Arnel Pineda on Freddie Aguilar: ‘I think medyo nag-overboard siya.’ |
| by Bernie Franco | July 11, 2009 1:50 AM | |
Arnel Pineda disproves Freddie Aguilar’s claim that some Filipino singers, who are now earning international recognition are like brown monkeys, imitating foreign acts to establish music careers. Ka Freddie allegedly cited Arnel and Charice Pempengco as examples.
Although Arnel said that he respects the veteran singer’s opinion, he still believes that what really counts is having real talent. “In a way, I understand where he (Freddie) is coming from, (of) being nationalistic,” Arnel began. “But I think it doesn’t end there na kailangan Tagalog ka lang, na kailangan mahalin mo lang ang wika natin at hindi kailangan na matutunan ang kultura ng ibang tao. I think medyo nag-overboard siya nang sinabi about the word monkey. Kasi kapwa niya kami Pilipino so I think hindi kailangan na mag-name ng ganoon kasi like I said, pareho kaming Pinoy. I still respect him as an artist. I am so aware of what he has achieved and what he has contributed para sa Pinoy, and I really admire him being nationalistic,” Arnel said.
Arnel also explained that Filipinos now are more open-minded and that singing foreign songs do not make local singers less of a Filipino. On the contrary, it only proves how ready and prepared Filipino singers are for the world limelight. “And we are very very equipped (for international recognition) and I think that alone kailangan happy na siya doon,” he pointed out.
He added that the folk song singer has to realize that people take different paths and what matters is that some local artists are given opportunities in the international music scene and are able to give pride to their country. "I think he needs to know and he needs to respect what I have chosen para sa path ko at para sa career ko. As far as I’m concerned, I’m still proud of what I have achieved and I’m even more proud na ganun ang naibibigay ko sa (Pilipinas). I think he should respect that. Iba-iba lang kami ng path na pinili, pero at the end of the tunnel, pare-pareho pa rin kaming Pilipino.” Case in point, Arnel declared that he is proud of his roots and he has no intentions to change any of that even if he is the new vocalist of the iconic American band, Journey. “I was born here and I will die here as a Filipino. Hindi magbabago ‘yon no matter what language pa ang pag-aralan ko,” he stressed.
At the end of the interview, Arnel gave a message to Ka Freddie. “I understand where you’re coming from and I truly believe you have contributed a lot. You have given a lot of your talent and your passion for the Filipino. Sana you continue to share your wonderful talent para sa ating mga kababayan. I understand kung ano ang sinabi mo. I hope next time you will never say that again, kapwa mo kami Pilipino. We are only trying our best para maging kapaki-pakinabang lang sa bansa.”
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