The NHI can Demand Apology from Tons of People Over the Singing of the National Anthem
By Ced Solidon • May 5th, 2009 • Category: CommentaryThe National Historical Institute is serious in its crusade against people who sing the Philippine national anthem differently, meaning it should follow Julian Felipe’s original composition and arrangement. The latest chapter in the NHI’s crusade is Martin Nievera’s version of the song during the Pacquiao-Hatton fight. When asked by the NHI to apologize for what he’s done, he said he won’t say sorry for something he’s not really sorry about.
But it’s unfair to only focus on Nievera since he isn’t the only guilty party. The NHI should also begin a crackdown on others who are equally guilty of the NHI’s accusation.
Tone-deaf people should apologize too. Jesus Christ, they should be banned altogether from singing the song because, well, they can’t sing the national anthem or any song for that matter. They sing so badly that every time they sing the anthem, it is an utter disrespect for the song — not to mention a violation of Section 37 of the Republic Act No. 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.
And it’s not only the adults who should apologize, even preschool kids too. I remember almost all of my classmates in preschool who messed up every attempt they made at singing the national anthem. In fact, I already came up with a list of those classmates and will be sending it to the NHI first thing tomorrow.
Before you know it, the NHI will be very, very, very busy sending letters to these people demanding them to apologize for bastardizing the “Lupang Hinirang”. And I imagine these people doing a mass apology for sucking at singing. And Martin Nievera? I’m not sure if he’ll be present when that happens.
Ced Solidon is the blog's founder. He currently works as a freelance writer. Aside from that, he also maintains a writing blog, Write Like a Rock Star! He loves to read books and play music.
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I think it all boils down to this – Martin sang the song in front of the whole world watching. I pity him, but I don’t think we need to have a crap out of it.
I miss the patriotism, sensibility and sensitivity within the music of old OPM. I strongly believe that it is but right for us to respect our forefathers. I heard Martin’s version (cleaned of audio clutter). In my opinion, it wasn’t bad even if it did deviate from Julian Felipe’s original composition. Yes, he should be reprimanded (give him a “ticket” or whatever) but I also think that they should not make the issue any bigger. They can also warn other artists (whom I believe are just as ignorant as I am about the existence of laws protecting the national anthem, et. al.). The thing is, our politicians found another way to waste our taxes. I know it will not hurt if they focus on finding means to address issues regarding this global recession or poverty instead of matters that are not that serious or require utmost urgency. I know the election is nearing and their names have to be heard. Our politicians should grow up because they stunt the growth of our beloved country!
In addition, sana lang, our politicians instill seeds of moral discipline, patriotism and loyalty to the Philippines as a country among their constituents and, most importantly, the children! Ang nangyayari kasi, every move they make is all about them, all about staying in power, and all about looking good in the eyes of every mongrel they are trying to please. One root of the problem is their mindset. To a shallow-minded political figure, a politician is a leader! This is wrong! A POLITICIAN IS A SERVANT! They should serve the people with dignity and integrity. (I’m not angry! Hehehe! I’m merely stating a point!)
Peace!
and thanks for stating your point here, churchil.
May di naman la.
There is a more profound understanding for this issue…
Our politicians’ over reaction to martin’s rendition of the Lupang Hinirang shows off the depth of their understanding about Patriotism. So discouraging is the thought that our “leaders” are that shallow. As for the thing that this issue is used as an excuse or channel for public appeal, this is no queer thing here. This is SOP in Filipino politics.
The greater thing to be sad about is this poor understanding on patriotism demonstrated by our leaders. Patriotism can never be bound by laws. It can never be put into letters. Laws are there to protect the people that molds culture. Always, the People stands greater than its culture. They exhort that martin is guilty of disrespecting our national anthem by singing the song in his own way. Is expression a crime against patriotism? Is personal expression of patriotism a crime against the country? I don’t think so.
The problem is…
Our government stops us from being free. Expression is freedom. Expression is the foundation of culture. We build cultures through and by the expressions of every member in the community. Freedom to express our thoughts, emotions, and grievances is necessary for a society to build a culture of sympathy and understanding. Our country, the Philippines, does not have that culture. We live in a culture of abuse, corruption, poverty, fear, and doubt. Why? Because every time one attempts to express one’s self, he/she will be ruled out by fear of authorities and fearful threats. No wonder, our country doesn’t seem to grow when it comes to “things that matter”- service, respect, patriotism, leadership.
It is a shame that we have leaders whose thoughts are corrupted by their empty interpretations of things. I salute Martin for standing his ground on his belief of true patriotism as one that is not written but one that is shown with passion and credibility.
It is a shame to have such small-minded leaders!!!
Well said Kristian. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this issue!
- Ced
7:31 am
Lunes, 15 Marso 2010
Well, here we are again. Katatapos lang ng laban nina Manny Pacquiao at Joshua Clottey, heto na naman ang isyu. Arnel Pineda singing the National Anthem slower than usual, at ang puna ng iba, medyo pumalya sa huling linya ng kanta (he sang the last line at a higher pitch), sabi raw ng iilan. And as usual, the NHI is out there again, demanding apology. Same, same old story.
Kung ako ang tatanungin, buo ang pagsang-ayon ko kay Kristian Cablao, gayon na rin kay Conrado de Quiros. Why did I mention de Quiros all of a sudden? Hindi ko masyadong tanda kung ano ang isinulat niya sa column niya sa Philippine Daily Inquirer, pero what he really wanted to tell us was that it really doesn’t matter how we sing it; ang mahalaga, nasa puso natin ang pagmamahal natin sa Inang Bayan. Ito ang mismong punto niya na sinasang-ayunan ko nang walang pag-aalinlangan.
Lahat ng iba ko pang gustong sabihin, nasabi na ni Kristian in the following paragraph:
“Patriotism can never be bound by laws. It can never be put into letters. Laws are there to protect the people that molds culture. Always, the People stands greater than its culture . . . Is expression a crime against patriotism? Is personal expression of patriotism a crime against the country? I don’t think so.”
Bago ko tapusin ‘tong pag-aalboroto ko dito, isang huling banat:
NHI, kailan niyo kaya titigilan ang kakaangal niyo? Sa palagay niyo ba, kakaunti lang ang paminsan-minsa’y naaaburido sa pagkapurista niyo sa iilang bagay ng ating kultura’t kasaysayan? Kamalian ang diktahan ang tao sa kung paano niya pananatilihing buhay ang diwa ng ating pagka-Pilipino. Maraming paraan para gawin ‘yan. ‘Yun nga lang, ayaw niyo, kasi marami kayong dahilan.
Well, oks na ako; medyo nahimasmasan na rin pagka-type ko ng lahat ng tila sama ng loob ko sa mundo. Peace out.
- Dark Tempest
Well said, Sir.