People : Joey Ayala's Better Version of "Lupang Hinirang"

Joey Ayala is one of our more nationalistic singers and composers in the country. What separates him from the other artists is his innovative and unique way of infusing Filipino ethnic music and instrumentation in his compositions and performances.

Here's Joey Ayala's new take of the Philippine national anthem : Lupang Hinirang. Ayala's new version of the national anthem is worthy of the attention of the National Historical Institute, the custodian of our national anthem. Our national anthem was composed and written over a century ago, and maybe it's now time to update and improve to keep up with the times. Ayala said some words and phrases of the national anthem are mispronounced when sung in its traditional tempo. His new version didn't deviate from the original melody, but he applied a slower tempo. This new version with the altered tempo actually sounds better and enhanced the nationalistic fervor of the national anthem.

Lupang Hinirang was composed by the nationalist Julian Felipe in 1898, with lyrics provided by Jose Palma. It was originally an instrumental march music of the Magdalo faction of the Katipunan until it was adapted as the national  anthem for the First Philippine Republic.

 

Video Source 

TEDxTalks-You Tube

Related Link:
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/74978/video--joey-ayala-tampers-with-the-national-anthem---and-netizens-rather-like-


Related Link :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lupang_Hinirang

History and Places : Malolos, Bulacan circa 1899

Have you ever wondered how places looked in the Philippines over a century ago? How did the houses and buildings looked? How did the people dressed up? Here is a picture of the inauguration of the First Philippine Republic in Malolos, Bulacan. Notice how formally dressed the Filipinos then during that very important date in Philippine history. And also see how stately the "bahay na bato"architectures were then. The grandeur of the past.

Click picture to enlarge

Inauguration of the First Philippine Republic at Malolos with
Emilio Aguinaldo sworn as president after the parade of the
Philippine troops [January 23, 1899]

Picture Source :
https://www.facebook.com/DiscoverOldPhilippines
Related Link :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Philippine_Republic