Honors sought for Maribeth

DENPASAR, Bali: Philippine singer Maribeth B. Pascua's record company is pushing for her to be granted the title of honorary citizen for her song Denpasar Moon, which became an instant hit this year.

The proposal was made by Sony Music Jakarta and plans are now underway to prepare for a celebration in June at a five-star hotel in the Nusa Dua beach resort, the Antara news agency reported.

The idea however has been scorned by Governor Ida Bagus Oka.

"What criteria was used to choose her as a honorary citizen of Denpasar? We still have to look into it" Oka said.

The governor also recalled that Maribeth was once barred from visiting Indonesia because she had once sang at a club while on a tourist visa. (emb)