Pacquiao, Hatton, Nievera and Lupang Hinirang

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After that short and spectacular boxing bout between Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton, there’s a bit of sparring between the NHI and Martin Nievera (who sang the Philippine National Anthem before the Pacquiao-Hatton fight).

The NHI wants Nievera to apologize for singing the Lupang Hinirang differently, because it was in violation of Republic Act 8491. Section 37 states:

The rendition of the national anthem, whether played or sung, shall be in accordance with the musical arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe.

Since the arrangement was modified and Nievera sang it, well…

Anyway, Martin Nievera refuses to apologize because he feels he did not do anything wrong. I did not like the way he sang the Lupang Hinirang (mainly because of the last note), but then that’s just me. I’m not demanding any apologies. Neither am I a lawyer, so I’ll just leave the legal tussle to other people.

This is the version that I prefer…

At any rate, congratulations to Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao for his stunning TKO victory over Ricky Hatton.

Here are Tom Jones, Jasmine Villegas, and Martin Nievera singing national anthems:


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First posted on Tuesday, 05 May 2009

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2 Comments »

2 Responses to “Pacquiao, Hatton, Nievera and Lupang Hinirang”

  1. on 06 May 2009 at 4:38 pm 1marie

    Martin should not be too proud of his rendition of the national anthem. Laws are enacted so that people would observe it and ignorance of the law excuses no one from compliance therewith. It is quite sad that lawmakers want to waste time and introduce amendments as to how the national anthem should be sang. Giving it a reverential rendition doesn’t make sense. There is no country in the world which has several versions of their national anthem. Martin Nievera’s rendition is down right pathetic. It looked like a desparate effort to revive a dying career. He should not use Manny Pacquiao as an excuse to break the law. He should’ve known better…

  2. on 07 May 2009 at 6:17 pm 2baycas

    Focus on the manner of singing was highlighted in MSM and blogs. How about this one…

    For what purpose was the preview at Robinson’s Place Manila done?

    SEC. 38.
    The anthem shall not be played and sung for mere recreation,
    amusement or entertainment purposes except on the following
    occasions:
    (a) International competitions where the Philippines is the
    host or has a representative;
    (b) Local competitions;
    (c) During the “signing off” and “signing on” of radio
    broadcasting and television stations;
    (d) Before the initial and last screening of films and before
    the opening of theater performances; and
    (e) Other occasions as may be allowed by the Institute.

    (Emphasis mine.)

    Martin’s pre-fight boastful promotion of his performance was even on print media last Saturday. Online edition here:

    http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=463419&publicationSubCategoryId=69