Appreciation for OPM: Original Pilipino Music

Through the years, music has been evolving around the world. And of course, we should be proud of what we have and what we own Filipinos, the OPM.

OPM has been mixed with various genres through generations. It was passed from one generation to another. It is usually mixed with the style of Asian, American, Spanish, Latin, etc. OPM has become more popularized during the 1970s, usually Philippine pop songs. But way back before, it started with the indigenous music of our native tribes. We've been creative when it comes to music during the early days. But the most popular music this generation is the Filipino pop songs, particularly because of the influence of American or Western music. It is often known for ballads.

The predecessor of OPM is the Manila Sounds of late 1970s. Between the 1950s, 1960s, and before the 1970s came the emergence of 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, Pilita Corrales, 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 Zuniga, Leah Navarro, Cinderella (Filipino band), Tillie Moreno, Ric Segreto, Janet Basco, Boyfriends (Filipino band), Hotdog, VST & Co., and many others. These artists are known for their soulful performances when it comes to singing.

Between the 1980s and the 1990s, OPM was led by artists such as Regine Velasquez, Pops Fernandez, APO Hiking Society, Kuh Ledesma, José Mari Chan, Dingdong Avanzado, 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, Sharon Cuneta, Sheryl Cruz, Keno, Lou Bonnevie, Zsa Zsa Padilla and Gary Valenciano, among many others.

In the 1990s, famous artists included Eraserheads, The Company (vocal group), April Boy Regino, Smokey Mountain, Rivermaya, Jaya, Agot Isidro, Dessa (Filipino singer), Isabel Granada, Vina Morales, Donna Cruz, Jolina Magdangal, Jessa Zaragoza, Ariel Rivera, South Border, Carol Banawa, Yano, Introvoys, AfterImage, Side A, Andrew E., Lani Misalucha, Ella May Saison, Joey Ayala, Viktoria (singer), 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, Jonalyn Viray, Kitchie Nadal, Barbie's Cradle, Yasmien Kurdi, Mitoy Yonting, Moonstar88, Aiza Seguerra, Toni Gonzaga, Nina, Yeng Constantino, Piolo Pascual, Jovit Baldivino, KZ Tandingan, Nyoy Volante, Hale, Spongecola, Jennylyn Mercado, Kim Chiu, Mark Bautista, Christian Bautista, Jake Zyrus, Jed Madela, Erik Santos, Parokya Ni Edgar, Kamikazee, Sam Milby, Abra, James Reid, Janine Berdin, Sheryn Regis and Gloc-9, among many others.

Adding to that, some Visayan and Mindanaoan music were added too because they're also considered as an Original Pilipino Music.


My Thoughts and Opinions!


I'm also a fan of OPM ever since I was a kid. I grew up in a family where we have different yet good tastes in music, and one of them is OPM. Original Pilipino Music has become and will always be memorable for me because I always appreciate our own, even though I admit that I'm a fan of Western music and Korean pop. But of course, I will always remember one of our country's pride, which is OPM.

If I were to pick what year or generation of OPM was amazing and creative, I would probably say that it was in 90s to early 2000s, or it can also be today's generation (but only a few one). OPM in 90s has become so memorable for me because nowadays, you can still notice that majority of the Filipinos can still jam along with those songs coming from that year. Me, personally, knows more songs in the past rather than the new ones. Some of my friends and classmates are still enjoying those songs until now. To be honest, I can say that there are only some of the most creative and productive artists nowadays that can compose a song with a meaningful and sensible lyrics and an awesome beat. Artists way back before were better. But still, I will support them, no matter when they've gained popularity or what generation they came from, as long as I know that music is their passion and that they make songs which are unique yet meaningful and creative.

Currently, I've been listening to Eraserheads, probably one of the most famous icons of OPM in the 90s. I've heard their song, entitled "Spoliarium" because of this movie that I've watched recently which is "Alone/Together". You can listen to the song below:

I also knew most of their popular songs like "Ang Huling El Bimbo", "Pare Ko", "Magasin", "With A Smile", "Alapaap", etc. I've known them since I was 6 years old, when my older brother and my mother introduced them to me. I'm thankful to them because I've also known more artists who have contributed something significant to the OPM industry.

I appreciate bands more than solo artists, but I love them both. Some of the not-so-old bands that I know are Parokya Ni Edgar, Rivermaya, Hale, Cueshe, Soapdish, etc. I prefer rock genre too, and some examples of bands that belongs to that genre are Kamikazee, Siakol, etc.

Some bands today that I stan are IV Of Spades, December Avenue, Ben&Ben, This Band, Carousel Casualties, Munimuni, etc.

Truly, we need to be proud of our own music. We need to tell to the whole world how beautiful and creative OPM is. Don't let others shame us, instead, use their criticism as a turning point to strive more and be more proud of our own. Aside from the beautiful and mesmerizing spots in our country, our literature and arts, we can count OPM as one of our nation's pride. We should love and appreciate our own, and we also have the freedom to love and appreciate other's culture. I believe that OPM is also our language which also helps us to communicate effectively and efficiently. I strongly believe that music is in our soul, and it is the one who keeps us intertwined with one another. Music keeps us united as one, and so does Original Pilipino Music.



source/s:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_of_the_Philippines