By Dastan Bhutani
The musical legacy of the Philippines, which combines native sounds, colonial influences, and modern styles, is a testament to the country's history. Originally a nation rich in diversity, outside influence over the centuries has moulded the cultural landscape into something unique and vibrant. Filipino music is, and has always been, an essential component of national identity, ranging from traditional tribal beats to the contemporary sounds of OPM (Original Pinoy Music).
Even prior to Spanish colonialism, several ethnic groups, like the Igorot, Lumad, and Mangyan, had unique musical traditions - Filipino celebrations and festivals have always revolved around music. These communities used instruments like the tongali, a nasal flute; kudyapi, a two-stringed lute; tangkol, bamboo flute; or kulintang, a set of gongs; which were essential tools for storytelling, festivities, and rituals. To this day, festivals feature a variety of musical genres and instruments that are combined with Spanish, indigenous, and contemporary influences. A few notable festivals to enjoy Filipino music and dance are the Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, the Sinulog Festival in Cebu, and the Ati-Atihan Festival in Aklan. These celebrations, which frequently include lively parades, street acts, and traditional music, highlight the continuing significance of musci in Filipino culture.
As foreign influence grew within the country, huge changes were brought to the cultural landscape of the Philippines. Spanish colonization brought Western music, specifically folk and religious music, to the country in the sixteenth century. As church music gained popularity, the rondalla, a group of stringed instruments that combined Spanish and indigenous sounds emerged. Following the Spanish some centuries later, American influence in the early 20th century brought Western styles such as jazz and blues, as well as inventions like the phonograph and radio. Kundiman and harana, two traditional kinds of love ballads renowned for their passionate lyrics, were popularized by these new technologies.
Following World War II, the Philippines witnessed the emergence of Original Pinoy Music (OPM), a multifaceted genre that includes pop, rock, and hip-hop. OPM is now deeply ingrained in Filipino culture. P-pop, sometimes referred to as Pinoy pop, Filipino pop, Philippine pop, or Original Pinoy Music, is a sub-genre of OPM music. Starting in the 1970s, OPM pop music was performed live by many bands but, led by groups like SB19, BGYO, and BINI, rose to a level of prominence the Philippines had never seen before in the early 2020s, enjoying significant recognition on a national and international scale.
Of course, there's no way to talk about Filipino music without bringing up karaoke. It's an absolute must during get-togethers. Roberto del Rosario transformed social entertainment in 1975 with the popular Karaoke Sing-Along machine in the Philippines, which allowed people to sing together whenever they wanted, without the need for a live band.
As much as efforts are made to progress music, just as much is made to conserve long-standing tradition. While supporting emerging artists and trends in the music industry, organizations such as the Cultural Center of the Philippines and other local groups strive to preserve indigenous and traditional music.
The CCP offers educational programs and workshops on traditional music in partnership with universities and cultural organizations. The indigenous community's master musicians conduct workshops on playing traditional instruments such as the kulintang, kudyapi, and tongali. Traditional music is performed at events like the Pasinaya Open House Festival and the Philippine International Arts Festival. These events give native musicians a stage to perform and expose larger audiences to their talent.
The Philippines' rich heritage and history are reflected in its music. Music is a dynamic and ever-evolving art form that plays a significant part in the identities of the people who enjoy it. From native folk songs to contemporary pop hits, the Philippines has something for everyone. To this day, the Filipinio music scene is on the rise, and with just the right balance between the past and the future, OPM will deliver something you can't find anywhere else.
Try out your own karaoke skills with OPM hits by Apl.de.Ap and SB19 on our KoMIX Karaoke, available on our mobile app.