalog.

The burden of uplifting the nation rests not on government shoulders alone but on peoples’ hands as well. – Nick Ilagan

The following are links to various anthem rendition. They may be ridiculously bad or disrespectful to others but certainly not illegal.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEonEZ9K-p8&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrFW2aYHVR8&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iINVptR_f4Y&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCqpvWOpSe8&feature=related

The Flag and Heraldic Code mandates the NHI to make a public censure of any individual who violates the law, i.e. on the national flag, the national anthem, and all heraldic items. Public censure is by way of publication in all daily newspapers of national circulation. Also, it is mandated to file in court cases against these individuals. For that, it has faild to act in the case of Martin Nievera and all other artists who previously did a slip in singing the national anthem. These artists reason out that music comes from the soul and songs should be sung the way they interpret the same. True. But not the national anthem. It should be sung with respect and reverence. With fervor and patriotism.

Andrae Says:
May 6th, 2009 at 12:20 pm ..And as Filipinos, that’s what we are good at: following the law to the letter.

But regarding this law about the National Anthem… we are not good at it.
I have observed in toto that never was any violator of this law have been corrected.

Andrae Says further: Oh yes. I feel a song and dance number coming on…

Then you are being a sarcastic person in this statement.

on the gma telecast it looks like martin lip-synched. his ear piece had the blue and right colors switched. and he had the gall to show the nhi logo when he hasn’t asked permission. why? to show, with malintent, that his version is authorized.

martin should just apologize, and vow not to do it again.

I’m disgusted with this article Pacquiao puts all Filipinos in danger by Neal Cruz.
Manny just want to go home to meet his
family which He miss a lot. He was cleared
of any virus and sickness that’s the reason why He came home even without the advice of local health authoritise. Remember that Manny Pacquiao is Hero and deserves respect from all Filipinos
including me. This article is appauling and
Neal Cruz should be ashamed of himself.

This people at SSKP are hypocrites, the so called protector of our culture makes no sense at all. The singing of our National Anthem by Martin Nievera is very
majestic and every Filipino should be proud of it. You people at SSKP are just envious and doesn’t know what this big
event has lift the Filipino spirit . You have to realise that because of the hype some
people waive the flag with the red on top which means war so in boxing venue there should be no problem. I think it’s
much better for you people to critisize the corrupt people in the government.

utang na loob. napaka-simple lang naman nito. ayon sa batas mali si Martin (basa Director Ambeth Ocampo).

at lalong di naman rason na porke’t kinilabutan tayo at napuno ang dibdib natin sa pagmamahal sa bayan nung inaawit ang Lupang Hinirang e magiging tama na si Martin.

at syempre maraming problema ang bayan na walang kinalaman sa maling pag-awit ni Martin.

at pang-wakas, kahit mali si Martin dito ay talaga namang napakalinaw na may talent ang lolo mo.

bow.

“ARTICLE III
BILL OF RIGHTS
Section 4. No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances.”

The National Hysterical Institute is at it again. Hahay.

Yes, there is a law abridging our right to express ourselves when it comes to singing the National Anthem or displaying the National Flag. But clearly, as per Article III, Section 4 of our Constitution (which is the highest law of the land)… whatever that law is, it must be unconstitutional to begin with.

Martin has every right to sing that song any which way he’d choose to interpret it. Same thing with the use of the flag as clothing, decoration, etc. Only TOTALITARIAN STATES prohibit the use of their symbols by their citizens. This is okay with them because, d-uh… they are NOT FREE. We on the other hand pride ourselves of our DEMOCRACY, and yet fall over each other in denouncing fellow citizens who choose to express themselves one way or the other… some cultures call this HYPOCRISY! We, however, call it PATRIOTISM!

The Flag and the Song are supposed to stand for something… FREEDOM. How ironic that it is being used by some of us to keep some of our countrymen from the full measure of it.

I say, if there is a law prohibiting any other arrangement of the National Anthem, then instead of chastising a perfectly good singer from expressing himself with it, we should instead REPEAL THAT LAW!

Legalities notwithstanding, Nievera’s version is acceptable. He modified the form but not the substance. He may have changed the style of “dying” but still voiced out his willingness for “mamatay ng dahil sa iyo”.

Compare that to many of us who just boringly sing the conventional tune while doing exactly the opposite of what the song wants us to do which is, to quote Conrad de Quiros, “mabuhay ng dahil sa iyo”. Example? Enriching ourselves as public servants through bribery and stealing.

I wonder why Ambeth Ocampo has not raised the same issue of interpreting the National Anthem in a different arrangement with the UP Madrigals version of the song. If anyone remembers the Mads version it is VERY slow at the start & then develops slowly into a march. This version was widely aired in the cinemas before. Do people have something against Martin Nievera on a personal level (apart from Pops)?

If you listen to the Star-Spangled Banner being sung before huge sporting events in the States it is always sang in a different arrangement. More contemporary, more popular versions. I thought that Martin’s rendition was really good & actually gives the anthem a different flavor. I feel that by singing the song in your version makes it more personal. Don’t you think? So instead of Martin trying to dishonor the country & all that rubbish he was actually trying to bring the anthem closer to the hearts of the contemporary Filipino. Who wants to go marching inside a boxing arena anyway?

As for the national colors what do people think about FrancisM’s 3 Stars & a Sun concept? I thought it’s really cool! I’ve already ordered a shirt with Francis’ design. Again it brings nationalism into the mainstream hip culture. The national colors become more wearable & a lot more striking from a style perspective. Don’t you think?

Kababayan, let us waste no more time on this subject. If we really are interested in following the law, let’s do something about the broadband scam, fertilizer scam and send the guilty to the doghouse. Now there is tons of laws on corruption-why are we not addressing this issue? Instead, we talk about petty stuff like unlawful way of singing the national anthem. Get real, guys.

This is about the singing of a song outside the Philippines, right?

About flags being disrespected, by being displayed improperly, in another country.

This did not violate any laws where it occurred.

To anyone who thinks differently you need to research the laws where the event took place.

Louie Pinon Says:
May 6th, 2009 at 12:59 am

Whoever this Ambeth Ocampo is doesn’t know a thing about music. Her musical repertoire is perhaps limited to “leron leron sinta” or “pan mo linawen”.

Promdi’s please stay home. We don’t need your stupid comments!

—–

Ambeth Ocampo is a multi-awarded Filipino historian and best known for his writings about José Rizal. He is chair of the Philippine National Historical Institute and National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

As chair of the NHI his job is to make sure historical issues are kept in their proper perspective.

hmmm…ginagawa lang ng NHI ang trabaho nila, may batas na nagsasabi ng tamang paraan ng pagkanta ng nat’l anthem, pag-display ng flag, atbp.

tsk tsk, mga pilipino talaga pasaway, hindi sumusunod sa simpleng batas. Makabayan ba kayo?–simpleng batas hindi masunod, binabatikos pa ang nagpapatupad nito tsk tsk

Kulang talaga sa pagiisip yung nagsasabi na maganda ginawa ni Mr. Nievera…YUng mga hindi nagaral dito ng elementary at highschool, sana wag na sila magcomment na tama lang yung pagkanta nya, kasi wala silang alam…simula Kindergarten hanggang 4th year highschool, kinakanta yan tuwing umaga sa flag raising ceremony sa lahat ng school grounds sa buong Pilipinas. So, kung sino man nagsasabi na tama ginagawa ni Mr. Nievera, mag attend lang sya kahit 1 time lang pag may klase na, para marinig nya kung papano kantahin ang Lupang Hinirang.

as the song goes “marami ang nagmamarunong wala namang nagtatanong” siguro enogh is enough to Martin’s rendition to our national anthem anyway this is how we Filipinos are good at, just go with the flow. I wonder this has been used as an excuse to cover up a more sensitive part of that event…the presence of those political figures whose only reason for being there of course is “gambling” and I know for sure they don’t even care if Manny wins or lose on that fight. Di ba mas nakakahiya ang mga ginawa ng mga mambabatas na ito kasama na ang mga ibang kinatawan ng gobyerno kesa sa ibaling ang galit sa maling bersiyon ng ating pambansang awit. So sino ang nanalo, siempre ang mga politiko na naman…sugal lang yan kabayan, ang laging talunan…ang ating mga kababayan! gising na dahil malapit na naman ang halalan.

when you sing the national anthem, you are respecting and representing your country, so sing it in its original form, other pop songs, you do as you like…

his rendition is gay, criticizing it is more gay, writing about it instead of the ills of our society takes the cake(gayest!!)

We should not be so strict about singing our national anthem, unless of course during a flag ceremony. Many Americans did it many years back, or particularly during the times of Muhammad Ali. But instead of being angry with the singer, they become more proud of their national anthem. I suggest that we give strict instruction on the way we sing our national anthem only on flag ceremonies and in school. Outside of it, lets be proud what Martin had accomplished.

karamihan ng nag bigay ng kanyang kuro-kuro dito ay parang sanay sa paiba-ibang klase ng pag awit ng star spangled banner. sana panooring nyo rin kung pano inaawit ang pambansang awit ng mexico nung ang mga kalaban ni pacquio ay mga mehikano. mapapansin nyo sa mga laban na yun na parepareho ang pag awit. karamihan ng mga bansa ay ganun din.

ano ba and intensyon ng batas kung bakit kailangan awitin ang ating pambasang awit sa orihinal na pagkakagawa nito? di lang dahil kailangang igalang ang ating pambansang awit itoy para rin ang lahat ng mamayang pilipino ay makakaawit ng sabay sabay sa iisang himig. kung me kanya kanya tayong bersyon ayon sa kagustuhan natin ito ay nagsasalamin lamang na hindi tayo nagkakaisa, iniisip lang natin ang sa pansariling kagustuhan natin ang sa tingin natin ay maganda para sa atin at hindi ang para sa nakakararami. ang tanong, naksabay ba kayo kay martin ng inawit nya ang ating pambansang awit hangang sa huling nota?

di po isyu dito ang politika o politiko. ang isyu po dito kung ang pag awit ba ay alinsunod sa ating batas, alinsunod sa ating tradisyon bilang isang dakilang bayan at sa intensyon ng gumawa nito?

sinasabi natin na marami tayong dapat ipagmalaki ngunit nakakalimutan yata natin na ang pag-awit ng ating pambansang awit sa iisang himig ng sabay sabay ay kapuripuri at dakila.

totoo marami tayong dapat pag aksayahan ng oras ngunit di ba isa ito sa mga isyu na dapat nating harapin.kahit gaano kaliit at kalaking isyu dapat nating harapin maging korupsyon man ito o simpleng pagtapon ng basura sa kalsada.

marami ditong akala mo magsalita ay di pilino dahil grabe kung laitin ang ating bansa. totoo maraming masasama sa ating bayan lalo na ang pulitika.maraming di kaayaaya. ang tanong, anong simpleng ginawa nyo para sa bayan? o baka katulad din kayo ng mga pulitiko kung umasta na akala mo kung sino.

siguro totoo ngang inawit ni martin ng me paggalng at pagmamalaki ang ating pambansang awit ngunit pwede naman itong gawin ng alinsunod sa batas, alinsunod sa ating tradisyong bilang isang dakilang bayan at alinsunod sa kagustuhan ng gumawa nito.

sabi ni martin nagustuhan naman daw ni pacquiao ang kanyang pag-awit. maling argumento po yan. opo inawit ang ating pambansang awit sa laban ni pacquiao pero di yun ginawa para sa kanya kundi para sa buong bansa, para sa lahat ng pilino, para sa buong pilipinas na pwepwedeng umawit ng sabay sabay sa iisang himig ng walang alinlangan.

ang pambansang awit ay kaluluwa ng ating mahal na bayan.

best rendition???
man, you guys are tasteless

I love the Philippines until my green card is approved. I dont have a forked allegiance after that.

I don’t think Martin Nievera’s rendition of the Lupang Hinirang during Pacquiao-Hatton’s fight did some disrespect of the Philippine National Anthem although the there’s some changes in the rhym, but I agree that our kababayans abroad should show more respect for our flag, especially when they vandalised it.
If we Filipinos cannot respect well our tri-colors, then who should?
And to Mr. DOM who boasted his greencard, kahit anong gawin mo, kahit palitan mo pa ang balat mo at kulayan mo ng ginto ang balat mo, Pilipino ka pa rin!! Mahiya ka naman sa balat mo, pag pinalayas ka ng Amerika, saan ka uuwi? di ba sa Pilipinas din..may greencard din ako, but I will never have that guts to betray the Philippines where I was born.