Senator Ronald Bato’s recent call for Filipinos to sing “Bayang Magiliw” a thousand times as a patriotic exercise has left the nation in a harmonious haze of confusion. 

One can’t help but admire the senator’s commitment to instilling love for the country, but one wonders if he’s working off an outdated playlist. Last time we checked, “Lupang Hinirang” held the coveted position of national anthem, not “Bayang Magiliw.” Are we in for a musical makeover, Senator?

While Bato’s anthem amnesia may leave some scratching their heads, it seems he’s onto something revolutionary. Perhaps Americans are currently practicing belting out “Oh say an you see” a thousand times daily, searching for the true meaning of patriotism. Who needs national symbols when you can have a daily dose of vocal calisthenics? 

Bato’s unconventional approach to nationalism has us all singing a perplexing tune of unity and wondering if vocal exercises are the key to genuine love of country.