UP Naming Mahal faces extinction

Did you know that the UP Alumni Association is currently looking for a new hymn and lyrics, I think, that will replace the UP Naming Mahal? I just cannot remember my source (newspaper, online paper or blog) but I'm sure I've read it from somewhere.

Anyway, I am not trying to be close-minded here but I cannot see the need for that change. Singing the hymn during flag ceremonies or UAAP games gives me the chills... especially the non-official one by a group of artists including Noel Cabangon (formerly of Buklod), Cooky Chua (former lead singer of Color It Read), Chikoy Pura (lead singer of The Jerks), Gary Granada and Bayang Barrios (formerly of Joey Ayala at Ang Bagong Lumad).

Oh well...

Here's the lyrics of that song, by the way:

U.P. Naming Mahal

U.P. naming mahal

Pamantasan ng bayan

Tinig ng masa

Ang siyang lagi nang pakikinggan

Malayong lupain

Di kailangang marating

Dito maglilingkod sa bayan natin

Dito maglilingkod sa bayan natin

Silangang mapula

Sagisag magpakailanman

Ating ipaglaban

Laya ng diwa’t kaisipan

Humayo’t itanghal

Giting, tapang at dangal

Mabuhay ang lingkod ng taong bayan

Mabuhay ang lingkod ng taong bayan

Silangang mapula

Sagisag magpakailanman

Ating ipaglaban

Laya ng diwa’t kaisipan

Malayong lupain

Di kailangang marating

Dito maglilingkod sa bayan natin

Dito maglilingkod sa bayan natin

A bit progressive than the official lyrics, but I like it.