Charice sings perfect anthem

MANILA, Philippines - For once, there was no controversy regarding the singing of the national anthem. 

The National Historical Institute (NHI) gave international singing sensation Charice Pempengco a “perfect” score for her rendition of “Lupang Hinirang” at the inauguration of President Aquino at the Quirino Grandstand yesterday.

“The NHI called to say they were happy about my rendition of Lupang Hinirang. Perfect po daw,” Charice told The STAR.

“I am happy and proud that I was part of history. I am also happy and proud that I sang the National Anthem correctly,” said Charice, who arrived a day before the inauguration from promoting her first international album “Pyramid” in the US and Europe.

Those who were at the Quirino Grandstand broke into applause after Charice sang the National Anthem without histrionics, without changing any of the original notes.

“I was practicing the song in the States. But I got to rehearse with Sir Ryan Cayabyab (who conducted the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra) just last night,” said Charice, adding that she was glad that there was no controversy about her rendition of the National Anthem.

“I was also very careful not to get negative comments about my singing the ‘Lupang Hinirang’ because I also want to make it perfect for President Noynoy,” the 18-year-old singer from Cabuyao, Laguna said. Her being chosen to sing the National Anthem was courtesy of presidential sister Kris Aquino-Yap, Charice’s ninang at her recent baptism.

The National Anthem should be sung as it was composed by Julian Felipe – as a march that should be finished in less than two minutes.

“At our rehearsal last night, Sir Ryan and I made sure we would abide by the rules,” Charice said.

Charice said she already got two warnings from the NHI for not singing the anthem correctly. “I got the first warning after I sang at the opening of the National Collegiate Athletics Society two years ago. The second time was at the fight of (boxer) Gerry Peñalosa.”

Charice wore a pink gown by Paul Cabral when she arrived before the start of the ceremony “because there were international media who would interview me about my album.” She wore a yellow and black gown by Avel Bacudio when she sang the National Anthem.