Philippine National Anthem by Martin Nievera

Last May 4, 2009, Manny Pacquiao murdered Ricky Hatton in just 2 Rounds. I'm a little bit disappointed because of how brief the bout was. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad Manny won. But do you know the next worst thing after a Pacman-defeat? Yup, an early win. At least the Pacman could have played with the Hitman a little bit, just to give the audience their money's worth. Maybe softer jabs, intentional misses, and probably a little nibble to the ear.

Anyways, congrats Manny! Now give me back my money!

But enough about that. This is about how the National Anthem was sung by Martin Nievera.

Martin Nievera singing Bayang Magiliw. Ay Lupang Hinirang pala.
(Not my video. Giving credit where credit is due.)

WTF!

The arrangement was awful. It was reminiscent to a nursery rhyme being played in a piano by a one-fingered toddler. It could have been a very intimate rendition of a supposed march song. It’s simplistic nature coupled by the crystal clear pronunciation and strong melodic voice of the singer can easily entice patriotism and the desire to buy Filipino souvenirs. They tried…

But they tried too hard. There is such a thing as too much. As mellow tempo changed into a out-of-tune rock ballad, so does the flaming fire of burning embers within each and every Filipino turned into a disgraceful coffee (at work) / commercial (at home) / bathroom (at Vegas) break. The arrangement was horrendous; musical instruments were all over the place. Is it just me or was the beat doesn’t follow itself? I bet when they recorded the musical accompaniment, the conductor or say musical producer had to answer the call of nature multiple times…and he reaped what he sowed.

I do not have much to say to Martin Nievera. I can’t say that he a commendable job, nor can I consider it good enough. First, anyone who knew that Martin makes (artistic?) faces while singing will not be bothered by it. However, when the world is watching, toning down would be better. Then again maybe it is merely an unconscious reaction to musical noise. Second, what was the slur all about (line: Buhay ay langit sa piling mo)? When I heard it, I felt a balloon was blown within my lungs and permanently lodge there full inflated. The slur came as a surprise and like most surprises, all brands of pork rinds and a lack of certain strenuous exercises (if you know what I mean), leads to heart attack. And lastly, cherry on top, which happens to be as big as the cake…the final note. It reminds me of Jen Bautista’s last note slip. It was completely unnecessary and totally awkward. A song is supposed to ascend the audience emotional state gradually. But that note, with no regard for gravity or the law of acceleration, just bolted itself in leaving the viewers just sitting in their asses completely humiliated.

The national anthem was once again butchered. Good thing Manny served steak.