MANILA, Philippines—Perhaps echoing the new administration’s vow to right many wrongs in government, the most anticipated performer at the Aquino inaugural chose not to take liberties with the National Anthem, avoiding the musical faux pas she and other singers earlier committed.

Thankfully, international singing star Charice Pempengco avoided belting out “Lupang Hinirang” and sang the 1898 opus in its original (or state-sanctioned) tempo.

Charice

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Accompanied Wednesday by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra with Ryan Cayabyab conducting, Charice toed the line this time, rendering “Lupang Hinirang” in its simple, marching tempo and delivering the final notes with elegance, not histrionics.

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