It was last month when I created a post in Paradise Philippines blog about Lupang Hinirang as a reminder to Filipinos who may have forgotten the song and lyrics of our Philippine National Anthem.
Last Sunday, young Philippine actor and singer Christian Bautista was given an opportunity to sing the Philippine National Anthem at an exhibition match between reigning world bantamweight champion Gerry Peñalosa and NABF bantamweight champion Bernabe Concepcion at Metropolis Mall in Alabang, Philippines.
It was another proud moment for the Philippines to host a celebrated boxing match. As the match commence, all sports spectators all stood up for the singing of the national anthem led by Christian.
As the crowd sing to their hearts, Christian suddenly buckled a few lines of the lyrics. The momentous pride suddenly became a monumental embarrasment.
The incident spread throughout and Christian felt the need to apologize for what happened.
He said, “I apologize to the Filipino people for the unforgivable lapse of memory that occurred yesterday during my rendition of the national anthem. I was recovering from a cold and the adrenalin and excitement of the moment got me through it. Unfortunately, it was the cost of a momentary lapse on my part.”
I know that everyone commits mistake, it’s just sad that a famous singer like Mr. Bautista who is known not only in Paradise Philippines but in other Asian countries for his beautiful songs and voice committed a mistake at the expense of an important national symbol.
Let this be a reminder that being a true Filipino, we must not only know the beautiful places in Paradise Philippines but also learn valuable traditions, which identify our strength as citizens of this country.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Boosts bid as surfing capital of Surigao town
Paradise Philippines: While the flow of tourists to the surfing town of Lanuza in Surigao del Sur remains slow, the opening of an airstrip in the neighboring town of Madrid is seen as a big boost to the tourism revenues of the entire area.
Surigao del Sur Rep. Philip Pichay said Lanuza, which faces the Pacific Ocean, has great waters ideal for surfing and a good number of Australian, American, Japanese and Korean tourists have already discovered the area, but the flow of tourists is hampered by the area’s inaccessibility.
Pichay said his brother, former Rep. Prospero Pichay, tried to remedy the situation by pushing for the construction of the airport at Madrid, and the incumbent congressman hopes it will boost the area’s bid to rival Siargao in the neighboring province of Surigao del Norte as the country’s surfing capital.
“Before, tourists who want to go to Lanuza had to go to Cebu, Butuan or Davao, where they get land or water transport to bring them there,” the incumbent lawmaker said. “Now, there will be direct flights.”
Although the airport can only accommodate small aircraft carrying a handful of people, Pichay said he hopes the airport will be completed before the end of the year, just in time for the 5th national surfing open that is scheduled to be held there in November.
He said the Paradise Philippines Tourism Authority has provided over P3 million so that the airport is completed in time for the tilt.
“The new airport will raise revenues for Lanuza and nearby towns and for local residents,” said Pichay. “With surfing being alive in Lanuza, business will thrive in the city.”
Aside from surfing, the Lanuza area also boasts of ecotourism destinations, like the Lanuza Marine Park and Sanctuary, Magkawas Falls, Lanuza Wetland Park and Mangrove Forest and Campamento Caves. Macon Ramos-Araneta
Surigao del Sur Rep. Philip Pichay said Lanuza, which faces the Pacific Ocean, has great waters ideal for surfing and a good number of Australian, American, Japanese and Korean tourists have already discovered the area, but the flow of tourists is hampered by the area’s inaccessibility.
Pichay said his brother, former Rep. Prospero Pichay, tried to remedy the situation by pushing for the construction of the airport at Madrid, and the incumbent congressman hopes it will boost the area’s bid to rival Siargao in the neighboring province of Surigao del Norte as the country’s surfing capital.
“Before, tourists who want to go to Lanuza had to go to Cebu, Butuan or Davao, where they get land or water transport to bring them there,” the incumbent lawmaker said. “Now, there will be direct flights.”
Although the airport can only accommodate small aircraft carrying a handful of people, Pichay said he hopes the airport will be completed before the end of the year, just in time for the 5th national surfing open that is scheduled to be held there in November.
He said the Paradise Philippines Tourism Authority has provided over P3 million so that the airport is completed in time for the tilt.
“The new airport will raise revenues for Lanuza and nearby towns and for local residents,” said Pichay. “With surfing being alive in Lanuza, business will thrive in the city.”
Aside from surfing, the Lanuza area also boasts of ecotourism destinations, like the Lanuza Marine Park and Sanctuary, Magkawas Falls, Lanuza Wetland Park and Mangrove Forest and Campamento Caves. Macon Ramos-Araneta
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