Yesterday, as I was having a long bath while listening to music, thoroughly enjoying my freetime on a Saturday, I thought of writing a piece about Original Pilipino Music (OPM).

I have written one entry about music sometime ago, Diplomacy and Music, and while it lists several of the famous, respected and talented singers in the PH Music Industry like Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera, Lea Salonga, Regine Velasquez, etc. the list is not exhaustive–there are simply too many talented Filipino singers. Some of these are not even mainstream, have not caught media attention, and performed only in gigs in their own cities or towns or even in small events.

Several Filipino bands have made a mark in the PH Music Industry (the ones I listed here are only those which I know at least 2 or more songs of) — Eraserheads, Rivermaya, Brownman Revival, Neocolours, Freestyle, Wolfgang, Side A, Parokya ni Edgar, 6 Cycle Mind, South Border, Introvoys, True Faith, Sponge Cola, Cueshe, Hale, Calla Lily, Kamikazee, Tropical Depression, Asin, Moonstar 88, Imago, Barbie’s Cradle, Up Dharma Down, Orange and Lemons, Ithchyworms, and so on.

In terms of Filipino female singers, it is possible to come up with over 30 really talented ones, including those who have joined singing competitions. The first twelve that come to mind (and whose songs I enjoy listening to depending on my mood, and whose singing prowess is beyond doubt) are Sarah Geronimo (my favorite in this list), Gigi de Lana (lovely and powerful performance), Yeng Constantino, KZ Tandingan, Sitti, Julie Anne San Jose, Aicelle Santos, Jaya, Nina, Angeline Quinto, Jonalyn Viray, and Morissette Amon. For male singers, the first 10 names that come to my mind (excluding those I listed in my previous blog entry on OPM) are Ariel Rivera, Bamboo, Rico Blanco, Eric Santos, Christian Bautista, Daryl Ong, Jed Madela, Darren Espanto, Jay R, Kris Lawrence. Charice Pempengco (now Jake Zyrus) was amazing too. I also love the relaxing songs of Ice Seguerra. In the rap genre, I do not listen much but I like Gloc-9.

Recently, there have been sh**ty songs recorded by those pretending to be singers but more clout chasers. But thankfully, they are outnumbered by the really talented ones.

I’d like to share some of these amazing songs, which prove that OPM is very much alive and has a lot to offer to the Filipino listeners and to the world:

-Starting this list is the Filipino band SB19, who, in 2021 was chosen as the Youth Ambassador of the Philippine National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the face of Sentro Rizal. Great vocals, amazing moves and choreography, really visually appealing music videos.

–ZACH TABUDLO – really amazing guitar skills, heartfelt lyrics, catchy melody

–DILAW – I particular love the song “Uhaw,” a song about love, yearning, and commitment. I could listen to this repeatedly.

–IV OF SPADES – In particular, I love the song “Mundo.” If you listen closely, you’ll hear the different sounds of instruments blending melodiously and perfectly. This group has disbanded, however.

–Ben&Ben – soulful singing; beautiful lyrics and melody (Note: The second song featured is a cover of Bread’s.)

–December Avenue – If you’re not heartbroken but would like to feel how it is to be one, listen to “Kung ‘Di Rin Lang Ikaw”. Seriously, this band is underrated.

As a student in UP Diliman then, I used to watch concerts during the UP Fair. Then when I started working, it became infrequent; I was able to watch some live bands in a few get-together with friends and students in bars and grills.

Then, when I was in Paris for my foreign assignment, I had the chance to watch some live performances of bands during Fete de la Musique. Our very own Pinoy Jam Paris used to rock during these performances. I was also invited to watch the Maroon 5 concert then, which I did not decline of course. ^_^ There were also informal jamming sessions in Paris, which I was planning to attend but my male colleague reminded me to take extra care if I’m attending these by myself, but the pandemic stopped my plan to attend these gigs.

I recall that when I was in a hotel abroad for an official event, I would usually listen to music in the hotel, after the long day is done, before drifting to sleep. In one particular hotel, internet was sometimes spotty and even mobile data wouldn’t work, so I could not play any song. It was distressing.

This made me realize that music is part of my life, something I cannot live without, and I am so thankful to artists and music makers who make the world a more interesting, alive with emotions, and colorful place.