NHI chief Ambeth Ocampo writes today in the Inquirer about Changing the Flag and Anthem. Ambeth is right. The specifications of the Flag, Anthem and even the name of the country can be changed by law. And Congress has all the powers to do so. The PDI published a photo showing two men relieving themselves at the MGM grand hotel restroom with a Pinoy and Brit flags draped over their shoulders like capes. Ambeth fails to note that the British Union Jack isn’t by law the national flag of the UK. The Sun and Stars however is by law our national flag. As the name implies the British flag was originally a naval jack. And today that flag can only be legally flown by naval ships and by the Queen’s own yacht.
But the Union Jack is by convention the national flag of the UK. The most recent controversy involving the flag was during Princess Di’s funeral in 1997. The Queen broke centuries of tradition by allowing the jack to be raised on Buckingham Palace’s flagstaff. Today the jack is hoisted when the Queen is not in residence. The Royal Standard is the Sovereign’s flag and legally represents her Kingdom.
Brit and Pinoy attitudes to the flag are much different. The Union Jack is made into underwear and knickers (see Austin Powers in the movie!) but is unacceptable to do the same to the Pinoy flag. Burning the American flag can be considered protected speech, but burning the Pinoy flag is an offence and the lynch mob may get you.
Ambeth asks
“Is the flag still representative of the Philippines in 2009 as it was when the nation was born in 1898? What happens when the symbolism of the present Philippine flag, the symbol of the country, is challenged?”
Well the answer is a resounding yes. The fact that many in the masa found Martin Nievera’s artistic interpretation of the national anthem sacrilageous is evidence that the national symbols mean a lot to the people. The fisherman in Guimaras and the balot vendor in Quezon City I spoke to found the Nievera interpretation offensive. However for the conyo and the educated elite in Manila and the blogosphere find the whole controversy a non-issue. This may be a reflection of the ties of Filipinos with their land. The educated elite can easily get a US or anyother visa compared to the mambabalut!
So the market vendors I spoke with say that if Pacquiao had lost they would lay the blame on the “malas” on Martin Nievera! This wasn’t a joke, BTW. That’s why I commented before that if Pacquiao had lost, the results would have been catastrophic. Perhaps Gloria would not be able to survive the deluge.
Ryan Cayabyab probably sensed this when he warned Martin Nievera about his interpretation. Cayabyab is to have warned Martin “na papatayin ka ng mga tao!”.
Some academic here at UP likened Pacquiao to Ridley Scott’s Maximus (played by Russel Crowe) in “Gladiator”. Well he did defy the WHO and DOH and the Palace on the H1N1 viral scare. So Maximus Lucius Decimus Pacquiao is indeed back in the capital of the Empire, hale and strong. He stopped to pray to the Gods at the Quiapo Church.
Pacquiao I think has the smarts to know that he can make or break his politician handlers. While our Glorious Queen could be a Commodus, I strongly disagree with the academic. Pacquiao is no Maximus yet! Is Pacquiao a ‘servant of the True Emperor?”
Popularity: 1% [?]
You are letting stupidity — that had Pacquiao lost, it would have been Nievera causing malas : The few Pilipinos you talked to believe so, and we should all behave so — drive this entire blogpost.
Ambeth Ocampo’s article is just a subterfuge for his position — “NO” to 2009/2010 constitutional change.
It differs hardly to the view that eating pork can give you the flu.
The WHO directive (which you could have figured out given your intelligence, PhD and all) is “…avoid flying in an airplane if you have the flu”.
To blackshama : You are more intelligent than Primer, so I’ll ask you the same questions I ask him:
…How would you describe Pinas’ culture? And what do you see or hear (from people you respect) as the strengths of Pinas culture?
I mean, better-credentialed and better-travelled.
I hope that a few of the “…strengths of Pinas culture” relate to how “..Pilipino lives will be better 15 years from now”.
And here is a cut-and-paste illustrative of how others see some facets of Pinas culture:
————
. . . . for Effectively Working with Persons from the Philippines
• Take the time to explain procedures. Make sure the consumer understands. Do not accept a shy “Yes, I understand,” because to save face, many may claim to understand when they do not. Patiently repeat explanations.
• Use phrases that connote relationships: “Our aim is…”, This is our problem…”, or We are working on this.”
• Listen to the consumersʼ beliefs about health and illness. Be respectful of their behaviors. Patiently explain what has to be done and why, from your perspective.
• If the consumer arrives at an appointment with a small gift, accept it. Open it after they have left (contrary to the American practice of opening gifts in front of the giver). Filipinos love to give gifts to those who help them.
Survival Guide: Driving in the Philippines
Author: PJ | Filed under: Jokes
If you are ever in the need to drive in the street of Manila, the following rules may help you to get to your destination in one piece.
The Filipino Drivers Greetings: When greeting a filipino driver, slowly lower your window and be prepare to greet the driver with: “Tang ‘na mo, Bobo”. However, if you have been already addressed by a fellow driver, reply with a joyful “Tang ‘na mo rin, Gago”.
On turn signals: If a driver in another lane turns on the turn signal, do not let him go in to your lane. In fact press the accelerator and start driving next to him/her. The fellow driver will probably greet you and you already know what to do.
On Traffic Lights: These amusing artifacts hang from intersections for no apparent reason. Sometimes you will see driversstop to see the colors change on these lights (a facinating experience).
Government officials (specifically police) believe that each colors stands for an instruction for drivers to follow. From pure observation I have determine the following instructions for each colors:
Yellow light: accelerate your car as much as possible.
Red light: this light gives permission to the next five to six cars to go through.
Green light: reduce speed and wait for the five to six cars passing through their respective red lights.
Little-known-fact: Time to start honking your horn, as soon as the lights turns green: 1.5 seconds.
On Changing Lanes: Changing lane has been elevated to an art form in the Philippines.
First of all, no matter what you do, never turn on your turn signal or other wise you’ll stimulate the reactions describe above.
Second swerve your car uncontrollably to the lane you want to change, preferably if you end up with in inches of a car in that lane. At this point a greetings from the other driver may be in order.
To perfect your change in lanes, reduce the speed of your car dramatically in a matter of seconds and you will see an action packed reaction from the car behind you.
On Traffic Jams: Traffic jams are teeming with fun filled activities such as:
* Honking your horn harmonically.
* Put on Make-ups (usually female drivers only)
* Nose-pickers sightseeing. (not to be confused with people to scratch their brains through their nose)
* Reduce the speed to watch what ever is causing the traffic jam. Add excitement by trying to see if you know the parties involved. (note: every filipino driver is obligated to do this)
* Lose weight by sweating like a pig as a result of a lack of air conditioning.
* Greet other drivers.
* Practice lane changing.
* Play the game: Let’s see how close I can get to you before rear-ending you.
On Pedestrians:These individuals are an annoyance to the Filipino driver. If you see pedestrian on your way, accelerate your car to let them know whose the Boss. If you are in at an intersection, let the pedestrians know you want to proceed by accelerating your car and honking at the last possible moment.
On Social Situation: Bumping into a friend while driving (not to be taken literally) is a joyful occasion. Driver should reduce speed and stop their cars in the middle of the street and chit chat. What about other drivers? Well, they can wait.
On Highway Driving:
Bottleneck formation: to accomplish this type of driving , cars must block all lanes by driving at the same speed and side by side (to avoid other cars to pass) . It is important to drive at a speed at least 20 mph below the speed limit.
The Three-Lane-Change: This movement requires a lot of precision and creativity. It should be done the highest number of cars possible. And in a matter of seconds to create what others may refer to as widespread panic.
by: Anthony Vincent S. Bolaños
source: http://www.pinoyjokes.net
*********
And, as the Patroness Saint/Mother Superior of FV, wagging the finger like a bloating granny worthy of Mad Black Woman in – would have it – it’s the government’s fault… booo hoooo hooooo… poor me, it’s the government’s fault.
Hahahahaha!Sinagasaan mo naman si Primer,humanda ka. Kung hindi sermon, away. Tagasaan ka ba at nakalimutan mo na kung gano katindi ang amor propyo sa noypits?Yon ang kasama sa culture, amor-propyo.
HA!HA!HA! Beauty about Flips is small things are big things like fake perfume, scrappy crappy nursing school critique by Desperate Housewife;
Big issues like multi-billion scamming leeches in the government is small issue. They cannot even send the scammers to prison
But when it comes to small issue it breezes thru into law …
HAAAAAY! NAKU!!!! HESUS MARIA JOSEF ESPIRITU SANTO!!!! NASA-AN KA DIOS NA PANGI-NOON ….
“Lithium”!
Offensive to me too and when criticized he presumptuously points to Pacquiao and in effect hides behind. Kesyo sabi daw ni Pacquiao, si Pacquiao nag-request. WTF! As if the Pacman is our king.
It is just a small issue. We are making Mountains out of an Anthill.
Martin Nievera is an Artist. He has his own music interpretation of
the National Anthem. I believe, he did not mean to offend or desecrate the National Anthem. He was only trying to put some artistic variations to it.
Well, Jimi Hendrix was not lynch by the mob when strung-out Star Spangled Banner to the awe and glee of hippies in Woodstock in his strato …
Hahaha. Another good one Ben. I am curious that you do have data saying ordinary folks did not like the rendition of Martin Nievera, albeit informally gathered. I am also wondering what version the balut vendors might’ve been thinking about. Is it the correct martial beat rendition or is the more commonly sung version that sounds more like a Communion Song?
I doubt that there will be survey about it, but those who do like Nievera’s rendition may be taking their cue from the Americans, who seem to enjoy many different variations of their national anthem.
Somebody told me today that professional singers find singing the National Anthem difficult for historical reasons. It seems that the martial tune played for the first time in public on June 12, 1898, was meant for the piano, and that the lyrics were added only much later. With its long words and phrases, apparently many singers run out of breath on this song.
It’s the version their grade 1 titser taught them!
UP n,
Four comments in a series? Don’t copy renato – you’re many steps below the bar.
Anyway, what brought you to the idea of pitting one against the other in terms of credentials or travels? Have you become reyna elena?
On second thoughts, I realize that people might really be wasting time to parry comments suspiciously tending to simply throw insult. You’re not trying to be Pat or you are?
Well, as primus inter pares already says, let us do away with ad homs, if we can.
Who is Ambeth Ocampo? Is he that who writes a column in PDI?
Who is MLQ3? Is he that who writes a column in PDI? And the Palace’s historian?
I am not sure but if PDI columnists go to government, they seem to ‘behave’ differently. That’s what I thought.
http://pepman.blogspot.com/2009/05/martin-strikes-back-after-dark.html
—–
R.A. 8491…as in Read Again 8491…
Within or without the Philippines the National Anthem shall always be sung in Filipino (Sec. 36). No infraction here.
The National Anthem is not subject to artistic interpretation (Sec. 37).
The attending public should sing as the National Anthem is being played or sang, standing at attention with the right palm over the left chest (Sec. 38). By singing a different tune, Martin has deprived the Filipino public (together with the 50 or so congressmen) present at the MGM Grand in perfectly joining him in the singing. (Sir Tom Jones really deserves his knighthood as he led the Britons in singing their anthem in unison.)
The anthem should not be played and sung for mere recreation, amusement or entertainment purposes (Sec. 38). “Album launch” is not included in the exceptions. Unless Martin can justify his boastful pre-fight Robinson’s Place Manila performance (cum preview) for his new rendition to our National Anthem, I think he is off the hook here. I believe the others before him, prior to the fight, didn’t make a big deal out of the most coveted invitation to sing the anthem.
—–
On a positive note, Martin prompted this:
http://enjoyfrancis.com/news-and-info/anthem-row-prompts-deped-to-keep-students-in-tune/
It stands to reason that some Filipino who has been offended should sue Martin Nievera, right? Or is the requirement some Filipino who has suffered damage?
the national hysterical institute has spoken…
as one congressman said in his blog:
—–
…sorry about that, it’s the National Historical Institute, i mean. i inadvertently echoed what Rene Jose said on radio.
‘For me, the lyrics of the national anthem is appropriately matched with the martial tempo’
Ang galing ng congressman na ito. Ilang oras kaya niya pinag-isipan yan?
Your ineffective, lazy, arrogant Jesus Christ did not punish Philippines for rock-and-rolling Our Father Who Art in Heaven!!!! C’mon …
Oooooops! Jesus Christ just teksted me. He said quote “I don’t need to Punish Filipinos because they are already eternally punished forever” unquote end of message.
HA!HA!HA!HA!HA!HA!
Lithium! Lithium!
There may be two weights on the scale: one, Martin Nievera, broke the law when he sang the national anthem out of its prescribed rendition, time signature, key and all; and two, Manny Pacquiao, broke heed given by the DOH (echoing that of WHO) when he arrived home to RP with the team.
Sometimes, we break laws, we break advisories – as other people in other parts of the world do. But it is not breaking or breaking for its own sake. It is on account of something more reasonable, more intelligent, something more associative with what we are.
If we want to even make the worst comparison, these weights dwarf in comparison to the grand scale almost as if drunker behavior of our politicians who still insist on a charter change, who still placate wrongdoings in high places in the bureaucracy. It is not so much that the bureaucracy itself is bad, but that some people reposed with the moral and legal responsibility – do sometimes break public trust as easily as they can escape from its attendant responsibility.
The immunity blanket that Malacanang may have unwittingly supplied, must be taken away from them and let us see if they are like fish who can still swim in our pond.
I just don’t git it. Flips go into frenzy over mangled Bayang Magiliw. But it’s not the majority of the Flips it’s the minority idiot pekeng-peryodistas. Look, what the pekeng-peryodistas publish is not necessarily the feelings of all Flips.
We dig deep into finer points of law but but demure on peeng-peryodistas outing of Nicole in violating of what is left of her shredded priviacy.
How odd. I just don’t git it.
Martin’s rendition of our National Anthem reminds me of the widely quoted majority opinion Justice Robert H. Jackson handed down in West Virginia State Bd. of Educ. v. Barnette (1943)–a decision “which overturned a public school regulation making it mandatory to salute the flag and imposing penalties of expulsion and prosecution upon students who failed to comply”:
“To believe that patriotism will not flourish if patriotic ceremonies are voluntary and spontaneous, instead of a compulsory routine, is to make an unflattering estimate of the appeal of our institutions to free minds. We can have intellectual individualism and the rich cultural diversities that we owe to exceptional minds only at the price of occasional eccentricity and abnormal attitudes. When they are so harmless to others or to the State as those we deal with here, the price is not too great. But freedom to differ is not limited to things that do not matter much. That would be a mere shadow of freedom. The test of its substance is the right to differ as to things that touch the heart of the existing order.
“If there is any fixed star in our constitutional constellation, it is that no official, high or petty, can prescribe what shall be orthodox in politics, nationalism, religion, or other matters of opinion, or force citizens to confess by word or act their faith therein …
“We think the action of the local authorities in compelling the flag salute and pledge transcends constitutional limitations on their power, and invades the sphere of intellect and spirit which it is the purpose of the First Amendment to our Constitution to reserve from all official control.”
Is this real or imagined? In the few days that the NHI demonized Martin Nievera over the Lupang Hinirang, you already talked to “the fisherman in Guimaras and the balot vendor in Quezon City”?
Are you that obsessed with the issue?
From where I am “tambaying”, the brouhaha was hardly noticed by the masa. Unless you consider Ambeth Ocampo and Teddy Atienza masa.
You must probably tambaying near one sari sari store in Metro Manila!
:D It is where the “masa” is, Doc.
You forget I was on field duty last week.
I challenged the NHI Commissioner to sing in public the – Philippine National Anthem – in the next boxing fight of Pacman.
In the meantime, he can start regular rehearsals. And if by any accident, he fails to sing it in accordance with the law, then he must tender his resignation if not slapped him with the same charge.
I think the government was just asking for a fine… LOL