Why is Philippine music so deeply embedded in our culture?

Bisaya

, https://barokandtakya.com/

Philippine music is deeply embedded in our culture because it is uniquely ours. It reflects the beauty of our language and the richness of our heritage.

Our traditional music is a mix of indigenous and colonial influences, and over the years, it has evolved into a distinctive style that is distinctly Filipino. It is characterized by haunting melodies, intricate rhythms, and soulful lyrics that tell stories of love, loss, and heroism.

Generations of Filipinos have enjoyed Philippine music, and it remains an integral part of our culture today. It touches our hearts and stirs our emotions as no other music can, and it is truly a joy to listen to. Thank you for asking!

The Apo Hiking Society

Apo Hiking Society (a.k.a. APO or The Apolinario Mabini Hiking Society) is a popular and widely-acclaimed musical group from the Philippines. Though originally comprised of 13 members from Ateneo de Manila University, the group eventually rose to fame as a three-man band with Jim Paredes, Boboy Garrovillo, and Danny Javier. They have been one of the primary adherents of the Original Pinoy Music or OPM movement.

One of the top Filipino groups in the 1980s, the band began as a group of high school friends that derived their name from Filipino revolutionary Apolinario Mabini. The name was later shortened to “Apo,” an Ilocano term for “wise man.” Contrary to popular belief, the group was not named for Mount Apo.

The group's members are Jim Paredes, Buboy Garovillo and Danny Javier. They officially announced their retirement after their final concert tour, and reunited only for the inauguration of Benigno Aquino III on 30 June 2010.

Ewan - Apo Hiking Society

DO YOU LOVE FILIPINO POP MUSIC? Filipino Pop Chart - February 2012 (Top 20 Philippine Songs)

Philippine Music, Mathematic, and Gary Granada

Many know it already, I love music. I started loving especially Philippine music since my first stay 1982 in Mindanao. 

While staying in Manila some time ago, I learned a lot about Gary Granada from a media friend, who published an article in a national daily.

I also hated mathematics. Yes, I am very honest, but it seems that music and math can go together like a happy couple. The incredible singer and composer has written more then 500 songs, many of them indeed widely admired for their lyric depth and sharp wit, how Cora Lucas described in the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Gary Granada's is talking about his "project of my life". It's realy amazing, he's referring to "Arithmetic Songs for kids Zero to Ten". The CD contains 10 original compositions, plus tracks without vocals (minus-one) that students can sing along to. The songs can also serve as a 'tool for enhancing music appreciation', said Granada. "Students don't enjoy much math because they cannot see its immediate implications in life", he explains. I must confess, Gary is very right and I strongly agree with him.

Try to get the CD  "Teacher Kiel's Arithmetic Songs FOR KIDS ZERO TO  TEN".

You will love it - and maybe also mathematics... .

Imelda Papin to go on Worldtour again

 I met Imelda Papin personally already during the 1980s, when she performed several times in Berlin/Germany. During that time I was the Head of Legal Affairs of the Philippine Community Berlin. I have been always a big fan of the Philippine Ambassadress of Goodwill.

It is recalled, that Imelda Papin, once dubbed the "Sentimental Songstress of Asia" and who was also vice governor of Camarines Sur, will tour together with Mrs. Dionisia Pacquiao, mother of box icon Manny. There are offers to perform in the US, Dubai, Hong Kong and other parts of the world. 

The song BAKIT (WHY? WARUM?) composed by the great John Manalili, has indeed brought Imelda Papin to phenomenal heights, setting a trend in the Philippine music industry. Imagine: in a record time of three months the song reached Double Platinum, paving the way for numerous hits and several movie offers.

"Bakit - the concert" will be on October 16 at the Aliw Theatre and is for the benefit of the dialysis project of the IAP Foundation, Inc. under the auspices of the foundation in cooperation with BuzzworksTrading, E Business and 618 International Entertainment, Inc. I hope, my time allows me to be there... .

I am still glad being able to listen BAKIT by Imelda Papin. "Bakit"-CD's distributed by Universal Records, are again available in most records outlets in the Philippines.

Philippine Musicians and Their Future

I am living in Davao City since 1999. Sad to say, but if it comes to Philippine music, Philippine musicians and Philippine music culture, Davao City remains as a cultural fallow field. 

If one talks about the whole Philippines, one really has to agree with  Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit president OGIE ALCASID, who pointed out: "If there is a dismal lack of major local concerts these days, at least there are small gigs around town that show "life goes on for Pinoy musicians". Again, even being an expat, please allow me to express: HAY NAKU!"

For those, who are residing in Manila, or those, who can afford just to fly there, it might be correct. Of course, it has been a great event - the most unexpected jam, even long time after midnight, when one of my idols, Gretchen Barretto sang "Last Night of the World" and "Sun and Moon" from "Miss Saigon". Tracks I have been brought many times during my radio show "Classics at Night"... . As Pocholo Concepcion of the "Philippine Daily Inquirer" stated very correctly: "Gretchen should indeed seriously pursue a singing career!"

Yes, life goes on for Philippino musicians and singers. But is this really enough?

My Favourite Music/Meine Lieblingsmusik

What's my favourite music since I am living in the Philippines for good? Of course, there are lot of changes every year. 

Honestly, I love classical music. No wonder! While being in Manila I  start each morning with a clear mind and listening to classical music on 98.7 FM DZFE). Honestly, I am also missing being on air with my radio show "Classics at Night" here in Davao City, to be heard in many parts of Mindanao. Yes, Philippinos love to listen to classical music. 

During long drives I love to listen to beats of U2's. 

When feeling the blues (each one of us experience feeling the blues!), there is indeed nothing more uplifting than sitting down on a piano (or, in my case on a keyboard or electronic piano - "I couldn't bring my grand piano to the Philippines") - and humming to myself. 

Of course, my favourite music - even being an expat living in the Philippines - sre songs from the 1980s and 1970s like    Kenny Loggins, Earth Wind and Fires, and more on pop and light rock music.

I love Broadway musical - yes, and I  admire Philippine love songs, such as "Dahil Ikaw ANg Mahal Ko" and many, many others.

MUSIC is my life. From my home country - and, from my second (?) home country, the Philippines.

German, Philippine, and International Music in Davao City

ADI (Advanced Design & Innovation) Davao City presents the "Musikverein Kressbronn Brass Band" from Germany LIVE, featuring German, Philippine, and international music on January 9, 2010, at 7 pm at the People's Park, Davao City, and on January 10, 2010, at 11:00 am at the Paradise Park and Beach Resort on Samal Island. For further information you might call Luz at the Paradise Park and Beach Resort city office (082) - 234 2926.

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Der Musikverein Kressbronn Brass Band von Deutschland ist fuer zwei Tage live in Davao City - und zwar am 9. Januar 2010 um 19 Uhr im People's Park und am 10. Januar 2010 um 11 Uhr im Paradise Park and Beach Resort auf Samal Island. Viel Spass bei deutscher, philippinischer und internationaler Musik.

My (Philippine) Music/Meine (philippinische) Musik

I love music since I was four years young. I started playing piano and got my first "Hohner" accordion. I really love any kind of music: from Beethoven up to the Beatles.

Moving to the Philippines for good meant also to bring my whole music collection (and library with more then 2000 books). It helped very much to ease some "culture shocks" in the beginning of my expat life here in the Philippines.

I started being very much interested in Philippine music.

Meanwhile I could mention hundreds of favourite Philippine compositions: "Dahil Mahal Na Mahal" (Pinoy Biggie Hits), MINDANAO, or Kung Ako Na Lang (Sana: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack).

Talking about movie themes: I was really lucky to find in SM City Davao finest music by the best artists - YOUR FAVOURITE MOVIE 101. These are 101 digitally remastered recordings on 6 CD's. A really awesome collection for music lovers produced in 2009 by Universal Music International. Check out www.getmusic.com.ph.

Have you ever heard about "Manilac Lay Labi"? This is the second part of a Philippine suite for piano by Ryan Cayabyab "Pahilaga" which is Ilocano meaning in an easterly direction. Manilac Lay Labi means a quite night and this delicate piece transports us to just that - a calm, untroubled and peaceful night.

How about "Pandangguhan"? This is a popular and well-loved Filipino dance piece. One can imagine a Filipino couple dance skillfully and rhythmically to the familiar tune. The piano arrangement is really interesting and exciting.

And, I love Philippine Telenovelas' music. For avid followers of well-known Tagalog TV series such as "Pangako Sa Iyo" or "Sana'y Wala Ng Wakas" these melodies evoke the familiar and the intimate.