Other meanings of Philippine music
Music
Philippine music encompasses the traditional and contemporary musical practices of the Philippines, reflecting a rich blend of indigenous, Asian, and Western influences. From the ancient kundiman and harana to modern OPM (Original Pilipino Music), the country's musical landscape is as diverse as its 7,000+ islands. This article explores the historical roots, key genres, and notable figures that have shaped Philippine music, as well as its lesser-known facets and global impact.
Philippine music's earliest traditions are rooted in indigenous rituals and oral transmission. Pre-colonial societies used bamboo instruments, gongs, and drums for ceremonies, with the kudyapi (a two-stringed lute) and gangsa (flat gongs) being prominent among highland groups like the Ifugao and Kalinga.1 The Spanish colonization (1565–1898) introduced Western forms, including the kundiman, a love song genre that blended Malay poetry with Hispanic musical structures, and the harana, a serenade tradition.2 The American period (1898–1946) brought jazz, blues, and the banda tradition, while the rondalla (plucked-string ensemble) became a staple of community celebrations. These layers created a hybrid musical identity that persists today.
The term OPM (Original Pilipino Music) emerged in the 1960s to label Filipino-authored songs in English and Tagalog, popularized by artists like Pilita Corrales and Nora Aunor.3 The 1970s saw the rise of folk-rock and protest music, with Freddie Aguilar's "Anak" (1978) becoming an international hit. The 1980s–1990s introduced pop, rock, and hip-hop, with bands like Eraserheads and Rivermaya defining the alternative scene.4 Today, OPM spans genres from ballad to EDM, with artists like Sarah Geronimo and Ben&Ben achieving mainstream success. The industry has also embraced digital platforms, enabling global streaming and cross-cultural collaborations.
Beyond the mainstream, Philippine music thrives in regional and indigenous forms. The kulintang ensemble of the Maguindanao and Maranao peoples features a row of bossed gongs, playing intricate rhythmic patterns that accompany dances and ceremonies. The tultogan bamboo percussion of the Visayas and the subing (jew's harp) of the Cordillera are other examples. Each ethnolinguistic group—over 100 in total—maintains distinct vocal styles, such as the dikker of the T'boli, which uses a high-pitched, melismatic delivery. These traditions are preserved through festivals like the Kadayawan in Davao and the Ati-Atihan in Kalibo, which feature music as a central ritual element.
Philippine music has notable niche contributions. The Manila Sound of the 1970s blended disco and Tagalog lyrics, epitomized by the Hotdog band. The Pinoy reggae and Pinoy jazz scenes, though underground, have produced respected artists like Gary Granada and Boy Katindig. In classical music, composer Nicanor Abelardo elevated the kundiman to art-song status, while Lucrecia Kasilag fused indigenous instruments with Western orchestration. The Philippine Madrigal Singers have won international choral competitions, and KZ Tandingan became the first Filipino to top a Billboard chart in 2018. The diaspora has also spread OPM globally, with Filipino communities in the US and Middle East hosting live music events that sustain cultural ties.
This article focuses on the traditional and contemporary music of the Philippines, excluding other senses of the term.
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