Sotto's folly: Changing the Lyrics of Lupang Hinirang

Senate president Vicente "Tito" Sotto III is one damned good composer, singer and record producer. He is one of those credited of introducing what we now know as "Manila Sound." During the seventies, Manila Sound was not just Hotdogs or Cinderellas. There are groups such as Blue Jeans and VST and Company which provided us with endless hours of sheer disco-inspired music.

Sadly, let us admit that Sotto's music was a Filipino interpretation of Motown's and that of the Bee Gees. Just listen to the lyrics and the notes used in the music produced by the VST. I must admit though that it was Tito, as well as Joey and Vic, who composed the most melodious songs and the most emotive lyrics.

And the Sotto brothers mind you, are forebears of Original Pilipino Music (OPM), a sound that is equally enjoyed by Filipinos and Foreigners.

Having said that, it is but natural for me to say that since Sotto bears the right credentials to propose such a change in the lyrics of our national anthem, he is free to propose a change in the lyrics. It is our duty, however, to oppose it.

Songs are reflective of the emotions and views of the generation which it became known. When Julian Felipe composed our national anthem, like Sotto, the tune came from the Marcha National Filipina which was copied from a foreign source. Jose Palma's poem was used for its lyrics.

Palma's lyrics reflect the popular feeling and social consciousness of those times. And these very same nationalist feelings which united this nation as "Philippines" are still being felt and believed by most Filipinos.

I doubt if Sotto would allow future generations to change the lyrics of such popular VST songs as "Ipagpatawad Mo" into " Huwag Po Kuya!", or " Step yes, step no," as " Rape yes, rape no."

In the music industry, there is such a thing as respect of a composer's song. Sotto must be reminded of this.

Enough said.

National Historical Institute is out of tune

I don't really see the point being made by the National Historical Institute (NHI). As a historiographer myself, I think it is stupid for the NHI to monitor every single artist or citizen out there while they're singing the National anthem.

Instead of correcting the errors in history books and probably engaging people in more relevant pursuits, like reminding them of the important events in our history, people over there at NHI are acting like voice coaches or music teachers.

Why file a case against Arnel Pineda or Martin Nievera just because they sang the national anthem in a higher pitch or tune than the others. Are we really fooling ourselves?

Who, really knows how to sing Felipe's masterpiece? Who, except the composer and the lyricists who are both dead, know the exact tune or pitch or cadence of our national song.

One's love for the country is not to be measured by the pitch or the tune that one gives out whenever he sings the anthem. We live in a democracy and we can sing it in whatever manner we want for as long as we don't change the lyrics.

Net--its not the tune stupid. It's the lyrics that matter.

I will be the first one to militate against those who will change the lyrics of our national anthem. That is a totally different matter altogether.

The NHI is acting like Hitler's SS when, again, they want Pinoy international artist Arnel Pineda charged for singing the national anthem higher in pitch and tune than what the composer intended. Lest the NHI forget--we are in a democracy and something as trivial as a higher tune is excusable.

It would disparage the memory of our heroes and patriots if the NHI continues to behave like old hags with a stick in hand, ready to strike someone's butt for singing in tune, but in a higher pitch. This is not the way to educate the people about our heritage and history. Fact is--this is the most insolent and the most stupid way to illuminate us of the finer points of our history.

And Arnel Pineda should not apologize. Fact is, Pineda should even give the NHI a piece of his creative mind.