Martin Nievera to sing the Pambansang Awit

Martin Nievera

The first male performer to sing the national anthem is Martin Nievera. In the past, Pacquiao has assigned only female singers such as Kyla, Karylle, Geneva Cruz and Sarah Geronimo.

Nievera was handpicked by Pacquiao, who dropped the invitation when he met the Concert King during his birthday last December.

“I’m very happy about it. I’ve always wanted to be the singer of the national anthem,” Martin said.

The veteran singer said he’s now preparing to give a rendition of a Lupang hinirang that is “sung by a proud Filipino”.

“Manny Pacquiao is going to bring honor to our country and I’m gonna help make our country proud by singing the national anthem with all my heart and utmost pride,” Nievera added.

Amid all these new new sidebars, it will be Pacquiao who will bask in the limelight when he guns for Hatton’s International Boxing Organization and Ring Magazine junior welterweight title in their “Battle of East and West” bout.