MANILA, Philippines – International singing sensation Charice has won the approval of the hard-to-please National Historical Institute (NHI).

In an interview with abs-cbnNEWS.com, Teddy Atienza, chief of NHI’s Heraldry Section, applauded Charice's rendition of “Lupang Hinirang” during the inauguration of President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III at the Quirino Grandstand Wednesday morning.

"Okay na okay na. Tama lang ‘yon. At hindi nahirapan kumanta pati ang mga sumabay at pati ang audience," Atienza noted.

To show the institute’s appreciation, the NHI official said he would send an e-mail to Charice and her mom, Raquel Pempengco, to congratulate them for a job well done.

"Ngayon, magpapasalamat kami sa mother niya at sa kanya. At personally mag-e-e-mail kami," Atienza said.

Aside from Charice, Atienza also praised well-known singer-composer Ryan Cayabyab, who was the conductor. Atienza divulged that Cayabyab is a strong advocate of singing "Lupang Hinirang" in its original composition.

"Mabuti nga at nandoon si Mr. Ryan Cayabyab. Siya ang nagsusulong na ma-preserve ang national anthem natin sa original na composition," Atienza added.

In a separate interview, Charice said she's happy that the NHI gave a thumbs-up to her rendition.

"Sobrang, sobrang happy ako. Thank you sa NHI , perfect yes! Thank you din po kay sir Ryan Cayabyab. Siya ang nagturo ng tempo. Maraming salamat po at sobrang tuwa ko po," Charice said.

She added: "I will make sure na tama ang tempo. Mas okay, mas mabilis. Masarap kapag nagawa mo ang original.”

Violators

The NHI has publicly denounced the incorrect rendition of “Lupang Hinirang” by local artists in various occasions, notably during Manny Pacquiao's fights abroad.

Charice was one of the stars reprimanded by the NHI for her reported incorrect rendition of the national anthem during the “Myx Mo” concert in 2008.

Aside from Charice, the institute also called the attention of Jennifer Bautista, Christian Bautista, Martin Nievera and Journey's vocalist Arnel Pineda, who sang the anthem slowly as opposed to its original march tempo during the Pacquiao-Joshua Clottey fight in Dallas, Texas.

According to Section 37 of Republic Act 8491, the rendition of the national anthem, whether played or sung, shall be in accordance with the musical arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe.

Section 20 of the law also states: “The rendition of the flag ceremony in official or civic gatherings shall be simple and dignified and shall include the playing or singing of the anthem in its original Filipino lyrics and march tempo.”

RA 8491 prescribes that any person who will violate its provisions may be punished by a fine of at least P20,000 or imprisonment of not more than one year.