Zyrene consults NHI on proper way of singing RP National Anthem

In order to avoid any legal problems, up-and-coming singer Zyrene Parsad consulted the National Historical Institute (NHI) on the proper way of singing “Lupang Hinirang," the Philippine National Anthem. Parsad, who placed third in GMA 7’s talent search Are You The Next Big Star?, said she plans to sing it correctly, so that asking the NHI for pointers is one way of making sure the anthem is properly sung. "Kailangan ko po talagang mag-consult kasi sila ang nagde-decide kung tama o mali ang pag-render mo ng Philippine National Anthem," said the 24-year-old newbie. Parsad was Manny Pacquiao’s personal choice to sing the anthem when he faces Mexican Antonio Margarito on November 13 for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) light middleweight title at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Several Filipino singers have earned the ire of the NHI for their wrong renditions of the Jose Palma-composed and Julian Felipe-arranged National Anthem, which was first played during the proclamation of Philippine independence on June 12, 1898. Zyrene said she was aware on how the likes of Journey’s lead vocalist Arnel Pineda and Martin Nieverra earned the NHI’s ire for their rearranged renditions. Balladeer Christian Bautista, in a separate event, even forgot some lines of “Lupang Hinirang." The NHI recommends the version of Tony Award winner Lea Salonga on the correct way of singing the anthem. Parsad also plans to seek the help of world-renowned Filipino composer Ryan Cayabyab, who coached Filipina international singing sensation Charice when she sang the National Anthem during the inauguration of President Noynoy Aquino. The upcoming singer said she was honored that Pacquiao chose her for the signal honor. The Filipino boxing icon decided on Parsad after hearing the young entertainer’s rendition of the Philippine National Anthem at a recent gathering of businessmen in Makati City. "Masaya at kinakabahan, siyempre. World champion si Pacquiao at Congressman pa. Talagang malaking karangalan na makasama ka sa laban niya. Lalo’t ang manunood sayo ay ang buong mundo," said Zyrene, who swims daily as her way of strengthening her vocal chords.

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV NHI vs Pinoy artists The NHI planned to file charges against several Filipino artists in the past for their supposedly incorrect renditions of the Philippine National Anthem. Among them are Nieverra and Pineda. The NHI said the incorrect way of singing the National Anthem violates Republic Act (RA) 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines. Section 20 of RA 8491 states that: "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." Section 37 states that: "The rendition of the National Anthem, whether played or sung, shall be in accordance with the musical arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe." Any person violating RA 8491 will be meted a P20,000 fine or imprisonment of not more than one year. Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, however, filed House Bill 465 where he hopes to give the law more teeth by imposing a P100,000 fine for violators. HB 465 is expected to become a law after it recently hurdled the third reading in the House of Representatives. It also seeks to impose a jail sentence on anyone who will deviate from its original marching tempo. Other Filipino artists who sang the Philippine National Anthem in Pacquiao’s previous fights are Karylle, Ciara Sotto, Nicole Angela Judalena, Kyla, Geneva Cruz, Sarah Geronimo, Jennifer Bautista, Regine Velasquez, Lani Misalucha, Dessa, Martin Nievara, Arnel Pineda, and La Diva’s Jonalyn Viray, Aicelle Santos and Maricris Garcia. – JVP, GMANews.TV