Arnel Pineda says sorry for 'slow-rock' nat'l anthem

Arnel Pineda, the Filipino frontman of international rockband Journey, apologized to the National Historical Institute (NHI) for not singing the national anthem as prescribed by law during the Pacquiao-Clottey bout in Texas on Sunday.

“I apologize for my dissatisfactory performance dun sa fight ni [Manny] Pacquaio and [Ghanaian boxer Joshua] Clottey sa Dallas, Texas according to their standards. What can I do? I'm just doing my job,” said Pineda.

The international singer however, was quick to defend his “artistic freedom,” saying that he sang the national hymn the way he knew how. “Ano ba ang bago? 'yong traditional na pagkanta ng 'Lupang Hinirang' ang gusto nilang marinig. I'm just doing my artistic freedom. I was there as a Filipino representing Pacquiao and the Philippines. 'Yun ang importante,” he added.

As a rock singer, Pineda said his performance was mainly influenced by his music. “I did my best and I think that is good enough for me. Siyempre being brought up as a rock and roll singer, 'yun ang influence ko,” he explained.

Pineda said he had been invited by Pacquiao to sing the national anthem in his previous fights, but had to turn down the boxer's offer because of the various tours he made with his band.

NHI mulls case vs Pineda

Due to his rather “slow” rendition of the national hymn, the NHI said it is looking into filing a complaint against Pineda.

NHI cited Section 37 of Republic Act 8491, which states that “The rendition of the national anthem, whether played or sung, shall be in accordance with the musical arrangement and the composition of Julian Felipe.”

Section 20 also provides that the singing of the national anthem should be in its “original Filipino lyrics and march tempo.”

Pursuant to RA 8491, the violator shall be punished with a penalty of P20,000 or imprisonment of no more than one year.

The NHI also criticized Pineda for donning a “cowboy-inspired” outfit to the event rather than the traditional Barong Tagalog. Pineda, however, said that the brown long-sleeved polo he wore was actually a Barong Tagalog made by Filipino designer Ariel Agasang, whose clientele includes actor Piolo Pascual.

Pouring in of support

While Pineda's rendition hit some bad notes with the NHI, many have expressed their support for the beleaguered artist.

Singer Martin Nievera defended Pineda, whom he has worked with in the ABS-CBN variety show ASAP. “Well unang-una, ginawa niya yun from the heart. Obviously, binago din ang ending. For me, I see nothing wrong with that. For me, Arnel did a very good job."

Nievera, who had likewise received a reprimand from the NHI because of his “slow” rendition of the national anthem during a Pacquiao fight against Ricky Hatton in 2009, said it was normal for the singer to sing off-key especially in big events like this.

“Well, siguro si Arnel, pinili niya yung isang key na masyadong mataas sa umpisa. Pero feeling ko, dahil lang lead singer ng Journey, rock and roll yan, ang mga rockers kasama sa boses nila yung may kaunting basag o konting paos o konting crack sa boses... kasama na rin yung may konting nerves at konting excitement din. Kasama na yung screaming fans,” Nievera explained.

The Pacquaio-Clottey fight, with over 51,000 spectators, was one of the most attended in boxing history.

A “little jazzing” won't hurt

Although singing the national anthem at a Pacquiao bout is considered a dream performance among singers, many now dread the comments that come from the NHI and the controversy that is sure to follow.

Here is a list of artists who have been criticized by the NHI for singing the national anthem "wrongly." (List from Spot.ph)

Artist	Offense	When
La Diva	Changed the melody	Pacquiao VS Cotto (2009)
Martin Nievera	Sang too slow	Pacquiao VS Hatton (2009)
Charice Pempengco	Version too jazzed up	NCAA finals (2009)
Christian Bautista	Forgot the lyrics	Peñalosa VS Bernabe (2007)
Sarah Geronimo	Version too kundiman-like	Pacquiao VS Morales (2006)
Lani Misalucha	Sang too slow	Pacquiao VS Morales (2006)

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Only RNB singer Kyla was hailed to have sung the closest rendition of the national anthem based on the prescribed melody and tempo. Her rendition during Pacquaio's second match with Marco Antonio Barrera in 2007 was considered the best rendition by some analysts.

Spot.ph commenter "Simon Cowell" said of the list, “What's wrong with a little jazzing up? They're popstars after all. And it's a boxing match with all the blood and gore, for heaven's sake, not the ballet!”

Another reader, "Alexis," challenged the NHI to send one of its members to sing at Pacquiao's fight to teach singers how to do it right. “Someone from the National Historical Institute should sing the national anthem in the next Pacquiao fight, and then maybe they can show the world how it should be sung. That is if they even have the guts to sing it in front of millions of people around the world.”

Video uploaded by Journey4AP5 on Youtube.com, Some Rights Reserved

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