Martin Nievera's Sining of "Lupang Hinirang"... Like It or Hate It?

@eichs1 (1934)
Philippines
May 3, 2009 8:46pm CST
What do you think fellow myLoters? Did Martin Nievera give justice singing our national anthem during the Pacman-Hitman fight? Whom would you like to sing "Lupang Hinirang" next? I love the arrangement and Martin's voice, though there's a little glitch when he belted out the last part of the song. Here's a good video of the rendition if you want to review it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pMyt2NAfOc
6 people like this
24 responses
@modstar (9605)
• Philippines
4 May 09
Personally, i think he did good. Not great but good enough. I think he sang it the right way which is using the marching tempo. Though i have to agree with you the there's a little changes during the last part of the song but i guess he's just being different without really altering the essence of the national anthem. I think he did well compared to others like the one who sang on the Donaire match. The guy from the band 6cyclemind. I think he brutalized the national anthem that i feel that he should be reprimanded for it.
@eichs1 (1934)
• Philippines
5 May 09
@usaflove, it could have not been a big deal but right now, the NHI are demanding for public apology. . If they think Martin did wrong, NHI should watch all the others who sang the national anthem and implement the law fair and square. NHI should also consider some other violations committed by people during the singing. Why is Pacman not in attention? Why are the other Filipinos shouting while the anthem was being sang? As for who should sing, I don't think Martin's ability is questionable. He can really do better than Lea or Charice. He is probably one of the best singer the country has produced. It's just the way he sang the anthem that is being questioned today.
1 person likes this
@eichs1 (1934)
• Philippines
4 May 09
We are of the same opinion about this. I saw here in the web 6cyclemind's rendition and I again agree with you. That's what we call murder. Christian Bautista's is a blunder. But it's not only Ney who sang our national anthem that slow. There are lots of Filipina singers who did so, though in a much better way.
1 person likes this
• United States
4 May 09
HI! I think he did okay, but manny chose him instead of charice pempengco or lea salonga.. I think it would've been better if he chose either of those 2 girls... I think the only thing martin did was that he made the song a little more lively and fast lol.. People keep compplaining about it but it's already done and I don't think it was a big deal.
• Philippines
4 May 09
Hello! This is just my first time here and my second response, so far, so I hope you won't give me any tongue-lashing here. Well, my husband and I really like Martin. He is a really good singer with a great voice. We have several of his albums. We enjoy listening to him. We were excited to hear how he will sing our National Anthem. I'm thinking, "Finally, somebody worthy to sing it." First thing I noticed was that the quality of his voice is now different, much improved, fuller, I'd say. While listening to him sing, I cannot help but feel proud of our Filipino heritage. Our national anthem is really beautiful. But I was disappointed with the ending. I wish he sang it correctly. It would have sounded even more victorious, as how it is suppose to be. I hope Charice sings it next time and just the way it should be sung.
@eichs1 (1934)
• Philippines
5 May 09
With such thoughtful answer, I don't think you deserve tongue-lashing at all. Actually, no one should be disrespecting anyone here in myLot just because of the difference in opinion or for anybody's inability to express him/herself intelligently. If we want a victory ending, I think Martin's ending is more expressive than the original. The original ending is a solemn one.
• Philippines
5 May 09
I so agree with you. I was just worried because most of the respondents here say that they don't like the way Martin sang it, but I have to say that I do. At least for the most part. And we can't help it, we like Martin Nievera as a singer. We do agree that he hasn't been the most righteous man, but really, who is? As a singer, though, he's great! Thanks for the response!
@Jemina (5770)
19 May 09
I loved it. Martin Nievera is a professional singer and you could see that in the way he arranged his version of Lupang Hinirang. It was beautiful. But I'm not implying that we adapt it. It's just for style and and elegance. I particularly was impressed when he sang the last part in octave. I guess after the girl who sang out of tune in one of Pacquiao's fights no one else dared to do that. They were all afraid to be lambasted. Yo, Martin, You're great!
@eichs1 (1934)
• Philippines
21 May 09
How I wish we could always see things your way. Unfortunately, a national anthem is one song that came out with a law in it. Maybe it is time for the law to be revisited and revised so as to give freedom of artistic interpretation when singing the anthem in public?
1 person likes this
@Jemina (5770)
22 May 09
Sorry for the ignorance displayed. I don't know exactly what the law states regarding our Lupang Hinirang. I just know that when it is sang or played we should stand up--if we can--or pause but a lot of people are disobeying that deliberately.
@eichs1 (1934)
• Philippines
22 May 09
You are right. Even when it was sang during boxing matches, everyone (or any Filipino in the are at least) are supposed to stand, put their right hand on their left chest and face the flag or where the singer/orchestra is. When Martin was singing, Pacquiao was even shown practicing his moves. As for the singing of the anthem, our law requires that the anthem should be sang on it's original form. No changes in tempo or rhythm.
• Philippines
4 May 09
The way he portrayed the song, honestly it sucks and yes I hate it. It was the poorest choice even though he lives there. they should have choose a Diva or a singer like Jasmine trias, Charice Pempengco, at least any one but male. at least Martin did a trial song once in Robinsons, and he even asked the audience if it was good. for them it was, for me it wasn't good at all..
1 person likes this
@eichs1 (1934)
• Philippines
4 May 09
"at least any one but male" Hmmm... I wonder why you said so. Honestly, I heard Charice's rendition and it's way off the tempo that the anthem is supposed to be sung. As for Jasmine Trias, I can only imagine her singing the anthem as soft as "Unforgetable". I'm sure that with the number of negative feedbacks Martin is getting right now, they will not alter anything when they do the singing.
• Philippines
4 May 09
It's been said before that the National Anthem song should not be altered into the modern singing. a lot of people complained to that here in the Philippines. they should just make it fast and clean like Lea Salonga did.
1 person likes this
@eichs1 (1934)
• Philippines
4 May 09
It is also in our law that anyone who will happens to hear our national anthem should stand at attention and do the "makabayan" salute (right palm on top of the left chest) until the song was finished. Have you seen our fellow Filipinos did what the law required when our singers are singing the national anthem? My guess is as good as your guess.
• Philippines
4 May 09
I don't like it. I hate it. But its ok
2 people like this
@eichs1 (1934)
• Philippines
4 May 09
It's not just you. Others hated it too. Even the National Historic Institute want him to do public apology. But that's alright. We are free to voice our opinion not just here in our country but even here at myLot.
1 person likes this
@bhabytart (1116)
• Philippines
4 May 09
im sorry to say....he didnt sing it right..... our national anthem is TEMPO DE MARCH...We are Filipino we should sing right.and by his way of singing it he's making it as if he is just singing a another pop song...
@eichs1 (1934)
• Philippines
4 May 09
@bhabytart, I'm honored that you choose to do your first posting here in my discussion. And you even got @spoiledbrat at your side. Martin sing the most part in TEMPO DE MARCH, right?
1 person likes this
@eichs1 (1934)
• Philippines
4 May 09
I do agree that being a Filipino is not just a matter of our skin color. Even the way we song our national anthem will count. But I still think Martin's singing is not a pop thing but more of a marching tempo.
1 person likes this
@bhabytart (1116)
• Philippines
4 May 09
thank you! lets just say i like music..... ammmm..... think he sung it pop not in tempo de march.....our national anthem is s beautiful song.so i think when we sing it, sing it as it is.... "ang pagiging filipino ay hnd lamang ss kulay ng balat" tama po ba?
@gotcho0O (1257)
• United States
13 May 09
kkk - Remembering the unity of every Filipinos during war.
I am not disappointed on how Martin Nievera sang the Philippine National Anthem. I think it was great and you can feel the feelings. Eventhough Martin actually was not a hundred percent grew up in the Philippines, atleast he can sing the song right, compare to Christian Bautista who actually forgot the lyrics. I don't know why some people making it a big issue. Let's face it, are those people who criticize him are singers? Why not zip their mouth and just think how Martin prepared and got nervous before singing the song. It's not easy since a lot of artists sang in the Pacman's boxing event before and got criticized too. Hello people, Martin Nievera is a Filipino and why would a co-Filipino would want to do that? Haven't you forgotten on how Filipinos used to love each other during those past wars? Love not war..Peace Filipinos, peace. Go choose, positive or negative? Angels or you know who! Ahahaha, what else do I have to say just for you to wake up and realize that we don't need to make things a big issue especially if its about just criticizing our fellow Filipinos. Unity guys! By the way, just so you know, I'm not a Martin Nievera fan^__^ but yeaaah, he's a great singer..
@eichs1 (1934)
• Philippines
13 May 09
It's just right that we should judge a performance not because we like or hate a the singer but rather on the performance itself. I am not a Martin fan either and just like you, I like the way he sang our anthem. Well, each of us have different preferences and we should respect that. If others don't like Martin's performance, then they should be free to say their piece. And we should not be really forcing others to conform with our views. For sure, we would not want others to be ramming their convictions on us.
@rsa101 (37952)
• Philippines
4 May 09
I do think that he did performed the song well of course with the exception of the last part which he somewhat over sang tyhe last part. There was a little off tone which was quite noticeable but then its part of the risks of singing live in an audience that is very ecstatic about the game that is about to happen.
1 person likes this
@rsa101 (37952)
• Philippines
5 May 09
Well let's just say that the crowd he is facing is a different crowd. It is between Filipinos and Britons cheering for their idol and singing your national anthemn might just be very stressful on his part also because he is known and he is singing for his country there.
@eichs1 (1934)
• Philippines
4 May 09
I thought Martin don't have a problem with a live audience. He's used to that. Maybe he's just got carried away. If you watched the Pacquiao-De La Hoya fight, you will hear the nervousness in Karylle's voice when she sang the national anthem. She still did it good though.
2 people like this
• Philippines
10 May 09
Honestly I really don't like the way Mr. Nievera sang our national anthem.. He didn't even put his right hand on his chest to show respect..
1 person likes this
@eichs1 (1934)
• Philippines
11 May 09
Just like all the other Filipinos that are there while Martin is singing it right? But in a way, I don't think you are disrespecting our national anthem when you don't put your hand on your chest. I really wonder why they have to include that in the law. When I was in grade school, we don't have to do that gesture in flag ceremonies but I have all respect for what our national emblems represents.
@jersey86 (1348)
• Philippines
4 May 09
Honestly i did not put too much attention on how martin sung the song what i am really excited is how would the fight be.. and did Manny Pacquiao did again.. Mabuhay ang Pinoy..
@eichs1 (1934)
• Philippines
4 May 09
. I too would have not mind the singing if it was done plainly. But there's something new in the rendition that made me listen to it. Actually, one reason I started this discussion was that, everything was focused on the fight. I even made a thread about the result while there are already a two or three who made one before me. I think the singing of the national anthem can be a good distraction.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
4 May 09
Me also i dont put any attention about how he sung. I love Manny Pacquiao his my idol
1 person likes this
@Theresaaiza (10487)
• Australia
5 May 09
I was expecting more from him so I guess his performance was really frustrating for me. I don't really mind if the artist performed it in another manner, pop or whatever, as long as the performance could make our spirits go shooting for the skies but Martin's rendition was a slack. However, it doesn't change the fact that HE IS a very good singer. He still is.
1 person likes this
@eichs1 (1934)
• Philippines
6 May 09
I don't think he could do more than what he had done. There were pleas about singing the anthem as it is and that is one reason why our artists can not do so much change on the song. In fairness, I like the tempo of Martin's rendition more than the soft singing done by most of our female singers.
@winieann (234)
• Philippines
5 May 09
Im no Martin Nievera fan, but i think he sang our National anthem soulfully, his version is great, he hit that Pinoy-ako dude and he hit it hard. I say i like it i guess. ahhaha... For whom to sing next.. uhmm CHarise Pempengko? lol hahha i dont care to who.. as long as he or she sings it with heart. Have a great day and Happy Lotting!
@eichs1 (1934)
• Philippines
6 May 09
My friends who loved the singing say the same thing. Martin just shouted "Pinoy ako!!!". "...i dont care to who.. as long as he or she sings it with heart" I agree. We should not be looking on the personality. We should always judge as to how the song was performed. But will it be more exciting if Pilita Corales or Armida Siguion-Reyna, complete with the Filipiniana dress, to do the singing?
@hershiez (464)
4 May 09
Hi and hello there eichs1! ^_^ Honestly speaking, I hate his voice. ^_^v I hate his performance while singing our National Anthem. It's like his having a lip sync! I'd like Lea Salonga to sing it next or Arnel Pineda!
@eichs1 (1934)
• Philippines
4 May 09
I heard Lea Salonga sing the national anthem without altering the melody and the tempo and it's really good. And with voice as clear as Lea, you can do nothing but ponder on the lines and feel more the nationalistic fervor the song aims to invoke among us. Arnel Pineda of the Journed? Will he not make the anthem a little bit rock and rolling? I can't wait to hear him do it. On a more serious note, with such high vocal range, Arnel can sing any song. We just don't know how he will touch the listeners' hearts when he sings our national anthem.
@winieann (234)
• Philippines
5 May 09
yeah!! Arnel Pineda will be great!
• Philippines
5 May 09
well i think martin nievera sung our national anthem well on the aspect of he didn't forgot the lyrics only he used a different arrangement. he only made one mistake, a huge one by making revision without asking first permission, anyone has the right to do anything but of course this right has limitation in order not to be abuse and not to step on others right. any artist should ask first the approval of the authority before making any changes. in other countries doing that has severe penalty.
1 person likes this
@eichs1 (1934)
• Philippines
6 May 09
Considering that we have a law that prohibits singing the anthem in other fashion, I don't think the NHI will ever agree. Well, the US singers have different renditions of their anthem but their government is not penalizing them for doing so. We have our law but it seems it is again implemented selectively.
@jazel_juan (15747)
• Philippines
5 May 09
I was watching the news this morning and there was a comment about Martin's way of singing the National Anthem, But the newscaster's comment was better, he said that why do some people NOTICE his way of singing? He sang it with his whole heart from the way he sang it, it was good, turned out good and you can see that he sang it with PRIDE in his voice and you can see he looks proud to be a Filipino! Why do some people have to criticize the way he sang it? and finds fault it! but they do not notice those PEOPLE who makes big mistakes in our country, who do illegal stuff and injustices? tsk tsk... so bad so bad
1 person likes this
@eichs1 (1934)
• Philippines
5 May 09
I haven't heard the comment but such view is really worth pondering. I don't know how the NHI and the "legalists" had to say about this.
@bing28 (3795)
• Philippines
4 May 09
At first am not happy hearing it, especially the march tempo part, then the emphasis was given more at the last part where there's a little off tone but I understand now, when he change the tempo and have the arrangement approved. I love Martin as a performer, however.
@eichs1 (1934)
• Philippines
5 May 09
Unfortunately, NHI said that they never approved anything. Someone was lying when they took the NHI logo and pasted that the singing was previewed by the institute. Definitely, Martin is a good performer. I am not his fan but I really think that he is a very good singer and performer. Oh, except for those incomprehensible facial expressions.
1 person likes this
@paoxav (1382)
• Philippines
4 May 09
He sang it fine and put something new but he didn't disrespect it. His soul was there when he was singing it. I love it in short and he did well even if he had some problems talking in tagalog fluently.. I'll give him a rating of 8 and the highest is 10..
1 person likes this
@eichs1 (1934)
• Philippines
5 May 09
as if the knowledge in the language has something to do with the singing. Apparently, there are those who disagree that Martin did it for the country. They think Martin did it to show-off and he should be penalized for doing so.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
4 May 09
[b][/b]Lea Salonga, she will make great justice to the song, for me it's better if Lea do the rendition of the national anthem, not very satisfied with Martin's interpretation, OA with the facial expression, my opinion only..LOL..[pumiyok pa at the end] :(
1 person likes this
@eichs1 (1934)
• Philippines
4 May 09
I love Martin's voice but I really don't like his facial expression when he sings. Usually, I prefer to close my eyes or focus on others when he is singing. Yes, Lea can do a very good rendition but we have heard her already so I am looking for other singers to give their own interpretation of the song. How about Sheryn Regis or Frenchie Dy? Why not Janno Gibbs or Ogie Alcasid?
@gerard09 (75)
• Philippines
4 May 09
Honestly, i didn't like it. he didn't sang it properly. the national anthem "Lupang Hinirang" should be in march tempo/fast. i don't get it why singers can't sing the national anthem properly. it seems like our singers aren't filipinos in real life. they try to change the tempo which is totally wrong. the experts should teach them the proper way of singing "Lupang Hinirang".
@eichs1 (1934)
• Philippines
5 May 09
Well, it seems we want to follow anything the US does. Our artists started to do the variation because American singers love to sing the "Star Spangled Banner" in their own way without getting a flack in doing so. ...experts should teach them the proper way of singing "Lupang Hinirang" I don't think they forgot how our anthem should sound. Maybe, it should be the law that they should learn.
@tzaddi (395)
• Philippines
4 May 09
Well, I think that I pretty much liked it. Martin Nievera is a very good singer, that's why he's called the "Concert King" and I love the changes, but the TV telecast was delayed for about 2 seconds, so I was a little bit confused, but overall, it was great, and the fight was great too! Cheers to Manny!
1 person likes this
@eichs1 (1934)
• Philippines
4 May 09
Yes, the voice and the sound were not synchronized that is why it is confusing. But do try to listen from youtube uploads and just close your eyes when you do so that you will not be confused.