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July 2, 2010 MANILA — The National Historical Institute (NHI), now the National Historical Commission, has congratulated pop star Charice Pempengco for her right rendition of the National Anthem during the inauguration of President Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino III on Wednesday at Quirino Grandstand.
NHI Heraldry Section chief Teddy Atienza said Charice did the right rendition of our National Anthem wherein the ordinary Filipino, who witnessed the inauguration and oathtaking of President Aquino on Wednesday, easily sang with her.
The NHI official added, they will send a congratulatory e-mail to Charice and her mother for the correct version of rendering the “Lupang Hinirang”. Pinay international singing sensation Pempengco, who will join the second season of popular US TV show “Glee”, thanked the NHI for recognizing her rendition of “Lupang Hinirang”.
Charice said, her mentor Ryan Cayabyab taught her the correct version of singing our National Anthem which the NHI also recognized. Charice became popular and became an international singing sensation after Ellen Degeneres and Oprah Winfrey gave her a break after seeing the young Filipina on You Tube.
A huge crowd, estimated by police to be around 120,000, showed up Wednesday at the Quezon Memorial Circle for the inaugural party of President Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino III.
The party started at 4 p.m. that was highlighted with the “Tagumpay ng Bayan” concert topbilled by big names in entertainment which began at around 8:30 p.m. A slight drizzle that began at around 9 p.m., and lasted for about half an hour, drenched the crowd but did nothing to dampen their enthusiasm. President Aquino arrived at the venue just before 10 p.m. wearing a yellow T-shirt from the inaugural reception held at the Rizal Hall in Malacañang.
He was welcomed by former Quezon City Mayor and now 4th Dist Rep. Feliciano “SB” Belmonte Jr. and other supporters. Even though he had just come from a very busy day, Aquino did not look exhausted at all as he enjoyed the performances at the stage. Performers include Gary Valenciano, Zsa-sza Padilla, Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, Gabby Concepcion, Kyla, Nina, Jay-R, Billy Crawford and Kim Chiu among others. Meanwhile, international star and Journey lead singer sang a few numbers to the delight of the animated crowd.
The concert was capped by two songs rendered by the President himself. Aquino first sang Frank Sinatra’s “Watch what Happens.” The song was apparently for his girlfriend, Valenzuela City councilor Shalani Soledad, who was seated beside Kris Aquino in front of the stage, as he was constantly looking at her direction as he sang the piece.
A loud racket immediately ensued as the crowd, along with his sisters and supporters, clamored for more songs from the President. To their delight, President Aquino sang Freddie Aguilar’s famous song “Estudyante Blues.” The evening was capped with an immense fireworks display at around 11:30 p.m. after which Aquino returned to his residence on Times Street in Quezon City.