NY Handog Project 2010 aims to bring together a group of Fil-Am artists in the NY/NJ area in performing a re-arranged version of the song HANDOG NG PILIPINO SA MUNDO, written by Mr. Jim Paredes and originally performed by 15 OPM Artists for the 1986 People Power Edsa Revolution. Recently it was also performed by the APO and other professional singers at Madame Cory Aquino's funeral last year.

As the original was used to inspire a movement and document a momentous event in our country's history, this project aims to document how a group of NY artists came together in the name of music to show our countrymen back home that even though we're way over here and they over there, WE STILL CARE ABOUT THE FUTURE OF OUR NATIVE COUNTRY. And that with the upcoming elections on May 10, 2010, the song's message of solidarity and coming together and standing up as a group to make a difference, is still as relevant today as it was back then. 

WHY do people give a lot of fuzz about how the artist chosen to sing the Philippine national anthem in every Manny Pacquiao fight executes his or her job?
Martin Nievera got heat for singing the anthem in a very different style when he sang in one of Pacquiao’s fights in Vegas.
Last Saturday before Pacquiao’s fight with Clottey, Filipino singer and vocalist of American band Journey Arnel Pineda is getting bad reviews for improvising the last part of the anthem.

The Philippine Historical Institute condemns improvisations like such and demands an accurate rendition of the anthem in every occasion– accurate as in 1898 accurate.
What is surprising is that some well known artists are also deriding these so-called “anthem wreckers” by saying that they should likewise stick to the original and not incorporate their own ideas that often alter the melodic structure of the anthem.

In the same fight, the American anthem was sung in three-part harmony, a capella, by three Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders in denim panties. Needless to say, not one American complained–even if the rendition was obviously lip-synched.

Throughout the ages, American artists have made their anthem alive and unforgettable by making it their own. Hendrix during Woodstock in 1969, and Marvin Gaye during the 1983 NBA All-Star Game.
Of course, there were controversial ones too: Roseanne Barr’s off-key version, and Jose Feliciano’s “Latinized” rendition come to mind. But despite these missteps, Americans never closed the doors on artists that try to create art with their anthem. Some artists even fused America the Beautiful with The Star Spangled Banner and received praise from all sectors.

The point is Americans value their artists as much as they value their anthem because they value freedom of expression.

Apparently, this is not the case in the Philippines. There, it’s the original way or the highway.

This 11-track album is not an R&B record that injects vague and general Christian messages of love, peace and forgiveness. No sir. This is an upfront proclamation of the joys of having Christ in one’s life.

From the title track ‘Move’ to the album closer ‘It’s Time’ there’s no mistaking what the artist’s convictions are and that is very impressive.There's even a direct refference to a Biblical verse and chapter.

The track ‘My Everything’ has the appeal of a Gary Valenciano praise and worship number. It is delicate, sincere,  well written and superbly produced by Eric G himself in his NY studio.