PhilPop Enriches Filipino Music

Filipino music is indeed a genuine expression of Filipinos not only as a unified group, but also as unique individuals. The PhilPOP MusicFest Foundation, Inc. is an advocate of this notion, which is it established the Philippine Popular Music Festival (PhilPOP) early this year. Now, it is already setting the stage for 2013.

PhilPOP is a search for Filipino musical composers, whether residing here or abroad, who can showcase musical ingenuity and passion. Songwriters can start sending their entries by January 1, 2013 till the end of February through www.philpop.com.ph .

The PhilPOP competition has generated excitement since it kicked off earlier this year because of Filipinos' love for music. The spotlight being given to singwriters now is an undertaking of national identity.

The PhilPOP Foundation sees Filipino music as a cultural treasure and an indication of national identity. The foundation is again giving Filipinos the opportunity to become their own inspiration. Then, it cam be cascaded to future generations, which in turn can make their own music.

By the way, PhilPOP is also presented by Maynilad, Smart, Meralco, PLDT, Resorts Word Manila, TV 5, Metro Pacific Investment Corp., NLEX, PICC, Sun Cellular, KBP and Philex.

The foundation also preserves the vanishing musical germs and empowers Filipino songwriters whose music can inspire and motivate a nation. Kudos to PhilPOP.

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

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.

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.