NHCP commends Charice for ‘perfect’ rendition of PHL nat’l anthem

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) described as “perfect" the rendition of the Philippine national anthem by international singing sensation Charice Pempengco during the Pacquiao-Mosley match in Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday (Sunday in Manila). “I had no doubt that she will do it properly, the singing of the national anthem. And last Sunday, we all saw it, we all heard it. She sang [it] perfectly," NHCP executive director Ludovico Badoy said in an interview with GMA News’ “24 Oras." Badoy added that the NHCP will send Charice a commendation letter for her rendition of the “Lupang Hinirang," which the commission set apart from the elaborate performances by other Filipino singers during Pacquiao’s other matches. “Dapat tularan," Badoy said of Charice’s performance. “There’s a law on this and we should follow our laws." The NCHP had earlier complained against singers, such as Journey lead singer Arnel Pineda, for changing the tone and tempo of the “Lupang Hinirang" based on their personal and artistic styles. The NHCP had also commended Charice when she sang the “Lupang Hinirang" during the inauguration of President Benigno Aquino III on June 30 last year. [See video below.]
In October last year, the House of Representatives approved on third and final reading a bill criminalizing the improper singing of the national anthem, among other things. The Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines decrees the singing of the national anthem according to the musical arrangement and composition by Julian Felipe. - KBK, GMA News