Martin Nievera vs. The National Historic Institute

Martin Nievera's rendition of "Lupang Hinirang" has been the talk of the town diring the last couple of days since he sang it at the Manny Pacquiao-Ricky Hatton bout. The National Historic Institute strongly says that Martin Nievera have mocked the National Anthem of the Philippines. According to the section 37 of the Republic Act. 8491, "Lupang Hinirang" should be sang in accordance with the arrangement of it's composer Julian Felipe, any other arrangement done to it is against the law, now the NHI is asking Martin to issue a public apology.

The issue got even worst when Martin Nievera stated that there's nothing wrong with what he did and that he will never apologize. Before Martin Nievera several artist was criticized by the National Historic institute for tweaking our National Anthem, Jennifer Bautista, Christian Bautista, and even Charice Pempenco. Only Lea Salonga and Kyla have sang the song correctly.

In my opinion, Martin sang properly in the first part but in the later part of his singing he seemed to have turned the event to American Idol when he rearrange the National Anthem and hit a high note at the end. However in the part of the NHI they should have done some orientation for artist who were chosen to sang the Anthem to avoid incidents like this.