Random notes on Philippines pop music and nostalgia craze
MANILA, Philippines — Why random notes? Because while Philippine theater is at its most exciting phase, Philippine pop music has become stagnant. As per Billboard and Spotify and other platforms, the No. 1 tune of the moment is Kalapastangan by fitterkarma. It has been so for several months.
It is still commendable that Original Pilipino Music (OPM) like Panaginip by Nicole, Libo-libong Buwan by Kyle Raphael and of course, Multo by Cup of Joe continues to dominate the hit lists. But it also feels frustrating that there looms the danger that the situation can change soon. Why? Because no new release has entered the top rungs of the charts.
Well, it is a fact that Pinoys are known for being set in their ways and slow to accept newfangled notions. So, we stay with what is familiar. Now, it is also hard to get us to change our minds once we have decided to be accepting of something. Like what happened with Multo and Kalapastangan. That is why those tunes are still there.
Maybe it is because of this trait that the most streamed song of all time out here is Tadhana by Up Dharma Down, which is already 14 years old. The situation is no different with the music videos on YouTube, where the top-ranking OPM recording of all time is Tala by Sarah Geronimo, which is now already 11 years old.
This must also be the reason why bands like Teeth, Barbie’s Cradle and Silent Sanctuary from the long-ago past are back. And mind you, they are all doing very well with sold-out shows and strong record sales.
Alternative rock band Teeth of Laklak and Prinsesa fame from 1993 has released and sold out a vinyl edition of its debut album. Concerts featuring the original members are also in the offing. “The Reunion — Legacy Tour” kicks off in Singapore on Aug. 30, after which they will visit Manila and other local cities.
Barbie’s Cradle is back after 20 years in a hiatus with a new single. Remember them and that theme from the TV series “Tabing-Ilog” and that tune, Dear Paul? Barbie Almalbis is taking a respite from her solo career to once more front the band. The reunion single is titled Emergency.
Silent Sanctuary comes from a later time 2005 with the album “Rebound.” But that did not exempt the alternative pop band from the current nostalgia craze. They came up with a new single Una. Then they did shows in Japan and Singapore. Manila comes next on Oct. 24, but the tickets instantly sold out and they had to add another date, Oct. 25.
There is also a Manila Sound fever going on around us. It was initially thought to be a nostalgia craze for those who remember the ‘70s era, fueled by the musical “Bongga Ka ‘Day!” opening on Sept. 18 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.
But it is now a full-blown resurgence with sold-out shows, featuring the songs of HOTDOG, Cinderella, VST&Co, Boyfriends, Sampaguita and others from what is known as the golden age of Filipino music.
And not to forget. The month of September is almost upon us, and we all know it will soon be time for “Whenever I see boys and girls selling lanterns on the street/ I remember the Child in the manger as He sleeps…”
Jose Mari Chan, 81 years old, will once more take center stage in what has now become a much-loved Filipino Christmas tradition, celebrating with his song Christmas in our Hearts.
Jose Mari opens the season with “Timeless Harmonies” with The CompanY at the Music Museum in Greenhills on Sept. 12. Then, he will be off on a US tour. He will once more bring audiences to tears with his very own yuletide carol.
By the way, the song Christmas in our Hearts is now 36 years old.
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