Should there be more artistic freedom in singing Lupang Hinirang?
Imagine if Lupang Hinirang was allowed to be performed in any genre – having it played in a synth-pop tune or giving out an R&B vibe. On Thursday, The House Committee on Basic Education reviewed the substitute bill regarding the country’s national anthem.
House Deputy Speaker and Cagayan de Oro 2nd District Representative Rufus Rodriguez wanted to pursue fellow House Committee members to give artists the freedom to perform the Philippine national anthem. His recommendation counters the proposed law on establishing a definite tempo for singing the national anthem, Manila Bulletin reported.
Rodriguez pointed out that the national anthem could be “sung with utmost respect” to give artists the flexibility on how they want to express it, ‘We know already what is not respectful, like if you will sing it with not the proper lyrics. Or number two, you will sing it in rap.’
The hearing tackled the substitute bill that contained proposals to review the Republic Act No. 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines. In section 37 of the RA No. 8491, it states that Julian Felipe’s arrangement and composition of the Lupang Hinirang should be followed. According to the National Historic Commission of the Philippines, the proper tempo is a 2/4 beat and 100 metronomes, and lasting for 53 seconds, as per Manila Times.
Looking back, there were a number of singers who were heavily criticized for performing Lupang Hinirang with their own vocal liberty during past boxing competitions. Jennifer Bautista was in hot waters after missing a note during her performance in a boxing match of Senator Manny Pacquiao in 2006. Christian Bautista forgot to deliver a few lines during a Gerry Peñalosa and Concepcion Bernabe boxing exhibition in 2007. Martin Nievera didn’t sing the national anthem according to the norm during another boxing tournament of Pacquiao in 2009.
However, U.S.A.’s national anthem “The Star-Spangled Banner” had different renditions by artists throughout the years, like Whitney Houston’s performance at the 1991 Superbowl, Beyonce spicing it up with her own flair during Barack Obama’s presidential inauguration in 2013, and Lady Gaga for US President Joe Biden’s presidential inauguration this year.
In Manila Bulletin‘s report, Lanao del Norte Rep. Abdullah Dimaporo and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts opposed Rodriguez and other House Committee members who agreed with him. The hearing ended with the decision to retain the 2/4 beat of Lupang Hinirang.
How about you? Is it high time for the country to become more flexible with the national anthem?
In case you forgot how the country’s OG national anthem sounds like:
Banner: Unsplash/Cherry Bueza
The post <b>Should there be more artistic freedom in singing Lupang Hinirang?</b> appeared first on WE THE PVBLIC.
Source: we the pvblic
No comments