Martin Nievera earned the ire of the National Historical Institute because of how he sang the national anthem.
6. Martin Nievera's "Lupang Hinirang" rendition
What happened: On May 3, 2009, Nievera sang the "Lupang Hinirang" for the Manny Pacquiao-Ricky Hatton fight. He didn't flub the lyrics or sing off-key, but the National Historical Institute (NHI) said he sang it wrong. That meant he didn't sing it in the manner prescribed in Section 37 of Republic Act No. 8491, the 1998 Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.
Aftermath: According to an Inquirer.net report, the NHI had criticized other singers—such as Kyla, Lani Misalucha, Sarah Geronimo for putting in their own flourishes to the "Lupang Hinirang." But it seemed that by the time it was Nievera's turn, the NHI had already reached boiling point. Nievera just shrugged off the criticism and chalked it up to experience.
Award: Mr. Live and Let Live (What else could he do? His perfomance was already over and done with.)
