MANILA, Philippines – International young singer Charice got thumbs up from singers Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez for singing the National Anthem the right way at the inauguration of President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.


“Charice’s version of the Philippine National Anthem was very nice. It was the original tempo,” said Velasquez as she and Alcasid were being escorted by marshals to the tent behind the makeshift stage at Quezon Memorial Circle, site of the inaugural street party of the new President, last Wednesday night.


“Okay ang pagkanta ni Charice ng Pambansang Awit,” added Alcasid, who co-wrote Noynoy’s inaugural song “Bagong Pilipinas” with progressive artist Noel Cabangon.


The National Historical Commission reportedly also gave a raving review to Pempengco’s rendition and for adhering to its lawful interpretation under the masterful guidance of Ryan Cayabyab.


Spirits high


Alcasid and Velasquez had a “marathon” concert Wednesday which began in the morning as they performed during the inauguration of Aquino at the Quirino Grandstand.

At dusk, the couple headed to the Quezon Memorial Circle to participate in the “Panalo sa Pagbabago” victory show organized by Aquino supporters.

Gary Valenciano, too, didn’t show signs of fatigue as he sang for Aquino’s inauguration and later shuttled to the Quezon City park.


Even the impending rain didn‚Äôt dampen their spirits and enthusiasm to participate in the new administration’s pursuit of change.


The audience, who numbered in the thousands, didn’t mind the drizzle as they watched Gary V strut his stuff.


If the figures were an indication, Valenciano, in his call for reform through his songs, had cut across all sectors of society.


They all shouted for joy at Gary’s medley of pop and inspirational songs.


Coming as far as Laguna and Batangas in the south and Bulacan and Nueva Ecija in the north, people of all ages trooped to the venue to witness a well-meaning gig tagged as a street party in the history of a nation.


As one bystander observed, “all walks of life talaga ang mga tao dito sa Quezon Memorial Circle.”


It seemed the festive mood was a symbol of Filipinos’ emancipation from bondage and tyranny.


Stars from rival networks


Kris Aquino with sons Joshua and Baby James in tow came with sisters Ballsy and Viel. The sisters sat in front of the stage and braved the rain.


“Wow, kahit si Ms. Kris Aquino, kapiling ninyo sa gitna ng ulan,” announced Vhong Navarro which drew applause and cheers from spectators.


Mariel Rodriguez, in her opening spiel, said she was seeking the approval of Kris to have her photograph taken with Kris’s brother P. Noy. Kris readily gave her approval.


It was a fiesta-like event with Zsa Zsa Padilla, Pokwang, Jovit Baldivino, Pooh, Kim Chiu, Rayver Cruz and many other stars providing entertainment.


It was also a time for the coming together of both Kapuso and Kapamilya celebrities who sang side by side. Jay-R, Nina, Jed Madela and Kyla took to the stage to represent “ASAP” and “Party Pilipinas” in the show.


Before the main concert, bands dished out songs to the delight of the young people in the crowd.


One of the most anticipated numbers in the concert was the solo number of P. Noy. Many stayed around for his arrival and performance on stage.


Earlier, spokesperson Jing Magsaysay refused to reveal what the President would sing.


Later on, one of the senior production staff of the show said P. Noy would sing “Got to Believe in Magic,” a song popularized by David Pomeranz.


In the end, however, P. Noy sang “Watch What Happens” by Michel Legrand.


As the public demanded another song, P. Noy called on other singers and he sang with them Freddie Aguilar’s ‚ÄúEstudyante Blues‚Äù.


According to reports, P. Noy changed his mind about performing a number but had to sing just the same for the people.

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