Arnel Pineda apologizes to National Historical Institute; asserts artistic

freedom
By: Noel Orsal & Nerisa Almo

"On my part, I'm just doing my artistic freedom. I

was there as Filipino representing Pacquiao and the
Philippines, 'yon ang importante," explained Arnel
Pineda about his rendition of "Lupang Hinirang"
before the Manny Pacquiao-Joshua Clottey bout last
Sunday, March 14.

Whenever Pinoy boxing champ Manny Pacquiao

fights, the Filipinos always look forward not only to
the event itself but also to whoever will perform the
Philippine national anthem, "Lupang Hinirang."

For several times already, the National Historical

Institute (NHI) has given its thumbs down to the
renditions of even the country's most popular
singers who sang the national anthem in Pacquiao's fights and other boxing
matches. Among these were Concert King Martin Nievera, international singing
sensation Charice Pempengco, Asia's Nightingale Lani Misalucha, romantic balladeer
Christian Bautista, and Popstar Princess Sarah Geronimo.

NHI had also warned RnB Princess Kyla, Jennifer Bautista, and La Diva (composed
of Jonalyn Viray, Aicelle Santos, and Maricar Garcia) for not following the right
tempo of "Lupang Hinirang."

After Pacquiao's bout against Ghana's Joshua Clottey last Sunday, March 14, the NHI
said it might file a complaint against Arnel Pineda, the Filipino frontman of rock
band Journey, for the "wrong" rendition of "Lupang Hinirang." (CLICK HERE to read
related article.)

In an interview with ABS-CBN News today, March 16, Pineda said: "I apologize for
my dissatisfactory performance dun sa fight ni Pacquiao and Clottey sa Dallas,
Texas, according to their standards. What can I do? I'm just doing my job... but then
again hindi ako sorry kasi artistic freedom ko 'yon. It doesn't make me less of a
Filipino dahil sa nabago ang pagkakanta."

Pineda also said that what he did was to the song was part of his "artistic freedom."

"Ano ba ang bago? 'Yong traditional na pagkanta ng 'Lupang Hinirang' ang gusto
nilang marinig. On my part, I'm just doing my artistic freedom. I was there as
Filipino representing Pacquiao and the Philippines, 'yon ang importante," he
explained.

BELTING OUT LAST LINE. In a separate interview with ABS-CBN News, NHI chief
Teddy Atienza related his disappointment with Pineda for singing the anthem slowly
on the first part instead of the marching tempo. He also pointed out that the singer
belted out the last part of "Lupang Hinirang."

The Republic Act 8941 (under Section 37) or the Flag and Heraldic Code states
that: "The national anthem must be sung in accordance with the original musical
arrangement of composer Julian Felipe, who gave it a marching tempo. Violators
may be fined P5,000 to P20,000 or jailed for a year."

Pineda admitted that he went off-pitch on the last stanza of "Lupang Hinirang."

"Alam ko naman na nag-flat ako, kasi ang parte na 'yon na nagsimula nang
magsigawan ang tao. Wala akong ear monitor. Hindi ko na marinig ang sarili ko
noong pumapasok ako doon sa line na 'Lupa ng araw ng luwalhati't pagsinta.'
Sumisigaw na sila, highlight ng melody ng kanta 'yon so unti-unti hindi ko naririnig,"
he explained.