By Gemma Cruz Araneta
EVERY once in a while, we have to be reminded to sing the National Anthem with fervor and to fly our national colors, the Filipino flag, with respect and dignity. After my article about the symbols of our nation, I received this email from Godofredo Habon: "…I feel irritated every time I hear "Lupang Hinirang" being sang in a tempo contrary to its original [Marcha Filipina Nacional]. In a briefing I attended at the National Historical Institute, I brought up this matter along with the desecration of the Flag, its wrong display, etc.. Take note how it is sang during sports events, e.g. boxing. Is it okay to sing it in many interpretations, at choreographed pa? I think, if we sing the original tempo anywhere, any time, then it might spell unity for us Filipinos. There seems to be utter dumbness and blindness in the rendition of the Pambansang Awit.. What a shame!
All the way from British Virgin Island, reader Efraen Tingson, lamented how disrespectfully the National Anthem is sang during sports events like the PacquiaoMorales fight. Mr. Tingson, site manager of Rolls Royce Power Engineering, said he also noticed the writing on the Filipino flag during said boxing match and that it was really shameful. Writing from Notre Dame, Dolores W. Tantoco-Stuader said: "Thanks for your interesting and informative article after many weeks of preparation and celebration of Memorial day, it is good to hear and read stories about flags and what they symbolize… In Barasoain, Malolos, the Philippine National Anthem is played by the band outside the church during the consecration of the Host at the Altar, on national holidays and fiestas, perhaps, as a unique local expression that Christ is the Prince of Peace. May it be so in our minds, hearts and souls and that the whole world will be one in the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ." That is exactly what we need to get back on track. (gemma601@yahoo.com)
Tune in "Krus na daan," DZRJ, 810 khz, Monday-Friday, 5-6 p.m. Watch "Only Gemma!" RJTV, Mondays, 7-8 p.m. Sky 19 (Mla. & Baguio), Sky 44 (Dagupan) Destiny 6 (Cebu) & 79 (Mla.), Palompon 23 (Leyte), Colorview 40 (Zambales), Caceres 6, Comsatel 44, Quezon 29, Mananap 18, Mariveles Space 27, La Union 38, Albay 6, Isabela 18.
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