Why Kirby, not Jessica, sang Lupang Hinirang

MANILA, Philippines - Even if perhaps she would have agreed to sing Lupang Hinirang at yesterday’s Pacquiao-Bradley fight in Las Vegas, Jessica Sanchez couldn’t have done it because the honor had been promised to Kirby Asunto, 14, as early as last February (as reported to Funfare in a scoop by New York-based “beauty expert” Felix Manuel)

Instead, Jessica (who’s coming for the American Idol 2012 Tour at the Big Dome on Sept. 21, produced by Renen de Guia’s Ovation Productions), dressed in Cory Yellow, sang America’s national anthem Star-Spangled Banner.

In fact, Kirby met with Manny Pacquiao and his wife Jinkee (top photo) early this year. She turned out to be the perfect choice for the job.

Dressed in a flaming-red gown specially designed for her by Hollywood-based Filipino couturier Oliver Tolentino, Kirby (above) provided a touch of initial optimism for Filipino fans as, right hand over her heart, she sang the Philippine National Anthem straight from the heart, I guess according to how it should be sung.

According to Felix, who is a family friend of the Asuntos, Kirby is a Tri-State teen singing sensation, a winner at the regional and national competition at Access Broadway Groton; grand champion at the Philippine-American Idol competition in New Jersey; and New Rising Star competition at the 2010 Kollaboration DC (Washington D.C.).