Arnel Pineda To Sing Philippine National Anthem in Pacquiao vs. Clottey Fight
The Pinoy front man of the popular rock band “Journey” left Manila last Thursday evening, on the way to Dallas, Texas to sing the Philippine national anthem in the upcoming Pacquiao vs. Clottey Fight which is schedule to happen on March 13 at the Cowboys Stadium in Dallas, Texas.
Pineda vows to do his best to stay true to the correct rendition of the Philippine anthem to avoid receiving a reprimand letter from the National Historical Institute (NHI). he National Historical Institute have called the attention of Charice, Christian Bautista, and Jennifer Bautista, who also sang “Lupang Hinirang” in incorrect renditions of the national anthem in the previous Pacquiao fights.
On the interview the Pinoy international rock star said, “Ang sa akin ay kakantahin ko ito sa paraan na alam kong magugustuhan ng mga Filipino, bata man o matanda.”
“Ito ang pambansang awit natin I have to make sure na maganda ang pagkaka-awit natin,” he added.
The proper way of singing ‚ÄúLupang Hinirang‚Äù became a big issue following the “incorrect” rendition of the national anthem by Martin Nievera during the May 2, 2009 fight of Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton in Las Vegas.
According to Section 37 of Republic Act (RA) 8491, the rendition of the national anthem, whether played or sung, shall be in accordance with the musical arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe.
Section 20 of the law also states: “The rendition of the flag ceremony in official or civic gatherings shall be simple and dignified and shall include the playing or singing of the anthem in its original Filipino lyrics and march tempo.”
RA 8491 prescribes that any person who will violate its provisions may be punished by a fine of at least P20,000 or imprisonment of not more than one year.
Let’s just hope and pray that Arnel will hit the “correct” notes and Pacquiao hit Clottey down. The Pacquiao vs. Clottey can viewed via PPV or you watch Pacquiao vs. Clottey online on this site.
