I found a clip of Lea Salonga’s version of the Philippine National Anthem on YouTube. It is posted below. I think Martin Nievera should listen to it. I think he should have listened to it before he sang in Las Vegas because this is the way it should have been done. If he only did, Martin Nievera would not be in deep s*** right now because of his rendition.

The Philippine National Anthem isn’t like an ordinary song that should be tweaked or re-arranged to suit a singer’s preference or objective. There should only be one version and that’s the original official version. It is not a song that should be changed to demonstrate one’s creativity or vocal prowess, or to gain international recognition. It should be sung with only one purpose,
and that is to honor the motherland. Nothing else. I think singers of the anthem in the future should keep this in mind.

Here are some online comments about the issue that I agree with:

The point is Martin had overdone our anthem, although he sang it well and its nice but still it is not official. Martin and the other well-known filipino singers can influence the next generation, what will happen if our children will sing it in a slow intro then end it in a high note. Its a big deal preserving or national heritage.

The original time signature that Julian Felipe composed not written is in 2/4, slower than the present, but because it was arrange for brass bands and not for singing it was latter change to 4/4 when the lyrics written by Jose Palma was added. there are several revisions with the original lyrics until the government made the official anthem in which we are now singing.

Lea for being the superstar that she did not succumb to self-glorification just as Martin did… it’s so obvious, he wanted to be noticed…

Lea Salonga’s Philippine National Anthem

Video: Martin Nievera’s National Anthem version at
Manny Pacquiao vs Ricky Hatton fight

Reaction to Martin Nievera’s Philippine National Anthem

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