NHI says martin niviera's rendition of national anthem was incorrect, niviera unapologetic

Anthem issue: Martin not sorry, says Pacman liked it

MARK D. MERUEÑAS, GMANews.TV

MANILA, Philippines – Singer Martin Nievera on Monday said his version of the national anthem only reflected the “march feel” that the song originally had. Besides, Nievera said it was boxing legend Manny Pacquiao who had asked him to sing the anthem that way.

Nievera said he carefully studied not only the structure of the “Lupang Hinirang” but as well as its roots, even before deciding to sing it during Pacquiao’s winning match against British Ricky Hatton in Las Vegas last Sunday.

In his upbeat performance, Nievera – clad in a black Francis Magalona shirt and standing on the middle of the boxing ring – opened the anthem with slow and whisper-type of singing that later built up with a fast-paced beat. The song ended with a long and high note.
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Teddy Atienza, head of the Heraldry Division of the National Historical Institute (NHI), on Monday criticized Nievera’s version, saying the crooner sang it wrong.

“Mali ang pagkanta niya… dapat sinundan niya ang nakalagay sa batas. Eh earlier sinabi niya na intention niya na ibahin niya [He sang the anthem wrong. He should have followed the original version. He had even earlier said he would make some changes to the song],” Atienza said in a radio interview.

The NHI is the government body that ensures that reverence and respect is accorded to the national anthem, the Philippine flag, and other national symbols.

If Section 37 of the Republic Act No. 8491 would be strictly observed, the national anthem must be performed in accordance with the musical arrangement of its composer Julian Felipe.

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Among the singers reprimanded by the NHI for deviating from the song’s original form were Charice Pempengco, Jennifer Bautista, and Christian Bautista, who was remembered for leaving out several lines of the anthem during a boxing match of Gerry Peñalosa.

All three singers have apologized, saying it was not their intention that some notes or lines in the song were changed or omitted.

Atienza urged the public to check the official NHI Web site (http://www.nhi.gov.ph/) for the lyrics and the manner in which the anthem should be sung.

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