Thia, not just Maria, to sing anthem at Pacquiao fight
Another Filipina is set to sing at boxing champ Manny Pacquiao’s upcoming fight.
Fil-American Thia Megia was asked by the pound-for-pound king to sing “Star Spangled Banner,” the national anthem of the United States of America before his fight with Juan Manuel Marquez on Nov. 12 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The “American Idol” Season 10 finalist broke the news on “24 Oras” Sept. 19. “I met him (Pacquiao) last Saturday. It was amazing. I got to sing the national anthem for him… He told me that I will be singing in his next fight… I have been watching his fights for years. I’m so happy and I’m so excited,” the 16-year-old singer related.
Because of this development, speculation arose that Fil-Canadian sensation Maria Aragon, who was earlier confirmed to sing the national anthem at Pacquiao’s upcoming fight, has been replaced by Thia.
Through a statement sent by Maria’s manager, Jeng Guiyab to Yahoo! Philippines, Team Pacquiao has cleared the report: “As of now, no changes for Maria still singing the Philippine National Anthem.”
According to Team Pacquiao, Thia will sing “Star Spangled Banner,” part of the of the fight’s opening ceremonies to recognize the host country, USA. Maria, on the other hand, will sing “Lupang Hinirang,” the Philippine national anthem.
Maria just got back to Canada after her brief stay in the country to record and promote her debut album under Star Records.
After having been chosen to sing the national anthem, Maria sought the approval of the National Historical Institute (NHI) on the way she should sing “Lupang Hinirang.”
Thia just wrapped up a two-night concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sept. 20 and 21 along with her fellow Top 11 AI finalists, who are currently on their Asian tour.
Manila Bulletin
0 comments:
Post a Comment