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All About the Philippine Music Scene

The Philippine music scene, at par with any other flourishing music industry in the world, has for its repertoire a diverse array of genres.

Homegrown or borrowed, these genres have themselves spawned a number of sub-varieties, and not surprisingly, considering the sheer number of competent musicians in the country and the huge following they enjoy.

But of all the new varieties that has developed over the years, few has been as successful in blending music from overseas with the magic of Philippine music than Manila Sound.

Manila Sound has pop and light rock for its frame, and the soul of everyday urban Philippines for its lifeline. The lyrics of the song "Manila," by the 1970s Filipino band Hotdog reflect this description:

Hinahanap-hanap kita, Manila
ang ingay mong kay sarap sa tainga
Mga jeepney mong nagliliparan,
mga babae mong naggagandahan
Take me back to your arms, Manila
and promise me you'll never let go

(I long for you, Manila, your din is music to my ear ... your flying jeepneys, your ravishing girls take me back to your arms, Manila...)

The unabashed switching from Tagalog to English is a trademark of this musical breed, as is its portrayal of simple, raw, true, and often romantic sentiments. Take for example the funny fact that falling in love causes pimples. (Try to google for the terms "pimples, love" and you will be given the scientific relation of pimples and love).

Right below is some lyrics talking precisely about a funny but true romantic sentiment:

Di na makatulog,
di pa makakain
taghiyawat sa ilong,
pati na sa pisngi
Sa kaiisip sa iyo,
taghiyawat dumadami!

"I can't sleep, can't eat. This pimple on my nose, and my cheek... They have appeared since I think of you often!
(Artist/Band: Hotdog, Pers Lab - "First Love")

The previous words, also from the band Hotdog, talk about first love, when the mere thought of the beloved makes the biggest appetites disappear and hours of sleep debt from schoolwork inconsequential. It also talks about how one's face breaks out after days of obsessing over a blossoming romance.

Hotdog is the band that undoubtedly put this motion in full swing. With hit makers Dennis and Rene Garcia at the helm, Hotdog combined pop music with lyrics that despite its simplicity could pass for poetry, with topics that range from youthful romance to the music scene back then (perhaps most notably with a song that compared the Bee Gees vocals with that of a cat's voice), from everyday scenes in the Metropolis to commentaries on Philippine social life.

A famous example is the song Annie Batungbakal, which talks about a common worker whose favorite release is a night in the disco club, but get clobbered with problems the moment she lost her blue collar job.

This fact vindicates Manila Sound from people who reduce this Philippine music gem to a mere smattering of immature sentiments and shallow romance.

Manila Sound romance, on the contrary, is very real. It is real because no man seriously smitten will trade his beloved even for the prettiest film stars: Di pagpapalit kahit kay Rio Locsin wala nang iba para sa akin.

"No one can take your place with me,
not even Rio Locsin, there's just nobody else for me."
(Artist/Band: Hotdog, Title: Langit Na Naman - "Heaven once again")

The song refers to Rio Locsin, an actress who was popular in the 80s.

The above lyrics reflects reality because it is only one's girlfriend or wife that should be treated like a queen, if possible like a Miss Universe candidate, but she should not be loved just because she's pretty.

Manila Sound warns us against the pitfalls, financial or otherwise, in a high profile, physical attraction-based courtship:

Aanhin ko ang ganda ng iba?
Maduduling lang ang aking mga mata,
butas pa ang bulsa
At di ba't sabi ng mga matatanda,
ingat lang tayong mga bata
Kagandahan, tulad ng swerte, nawawala.

"What use is physical beauty to me? When my eyes get tired, an empty wallet is all I'll have left And didn't our elders say that the young should be wary? Because beauty, like luck, easily disappears."
(Artist/Band: Hotdog,Title: Ikaw ang Miss Universe ng Buhay Ko. -"You are the Miss Universe of my life")

The Hotdog band did not pay us for this article nor is this a form of advertisement for them.

We quote their songs here since they started to put forward the basis of the style of Manila sound--something which we see as a great contribution to Philippine Music.

Manila sound has persisted over the generations, and today, with the rise of bands such as Kyla, there is every indication that Manila Sound will continue to endear listeners for years to come.

Philippine music, indeed, is in good hands.

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The Beauty of Filipino Music

Traditional Filipino Music is generally a confluence of Western styles and our own ethnic music. In modern times, however, Filipino music is similar to modern music that is heard in any part of the world.

Original musical works by Filipino artists is usually referred to as "Original Pilipino Music" or OPM. Many song and music artists of the Philippines usually use Tagalog and English for the lyrics of their songs. Thus, if you listen to any local FM radio station, it would not be a surprise to hear OPM songs with English lyrics and titles.

Listen to Philippine Music

Just when you feel you are worn out and tired and nothing seems to soothe your morbid mind, listening to Philippine music saves your day and makes it fine. From morning 'til night of endless sounds in the air waves - wherever you are, in the bus, walking in the street , having a cup of coffee in a favorite coffee shop - there's no way you can't lift up your spirit. Music as we know, can inspire, edify or even lighten up a heavy spirit or a hackneyed heart - so don't be down, just turn on your radio and beat that frown.

Experience Philippine Christmas Music and Celebrations

My first Christmas in the Philippines has been an inspirational, mind opening and refreshing holiday. I am an American expatriate living in the Philippines. My social interest in Christmas had waned over the years. This year I have found myself sending out "Merry Christmas" text messages on my phone to everyone I know. I also sent emails out to people I have not heard from in years.

You, Technology and Pinoy Music

Synergy of Technology and Pinoy Music Makes the Filipino Youth. The youth of today get serious advantage for having different venues that make music available to them. The radio still works as well as the television; but technology has afforded much innovation. The computer, the CD player, the MP3 player, and even the mobile phone all can carry and transfer music.

Music and Christianity

Philippine mass hymns are for praising, thanksgiving, and requesting something from their God. It has the same tone as normal songs do. They can be played fast or slow according to your type. These songs can make mass merrier and praising to God.

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