R-E-S-P-E-C-T

"R-E-S-P-E-C-T, Find out what it means to me; R-E-S-P-E-C-T, Take Care TCB" - Respect by Aretha Franklin

RESPECT and knowing what it really means, is what all Filipinos around the World, should have and do for one of our National Prides.... the Philippine National Anthem. I was strucked by the Documentary made by Mr. Julius Babao on this topic over ABS-CBN; and I felt Bad about the ambush interviews done on some of our countrymen who didn't even know the title of the song. Ok fine, I'm sure a lot of people will react to me on using the English Language to make my point. Hahaha! But I think I doesn't make me less of a Filipino by doing so. Anyway, my issue is not the Language but the Song.

I clearly remember during my Elementary days in Immaculate Conception Parish School..again in New York --- Cubao, that it was a privilege for a student to be able to lead the whole school into singing the Lupang Hinirang plus the Panatang Makabayan. I had the chance to do that and for me that gave me a sort of Honor to be able to do so. I'm not perfect though; i must admit that i'm guilty of using my celfone, eating popcorn and chatting with a friend during the National Anthem part before the Last Full show or even shutting the TV out just when Ma'am Charo introduces it before signoff of ABSCBN. But I can proudly say, I know the Philippine National Anthem by Heart.

For me, right after teaching the children ABC and all those Nursery Rhymes, we should teach them to sing the Lupang Hinirang and then the teachers and parents should tell them the meaning of it in the History Subject.

We Filipinos are so proud of our Fellow Countrymen making it big in the World but for me it should start at home. How can the world truly respect us if we oursleves doesn't know the very essence of our being Filipinos. I'm not being righteous or whatsoever here, I just believe that the National Anthem is one important song that Each of us, the Filipinos should know by Heart.

Well, here are some suggestions: (1) play the song in the Malls before the mall opens( for all the staff & employees) and right before it closes (2) music events and shows should start with the singing of the National Anthem (3) it should be played over the radio by all stations at a certain time (some radio stations are 24hrs.) and there are a lot more we could do to make each of us aware of the Value and Importance of the very song that Defines Us as a Nation.

Ngayon ilagay ang kanang palad sa kaliwang dibdib at ating awitin ang Lupang Hinirang:

"Bayang Magiliw
Perlas ng Silangan;
Alab ng Puso
Sa dibdib mo'y Buhay

Lupang Hinirang
Duyan ka ng Magiting
Sa Manlulupig
Di Ka Pasisiil

Sa Dagat at Bundok
Sa Simoy at sa Langit mong Bughaw
May Dilag ang Tuwa
at Awit sa Paglayang Minamahal

Ang Kislap ng Watawat Mo'y
Tagumpay na Nagniningning
Ang Bituin at Araw nya
Kailan pa ma'y Di Magdidilim

Lupa ng Araw ng Lualhati't Pagsinta
Buhay ay Langit sa Piling mo
Aming Ligaya ng Pag May Mang-aapi
Ang Mamatay ng dahil Syo"