After much ado about last year’s “surprise” State of the Nation Address performer, the Palace on Sunday announced that a multi-awarded Bicolana will sing the national anthem this year.
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on July 21 said that World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) 2024 multi-awardee Blessie Mae Abagat will perform “Lupang Hinirang” to open the SONA 2024.
The PCO said that Abagat’s selection is a testament to her “vocal skills” and “a celebration of her recent achievements on the global stage.”
The office added that the 27-year-old singer is a gold medalist at the WCOPA 2024, where she represented the Philippines from June 28 to July 7 in California.
Abagat was also awarded as 2024 Division Champion (Vocal Pop) and Semifinal Silver Medalist (Vocal Gospel).
She also received three gold medals for the Vocal Gospel, Vocal Contemporary, and Vocal Pop categories.
The Bicolana likewise secured a silver medal for the Vocal Broadway category.
“Her upcoming vocal performance at the third SONA of President Marcos Jr. not only highlights her individual achievements but also represents the collective aspirations and pride of her fellow Filipinos,” the PCO said in a statement.
“The journey from her humble beginnings to the international stage of WCOPA highlights the exceptional musical talent that thrives within her and the potential of Filipino artists to shine globally,” it added.
WCOPA Philippines National Director Gerry Mercado said that Abagat was “handpicked” from a list after Marcos requested that a gold medalist from the international competition sing the national anthem.
“We’re all beaming with pride, Blessie Mae!! Sing it loud and proud!!” Mercado said.
The announcement of the national anthem singer a day before the SONA is a quieter affair compared to last year’s incident in which House Secretary General Reginald Velasco bared the 2023 performer barely a week after it was said to be a “surprise.”
The revelation earned buzz among some Filipinos who questioned the move. It also spurred concerns about the need to have a certain individual perform the national anthem on an occasion that highlights a presidential address rather than a performance.
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Meanwhile, Abagat said she was “shocked” to have been chosen to sing in front of the country’s top officials.
She said that she is “grateful” to her colleagues and trainers at WCOPA for helping her get selected to perform at SONA.
“Sila po ‘yung naging daan para mapansin at mapili po ang isang tulad ko na probinsiyana na ang tanging pangarap lang ay makapag-perform internationally,” Abagat said.