Evolution of music in the Philippines

Music of the Philippines (Filipino: Musika ng Pilipinas; Spanish: Música de Filipinas) include
musical performance arts in the Philippines or by Filipinos composed in various genres and
styles. The compositions are often a mixture of different Asian, Spanish, Latin American,
American, and indigenous influences.

Indigenous music
Main article: Philippine folk music
Notable folk song composers include the National Artist for Music Lucio San Pedro, who
composed the famous "Sa Ugoy ng Duyan" that recalls about the loving touch of mother to her
child. Another composer, the National Artist for Music Antonino Buenaventura, is notable for
notating folk songs and dances. Buenaventura composed the music for "Pandanggo sa Ilaw".

Gong music
Philippine gong music can be divided into two types: the flat gong commonly known
as gangsà and played by the groups in the Cordillera region and the bossed gongs played
among the Islam and animist groups in the southern Philippines.
Kulintang refers to a racked gong chime instrument played in the southern islands of the
Philippines, along with its varied accompanying ensembles. Different groups have different
ways of playing the kulintang. Two major groups seem to stand-out in kulintang music. These
are the Maguindanaon and the Maranaw. The kulintang instrument itself could be traced to
either the introduction of gongs to Southeast Asia from China before the 10th century CE, or
more likely, to the introduction of bossed gong chimes from Java in the 15th century.
Nevertheless, the kulintang ensemble is the most advanced form of ensemble music with
origins in the precolonial epoch of Philippine history, and is a living tradition in southern parts of
the country.

Hispanic-influenced music
Spain ruled the Philippines for 333 years, and Hispanic influence in Filipino culture is ubiquitous.
This influence can be easily seen in folk and traditional music, especially in the Tagalog and
Visayan regions, where Spanish influence was greatest.
Rondalla music
The Rondalla is a traditional string orchestra comprising two-string, mandolin-type instruments
such as the banduria and laud; a guitar; a double bass; and often a drum for percussion. The
rondalla has its origins in the Iberian rondalla tradition, and is used to accompany several
Hispanic-influenced song forms and dances.
Harana and Kundiman
The Harana and Kundiman are popular lyrical songs dating back to the Spanish period, and are
customarily used in courtship rituals. The Harana is rooted in the Mexican-Spanish tradition and
based on the rhythmic patterns of the habanera. The Kundiman, meanwhile, has pre-colonial
origins from the Tagalophone parts of the country, uses a triple meter rhythm, and is
characterised by beginning in a minor key and shifting to a major one in the second half.
In the 1920s, Harana and Kundiman became more mainstream after performers such as Atang
de la Rama, Jovita Fuentes, Conching Rosal, Sylvia La Torre and Ruben Tagalog introduced
them to a wider audience.
Tinikling
The Tinikling is a dance from Leyte which involves two individual performers hitting bamboo
poles, using them to beat, tap, and slide on the ground, in co-ordination with one or more
dancers who steps over and in between poles. This is one of the more iconic Philippine dances,
and is similar to other Southeast Asian bamboo dances.
Cariñosa
The Cariñosa (meaning "loving" or "affectionate one") is the national dance and is part of the
María Clara suite of Philippine folk dances. It is notable for use of the fan and handkerchief in
amplifying romantic gestures expressed by the couple performing the traditional courtship
dance. The dance is similar to the Mexican Jarabe Tapatío, and is related to the Kuracha,
Amenudo and Kuradang dances in the Visayas and Mindanao Area.

Original Filipino music, now more commonly termed original Pinoy music or OPM, originally
referred only to Philippine pop songs, particularly ballads, such as those popular after the collapse of
its predecessor, the Manila sound of the late 1970s. Currently, OPM is used as a catch-all term for
popular music composed and performed by Filipino musicians and singers.[1]

Choir music[edit]
Choral music has become an important part of Philippine music culture. It dates back to the choirs of
churches that sing during mass in the old days. In the middle of the 20th century, performing choral
groups started to emerge and increasingly become popular as time goes by. Aside from churches,
universities, schools and local communities have established choirs.
Philippine choral arrangers like Robert Delgado, Fidel Calalang, Lucio San Pedro, Eudenice
Palaruan among others have included in the vast repertoires of choirs beautiful arrangements of
OPM, folk songs, patriotic songs, novelty songs, love songs, and even foreign songs.
The Philippine Madrigal Singers (originally the University of the Philippines Madrigal Singers) is one
of the most famous choral groups not only in the Philippines, but also worldwide. Winning
international competitions, the group became one of the most formidable choral groups in the
country. Other award-winning choral groups are the University of Santo Tomas Singers, the
Philippine Meistersingers (Former Adventist University of the Philippines Ambassadors), the U.P.
Singing Ambassadors and U.P. Concert Chorus, among others.

Rock music[edit]
See also: Pinoy rock
The United States occupied the Islands from 1898 until 1946, and introduced American blues, folk
music, R&B and rock & roll which became popular. In the late 1950s, native performers adapted
Tagalog lyrics for North American rock & roll music, resulting in the seminal origins of Philippine
rock. The most notable achievement in Philippine rock of the 1960s was the hit song "Killer Joe",
which propelled the group Rocky Fellers, reaching number 16 on the American radio charts.
Other genres[edit]
A number of other genres are growing in popularity in the Philippine music scene, including a
number of alternative groups and tribal bands promoting cultural awareness of the Philippine
Islands.
Jazz[edit]
Likewise, jazz has experienced a resurgence in popularity. Initial impetus was provided by
W.D.O.U.J.I. (Witch Doctors of Underground Jazz Improvisation) with their award-winning
independent release "Ground Zero" distributed by the now defunct N/A Records in 2002 and the
Tots Tolentino-led Buhay jazz quartet in the year before that. This opened up the way for later
attempts most notable of which is the Filipino jazz supergroup Johnny Alegre Affinity, releasing its
eponymous debut album in 2005 under London-based Candid Records. Mon David has also made
the rounds of the Las Vegas music circuit. Among the female performers, Mishka Adams has been
the most prominent. A recent development is the fusion of spoken-word and jazz and also with rock,
chiefly attributed to Radioactive Sago Project. Other notable names of late are Bob Aves with his
ethno-infused jazz, The Jazz Volunteers and Akasha which have anchored the now legendary
underground jazz jams at Freedom Bar for almost half of the 11 years of its existence. Today,
underground jazz jams are now held in a bar called TAGO jazz bar which is located at Main Avenue,
Cubao. Newer jazz groups emerged in the local jazz scene namely Swingster Syndicate pioneering
in the post-bop and modern trad jazz, and Camerata Jazz known for their Filipino jazz arrangements
and sound.
Novelty pop[edit]
Pinoy novelty songs became popular in the 1970s up to the early 1980s. Popular novelty singers
around this time were Reycard Duet, Fred Panopio and Yoyoy Villame. Novelty pop acts in the
1990s and 2000s included Michael V., Bayani Agbayani, Grin Department, Masculados, Vhong
Navarro, Sexbomb Girls, Joey de Leon ("Itaktak Mo"), Viva Hot Babes and Willie Revillame.
Latin genres[edit]
Bossa nova and Latino music has been popular since the 1970s. Performers like Annie Brazil were
active in the 1970s, while more recently, Sitti has been earning rave reviews for her bossa nova
covers of popular songs.
Reggae[edit]
Main article: Pinoy reggae
While there has long been a flourishing underground reggae and ska scene, particularly in Baguio, it
is only recently that the genres have been accepted in the mainstream. Acts like Brownman
Revival, Put3ska, Roots Revival of Cebu and The Brown Outfit Bureau of Tarlac City have been
instrumental in popularizing what is called "Island Riddims". There is also a burgeoning mod revival,
spearheaded by Juan Pablo Dream and a large indie pop scene.
Electronic music[edit]
Electronic music began in the mid-1990s in the Manila underground spearheaded by luminaries like
Manolet Dario of the Consortium. In 2010, local artists started to create electropop songs
themselves. As of now, most electronic songs are used in commercials. The only radio station so far
that purely plays electronic music is 107.9 U Radio. The 2010s also began the rise
of budots from Davao City, which is regarded as the first "Filipino-fied" EDM, as well as indie
electronic producers, DJs and artists with the likes of Somedaydream, Borhuh, Kidwolf, Zelijah, John
Sedano, MVRXX, MRKIII, Bojam, CRWN, NINNO, Kidthrones, and Jess Connelly.
Identify the remarkable songs and singers in the Philippines from the past to present.
Original Filipino music, now more commonly termed original Pinoy music or OPM, originally
referred only to Philippine pop songs, particularly ballads, such as those popular after the collapse of
its predecessor, the Manila sound of the late 1970s. Currently, OPM is used as a catch-all term for
popular music composed and performed by Filipino musicians and singers.[1]
Between the 1950s, 1960s, and before the 1970s came the emergence of Pilita Corrales, Sylvia La
Torre, Diomedes Maturan, Ric Manrique Jr., Ruben Tagalog, Helen Gamboa, Vilma Santos, Edgar
Mortiz, Carmen Camacho, among many others.
In the 1970s, popular artists were Nora Aunor, Tirso Cruz III, Eddie Peregrina, Ramon Jacinto, Victor
Wood, and Asin. The more major commercial Philippine pop music artists were Claire dela
Fuente, Didith Reyes, Rico Puno, Ryan Cayabyab, Basil Valdez, Celeste Legaspi, Hajji
Alejandro, Rey Valera, Freddie Aguilar, Imelda Papin, Eva Eugenio, Marco Sison, Nonoy
Zuñiga, Leah Navarro, Cinderella, Tillie Moreno, Ric Segreto, Janet Basco, Boyfriends, Hotdog, VST
& Co., and many others.
Between the 1980s and the 1990s, OPM was led by artists such as Regine Velasquez, Pops
Fernandez, APO Hiking Society, Kuh Ledesma, Jose Mari Chan, Dingdong Avanzado, Tito
Mina, Rodel Naval, Janno Gibbs, Ogie Alcasid, Joey Albert, Lilet, Martin Nievera, Manilyn
Reynes, Lea Salonga, Kristina Paner, Rachel Alejandro, Raymond Lauchengco, JoAnne
Lorenzana, Francis Magalona, Gino Padilla, Sharon Cuneta, Sheryl Cruz, Keno, Lou Bonnevie, Zsa
Zsa Padilla and Gary Valenciano, among many others.
In the 1990s, famous artists included Eraserheads, Rockstar arkasia, Siakol, the Company, April
Boy Regino, Smokey Mountain, Rivermaya, Jaya, Agot Isidro, Dessa, Isabel Granada, Vina
Morales, Donna Cruz, Neocolours, Jolina Magdangal, Jessa Zaragoza, Ariel Rivera, South
Border, Carol Banawa, Yano, Teeth, Introvoys, AfterImage, Side A, Andrew E., Lani Misalucha, Ella
May Saison, Joey Ayala, Parokya ni Edgar, Viktoria, April Boys, Color It Red, Roselle
Nava and Blakdyak, among many others.
In the 2000s and the 2010s, leading OPM artists include Sarah Geronimo, Julie Anne San
Jose, Angeline Quinto, Aicelle Santos, Gerald Santos, Jonalyn Viray, Rachelle Ann Go, Christian
Bautista, Kitchie Nadal, Yasmien Kurdi, Moonstar88, Itchyworms, Rocksteddy, Aiza Seguerra, Toni
Gonzaga, Richard Poon, Nina, Yeng Constantino, Piolo Pascual, KZ Tandingan, Nyoy
Volante, Daniel Padilla, Hale, Spongecola, Jennylyn Mercado, Jake Zyrus, Jed Madela, Erik
Santos, Parokya Ni Edgar, Ben&Ben, Kamikazee, TNT Boys, James Reid, Sheryn Regis and Gloc-
9, SB19 among many others.
Underground bands emerged and along with them were their perceptions of idealism and self-
expression. The famous lyricist of Circle's End, Geno Georsua landed on top as the melodramatic
expressionist. Bassist Greg Soliman of UST Pendong grasps the title as the best bassist of
underground music.
From its origin, OPM had been centered in Manila, where Tagalog and English are the dominant
languages. Other ethnolinguistic groups such as Visayan, Bikol and Kapampangan, who are making
music in their native languages, rarely break into the popular Filipino local music scene. But there
are unusual cases which include the Bisrock (Visayan rock music) song "Charing" by 1017, a Davao-
based band, and "Porque" by Maldita, a Zamboanga-based Chavacano band. A lot of compositions
of Bisrock are contributed by bands such as Phylum and Missing Filemon. However, a band called
Groupies' Panciteria that hails from Tacloban, a Winaray-speaking city, launched a free
downloadable mp3 album on Soundclick.com in 2009 containing 13 Tagalog songs and only one
very short song in the Cebuano language.[2]
Following suit are the Kapampangans. The debut music video of "Oras" ("Time") by Tarlac City-
based Kapampangan band Mernuts penetrated MTV Pilipinas, making it the first ever Kapampangan
music video to join the ranks of other mainstream Filipino music videos. RocKapampangan: The
Birth of Philippine Kapampangan Rock, an album of modern remakes of Kapampangan folk
extemporaneous songs by various Kapampangan bands was also launched in February 2008, and
was regularly played via Kapampangan cable channel Infomax-8 and via one of Central Luzon's
biggest FM radio stations, GVFM 99.1. Inspired by what the locals call "Kapampangan cultural
renaissance", Angeles City-born balladeer Ronnie Liang rendered Kapampangan translations of
some of his popular songs such as "Ayli" (Kapampangan version of "Ngiti"), and "Ika"
(Kapampangan version of "Ikaw") for his repackaged album.
Despite the growing clamor for non-Tagalog and non-English music and the greater representation
of other Philippine languages, the local Philippine music industry, which is centered in Manila, is
unforthcoming in venturing investments to other locations. Some of their major reasons include the
language barrier, small market size, and socio-cultural emphasis away from regionalism in the
Philippines. An example would be the songs of the Ilokano group The Bukros Singers,[3] who swept
through Ilocandia in the 1990s and became a precursor for other Ilokano performers into the 2000s,
but rarely broke through other music markets in the Philippines.
The country's first songwriting competition, Metro Manila Popular Music Festival, was first
established in 1977 and launched by the Popular Music Foundation of the Philippines. The event
featured many prominent singers and songwriters during its time. It was held annually for seven
years until its discontinuation in 1985. It was later revived in 1996 as the "Metropop Song Festival",
running for another seven years before being discontinued in 2003 due to the decline of its
popularity.[4] Another variation of the festival had been established called the Himig Handog contest
which began in 2000, operated by ABS-CBN Corporation and its subsidiary music label Star
Records. Five competitions have been held so far starting in 2000 to 2003 and was eventually
revived in 2013. Unlike its predecessors, the contest has different themes which reflect the type of
song entries chosen as finalists each year.[5][6] In 2012, the Philippine Popular Music Festival was
launched and is said to be inspired by the first songwriting competition.[7] Another songwriting
competition for OPM music being held annually is the Bombo Music Festival, being conducted by the
radio network Bombo Radyo, first conceived in 1985.[8]