when I led the singing of Lupang Hinirang

Since it’s Independence Day, I want to answer the prevalent question: “What is the one thing you have done that made you proud to be a Filipino?”

I once led the singing of Lupang Hinirang. Four days before my birthday last year came the bowling tournament sponsored by our office. I was part of the committee but it wasn’t planned or advised earlier that someone from us would lead the song. All I could recall was there’s a minus one song to be played but the staff from Mall of Asia was just too unhurried, the program couldn’t wait any longer to begin. So they pulled me instead and I had no time to refuse them. I grabbed a piece of paper and jot down the lyrics because you don’t get to trust your memory especially when you’re crazy nervous! I had a few minutes of surveying from colleagues the correctness of the anthem’s lines and softly rehearsing the piece in one corner.

This was my Facebook status after the small victory on that unexpected "singing" event.

Then the program started. I was called to lead the singing of the national anthem right after the opening prayer. I grabbed the microphone with shaking hands and started singing after my “Handa, awit…” queue. The minutes following were just so dramatic as if I was seeing the Philippine flag swaying in the air. The crowd was serious in their singing. Behind me were the bosses following my melody. I could feel the last grain of sweat running down my head on the last stanza of the song… and it’s done!

I did it not to showcase my voice because I know I’m so far from being an excellent singer. I stood there as a proud Filipino, braving the butterflies in my stomach and singing the song I have always been proud to sing.

Happy 114th Year of Independence, my dear countrymen!

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