Filipino music has always been more than just sound to me—it’s a living connection to our history, our emotions, and our spirit. Back in the early 1980s, I immersed myself in theater as an actor and director, experiencing firsthand how music can tell a story and draw out emotions from the depths of our souls. This love for the arts became my compass, guiding me to co-found The Philippine Times in 1990 after migrating to Melbourne. Later, with Dulaang Bayan Melbourne (2000–2010) and Pamana Australia in 2016, I had the opportunity to champion Filipino culture here in Australia and share our unique heritage with the world.
Over time, I realized that each song and each genre reflects something essential about the Filipino experience—whether it’s the courtship of Harana, the patriotic fervor of Kundiman, or the defiant beats of Pinoy rap. Compiling the history of our music has felt like a natural next step. It’s a way to honor our journey, to celebrate our roots, and to share with others how Filipino music evolved from its indigenous origins into the vibrant OPM (Original Pilipino Music) of today. Each era, each genre, reflects a part of who we are—our resilience, our pride, and our hope.
Here’s a journey through Filipino music, from its earliest expressions to its latest innovations.
1. Pre-Colonial Indigenous Music (Before the 16th Century)
Long before foreign influences touched our shores, Filipino music was already rich and resonant, woven into the rituals and daily lives of our indigenous tribes. With the beats of the kulintang, agung, and kudyapi, they celebrated nature and revered ancestors, creating rhythms that remain a deep-rooted part of our musical identity.
2. Harana and Kundiman: The Spanish Colonial Era (16th-19th Century)
During Spanish colonization, Harana and Kundiman emerged, blending Filipino passion with Spanish influence. Harana serenaded romance, with suitors performing under windows by starlight, while Kundiman transformed into an expression of patriotism, yearning for freedom. The emotional pull of these genres kept Filipinos connected to each other and to home, despite the hardships of colonial rule.
3. Jazz Influence and the American Period (Early 20th Century)
With American colonization, jazz, swing, and blues became part of our music scene. Filipino artists like Luis Borromeo brought jazz into Manila, blending Filipino and Western styles that lit up the city’s nightclubs. Jazz was more than a genre; it was a new language, allowing Filipinos to connect with global trends while retaining their unique identity.
4. The Big Band and Broadway Era (1930s-1950s)
The 1930s introduced big band music to Manila, and Filipino artists embraced swing and ballroom tunes that filled dance halls across the city. Pilita Corrales and Sylvia La Torre were among those who adapted Western pop culture to Filipino sensibilities, creating a sense of sophistication and worldliness that matched the optimism of the times.
5. Rock ‘n’ Roll and Early Pop (1950s-1960s)
With rock ‘n’ roll came a new energy in the 1950s, and Eddie Mesa, known as the “Elvis Presley of the Philippines,” led the way. This era was liberating, bringing electric guitars, youth energy, and a taste for excitement. It gave Filipinos a genre that was rebellious and bold, matching the spirit of a generation looking for something fresh.
6. Manila Sound and Disco (1970s)
In the 1970s, the Philippines claimed its own sound with Manila Sound, a blend of disco and local influences. Songs like Hotdog’s “Manila” captured the vibrant life of the capital, celebrating Filipino pride. Manila Sound was fun, catchy, and undeniably ours, marking the birth of OPM and bringing Filipino pop music to the forefront.
7. Protest Music, Pinoy Rock, and Folk (1970s-1980s)
As the 1970s drew to a close, folk and rock became voices of resistance against the Martial Law regime. Freddie Aguilar and bands like Asin created music that rallied the Filipino spirit, addressing the struggles of everyday people. These songs turned into anthems of resilience, echoing the call for justice and hope across generations.
8. OPM Ballads and Pop (1980s-1990s)
By the 1980s and 1990s, OPM ballads became synonymous with Filipino culture. Artists like Gary Valenciano and Regine Velasquez brought heartfelt songs that connected Filipinos, whether at home or abroad. These ballads turned into personal soundtracks for Filipinos worldwide, carrying the language of love, loss, and resilience.
9. Hip-Hop and Rap: Pinoy Rap’s Rise (1980s-2000s)
In the late 1980s, Pinoy rap emerged, offering a voice to Filipino street culture. Led by pioneers like Francis Magalona, rap became a powerful outlet for social commentary, giving urban Filipinos a means to express their pride and address societal issues. Pinoy rap offered a new language for the challenges and triumphs of Filipino life.
10. Pop-Rock and Band Revival (2000s)
The 2000s saw a resurgence in band culture, with groups like Eraserheads, Parokya ni Edgar, and Rivermaya defining the youth experience. This generation of music explored love, self-discovery, and friendship, forming the soundtrack to life for millions of young Filipinos.
11. P-Pop and Modern OPM (2010s-Present)
In the modern era, Filipino pop (P-Pop) and contemporary OPM have stepped onto the world stage. With artists like SB19 and Sarah Geronimo, the sound is sleek, modern, and undeniably global. Today’s OPM connects Filipino youth to international fans, showcasing a forward-looking Filipino identity that’s both proud and progressive.
12. Modern Pinoy Hip-Hop and Trap (Present)
Filipino hip-hop and trap bring a raw, fresh voice to the Filipino music scene. Artists like Shanti Dope and Flow G address the realities of today, with lyrics that speak directly to urban Filipino life. This genre resonates with younger audiences, capturing the spirit of modern Filipino culture in every beat.
Celebrating Filipino Music’s Legacy
Reflecting on the journey of Filipino music, I’m reminded of the beauty in its resilience and transformation. Each genre tells a chapter in the story of our people, from the haunting beauty of Kundiman to the infectious beats of Manila Sound and the global aspirations of P-Pop. Through my work with The Philippine Times, Dulaang Bayan Melbourne, and Pamana Australia, I’ve been blessed to share this musical heritage with audiences here in Australia and to help keep our stories alive.
Filipino music is more than just sound—it’s a legacy, a love letter to our culture, carried across time and continents. Each note, each melody, reminds us of who we are and where we come from, resonating with the pride and spirit of a people forever connected to the rhythm of home.
