Contemporary Philippine Music
Philippine Music Traditions
Philippine Music is heavily influenced by different traditions. These traditions can be
roughly classified into three, namely: Indigenous traditions, Spanish-European
Influenced Traditions, and American Influenced Traditions.
Contemporary Philippine Music
Indigenous Traditions
Characteristic of Indigenous Traditions
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1. Often chanted
2. Seldom accompanied by native/indigenous instruments
3. Integrated into the daily tasks
Music has always been a part of pre-colonial Philippine culture. When you look into the
history of the Philippines, our pre-colonial ancestors had varying songs for work, ritual,
festivity, mourning, courtship, and other daily activities. These songs are either chanted
or sang with accompaniment of native/indigenous instruments made of bronze,
bamboo, or wood.
Songs of Indigenous Traditions
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1. Work songs: Kalusan (Ivatan), Soliranin (Tagalog)
2. Festive songs: Hudhud, Alim (Ifugao), Daragen (Maranao)
3. Mourning songs: Kanogon (Cebuano), Annako (Bontoc).
4. Courtship songs: Panawagon (Ilongo), Harana (Cebuano), Bayok (Maranao)
5. Children songs: Ili-ili (Ilongo), Ida-ida (Maguindanao)
Spanish-European Influenced Traditions
Characteristics of Spanish-European Influenced Traditions
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1. Often religious in nature
2. There was a combination of westernized forms with native/indigenous style
3. Marks the development of the rondalla
4. Period when dance music was patterned after Spanish and European dance
forms
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The Spanish occupation in the country dramatically transformed music in the
Philippines. There was a creation of religious music connected to and outside the
Catholic liturgy. Filipinos also adapted European-inspired secular music to local
instrumentals and folk songs.
The development of the rondalla and adaption of European-inspired secular music also
paved way for Filipinos dances like the carinosa, the balitao, the pandanggo, the
rigodon, and dansa.
Common types of music:
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1. Gregorian chants for masses and Christian services
2. Para-liturgical rituals/folk rites: Sanghiyang (Cavite), Subli (Batangas),
Turumba (Laguna)
3. Chanted prayers: Awit, Pasyon
4. Drama: Cenaculo, Moro-moro
Revered instrumentalist:
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1. Antonio Garcia
2. Cayetano Jacobe
Revered Composers
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1. Jose Canseco Jr.
2. Simplicio Solis
3. Fulgencio Tolentino
American Traditions
Characteristics of American Traditions
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1. Period when Philippine hispanized music was made to symbolize the
nationalist sentiment
2. Formal musical training was available as music conservatories and colleges
were established.
3. Raise of Classical Music, Semi-classical Music
The development of the public school systems brought about by the American
occupation played a huge role in the development of Philippine Music.
As formal musical training was made available, music artists created a lighter type of
music combined with classical music resulting in semi-classical music. This semiclassical music became the pattern for drama overtures and interludes of drama to this
day.
American popular music became mainstream in Philippine society along with the
introduction of radio, sheet music, live entertainment, and American movie themes.
Even, Filipino folk songs were arranged to fit into American dance rhythms.
Classical Music Composers
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1. Nicanor Abelardo
2. Francisco Santiago
3. Antonio Molina
Semi-classical Music Composers
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1. Bonifacio Abdon
2. Minggoy Lopez
3. Levi Celerio
The Rise of OPM
During the Japanese occupation, American forms of musical entertainment were
banned in the Philippines. It was only after the war, that American forms of musical
entertainment re-surfaced in the Philippines.
However, despite the preference for foreign artists, local artists strive for a distinct
sound that could be referred to as “Filipino” which resulted to the rise of "Pinoy music"
In the 1970's, the Organisasyon ng mga Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM) was created to
address the needs of Filipino music artist. Leading to the development of Filipino rock
music, dubbed as Pinoy Rock, Filipino Jazz or Pinoy Jazz, and Filipino pop ballad or
the Manila Sound.
OPM Music Composers:
1. George Canseco (George Masangkay Canseco) (Manila)
Songs: Kastilyong Buhangin, High School, Dito Ba?, Anak
2. Ryan Cayabyab (Raymond Cipriano Pujante Cayabyab) (Manila)
Songs: Bato sa Buhangin, Maalaala Mo Kaya, Saan Ka Man Naroroon
Kay Ganda Nang Ating Musika
OPM Music Singers:
Pinoy Folk
1. Freddie Aguilar (Ferdinand Pascual Aguilar) (Manila)
Songs: Estudyante Blues, Pulubi, Magdalena, Ipaglalaban Ko
Bulag, Pipi at Bingi
2. Asin (Members: Lolita Carbon, Cesar "Saro" Bañares, Jr., Mike "Nonoy" Pillora, Jr.,
Pendong Aban, Jr.) (Manila)
Songs: Himig Ng Pag-ibig, Pagbabalik, Usok, Cotabato
Pinoy Rock
3. Juan Dela Cruz Band (Members: Pepe Smith, Mike Hanopol, Wally Gonzales)
(Manila)
Songs: No Touch, Beep Beep, Titser's Enemy No. 1, Balong Malalim
4. Sampaguita (Tessy Alfonso) (Parañaque)
Songs: Tao, Laguna, Nosi Ba Lasi, Sa Diyos Lamang
Pinoy Jazz and Ballad
5. Dulce (Maria Teresa Magdalena Abellare Llamedo Cruzato) (Cebu)
Songs: Ako ang Nasawi, Ako ang Nagwagi, Dahong Laya, Usahay
6. Kuh Ledesma (Maria Socorro Ledesma) (Bacolod)
Songs: Dito Ba?, I Think I’m In Love, Sino Ang Baliw
Pinoy Pop
7. Apo Hiking Society (Members: Boboy Garovillo, Jim Paredes, Danny Javier)
(Quezon)
Songs: Awit Nang Barkada, Batang-bata Ka Pa, Panalangin, Ewan
When I Met You
8. Rey Valera (Reynaldo Valera Guardiano) (Bulacan)
Songs: Maging Sino Ka Man, Kung Kailangan Mo Ako, Naalaala Ka
Kung Tayo'y Magkakalayo
9. Basil Valdez (Basil Salvador Valdez) (Manila)
Songs: You, Gaano Kadalas Ang Minsan, Ngayon at Kailanman,
Kastilyong Buhangin
Pinoy Disco
10. VST and Co. (Members: Monet Gaskell, Val Sotto, Spanky Rigor, Jun Medina,
Celso Llarina, Roger Rigor, and Male Rigor) (Manila)
Songs: Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko, Rock Baby Rock, Swing it Baby,
Disco Fever
11. The Boyfriends (Members: Joey Abando, Bob Guzman, Artie Ilacad, Gary Ariola,
Lloyd Sale) (Quezon)
Songs: Dahil Mahal Kita, Sumayaw Sumunod, Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal,
Nais Kong Malaman Mo
Pinoy Rap
12. Francis "Francis M" Magalona (Francis Durango Magalona) (Mandaluyong)
Songs: 3 Stars and a Sun, Kaleidoscope World, Mga Kababayan
Kabataan Para sa Kinabukasan
Pinoy Ethnic Music
13. Joey Ayala (Jose Inigo Homer Lacambra Ayala) (Bukidnon)
Songs: Karaniwang Tao, Agila, Walang Hanggan Paalam, Magkaugnay
National Capital Region (NCR):
Singers: Sharon Cuneta-Pangilinan, Lea Salonga-Chien, Regine VelasquezAlcasid, Sarah Geronimo-Guidicelli, Gary Valenciano, Ogie Alcasid, Martin Nievera
Bands: Parokya ni Edgar, Sugarfree, Up Dharma Down, Yano, Radioactive Sago
Project, Wolfgang, Rivermaya, Gloc 9 (Aristotle Pollisco)
Cordillera Administrative Regions (CAR):
Band: The Edralins
Region 1:
Singer: Noel Cabangon (Buklod)
Region 3:
Band: Orange & Lemons
Region 4:
Singers: Yeng Constantino, Charice Pempengco
Band: Tribu Calamianen
Region 5:
Band: Eraserheads
Region 6:
Singer: Barbie Almabis (Barbie's Cradle)
Region 7:
Bands: Urbandub, Missing Filemon, Junior Kilat, Kadangyan
Region 8:
Band: Groupies Panciteria
Region 9:
Singer: Gary Granada
Band: South Border
Region 13:
Singers: Grace Nono, Bayang Barrios
Digital Arts
The improvement of digital technology in the 1990s paved the way for the recent
interactive developments of digital art in recent times. These interactive developments
can be seen particularly in video games, digital cinema, and computer art.
What is Digital Art?
Digital Art is a contemporary art form that uses digital technology as an essential part of
the creative and presentation process. Digital art can be drawn, scanned or computergenerated.
Type of Digital Art
Digital Art can be classified in different ways. Below are the different types of Digital Art.
A. Electronic-aided digital art
B. Non-figurative digital art
C. Fantasy digital art
D. Digital art as design
E. Digital photography
Electronic-aided Digital Art
Electronic-aided Digital Art is not to be mistaken as Electronic Art but may be
associated with Computer-Generated Digital Art. Electronic-aided Digital Art only uses
technology to aid in art production.
Example: CGI (Computer Generated Imagery) effects, 3D printing, digital drawing,
digital painting, virtual media artworks
Non-Figurative Digital Art
Similar to Non-Figurative Art, Non-Figurative Digital Art is consists of artworks that do
not have realistic forms and figures. It is made of pure abstraction
Example: music visualization on Winamp/Windows player or MS default slideshow.
Fantasy Digital Art
Just like Fantasy Art, Fantasy Digital Arts concerns mythological, magical, and
supernatural themes for movies, books, magazines, and video games.
Digital Art as Design
Digital Art as Design uses digital technologies, methods, and styles in every phase of
the creative process.
Example: graphic design, industrial design, web layout, vector layout
Digital Photography
Digital Photography is a technology that allows photographers to capture, edit, and
develop images without the use of film (learn.org/articles/What_is_Digital_Photography)
Digital Photography
Digital Photography can be categorized into many types and styles. These styles of
photography may include (1) Aerial Drones, (2) Architecture Photography, (3) Close
Up/Macro Photography, (4) Concerts and Events Photography, (5) Concept
Photography, (6) Documentary Photography, (7) Food Photography, (8) Landscape
Photography, (9) Night Photography, (10) Sports Photography, (11) Street Photography
(12) Portraits
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages of Digital Photography
1. Digital cameras offer more control over exposure, shutter speed, ISO, white balance,
and more.
2. The images taken in a digital camera can be viewed and processed immediately.
3. Digital cameras don't use film tapes, making it more cost-efficient for film tapes.
4. Digital cameras has a memory card that can hold images more than a regular camera
does, thus, you have the option to chose the best picture from the many pictures you
have taken.
Disadvantages of Digital Photography
1. The initial investment costs for high-end gadgets and pieces of equipment like digital
cameras, memory cards, and batteries are expensive.
2. As technology changes rapidly, your gadgets and pieces of equipment will easily
become outdated.
3. Editing digital photos can be time-consuming.
4. The art of developing photographs is lost.
Digital Photography
Digital Photography can be categorized into many types and styles. These styles of
photography may include (1) Aerial Drones, (2) Architecture Photography, (3) Close
Up/Macro Photography, (4) Concerts and Events Photography, (5) Concept
Photography, (6) Documentary Photography, (7) Food Photography, (8) Landscape
Photography, (9) Night Photography, (10) Sports Photography, (11) Street Photography
(12) Portraits
Different Types of Camera
Regardless, if you want to take photography as a hobby or a profession you need to
choose a camera to use.
1. Smartphone Cameras
2. Point-and-Shoot Cameras
3. Adventures Cameras
4. DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) Cameras
5. Mirrorless Cameras
Types of Photography
1. Aerial Photography
This is a type of photography that captures scenes from above, often quite high from a
helicopter, airplane, or remote-controlled drones.
2. Architecture Photography
This is a type of photography that focuses on either the entire building/structure or an abstract of
some interesting component of its design. Architectural Photography can include both interiors
and exteriors.
3. Close-up/ Macro Photography
Close-up photography refers to getting up real close to a small subject and filling the entire
frame or picture with the subject. This can be because the subject is a very interesting shape,
texture, or has some detail you want to emphasize. Macro photography has a similar concept,
however, it is getting in even closer, maybe to the point where the subject is not even
recognizable anymore and all you see is a shape or pattern that is just visually interesting or
colorful.
4. Concert and Event Photography
Concert and event photography is a type of photography at a concert or event of any
kind.
5. Conceptual Photography
Conceptual photography, also known as Fine Art Photography, refers to images or a
collection of images where the photographer is trying to convey a particular idea or
concept. Typically, the images are staged or constructed to convey this concept and the
photographs aim to provoke an emotion from the viewer, whether that emotion is joy,
sadness, intrigue, or even fear.
6. Documentary Photography
Documentary photography is where the photographer is exploring a particular subject to
highlight it and tell its story. A documentary project will usually consist of many pictures
that form a photo story. This can be a positive or negative story, it may be an issue that
people aren’t aware of such as war, famine, or cultural and social issues. This kind of
‘photo’ story would feature regularly in magazines.
6. Food Photography
Food photography is a style of photography aimed at capturing images of food in a
creative and attractive way. It can be used to promote a restaurant, illustrate a
cookbook, add visuals to a blog, or simply sell a food product.
7. Landscape Photography
Landscape photography typically tries to represent a particular space and illustrate the
beauty of the natural world. However, it is not always a large open landscape filled with
mountains, lakes, and trees. Landscape images can also be urban settings and even
industrial areas. Landscape photography doesn’t always try to show the beauty of a
natural environment, it could be used to show something negative such as an
environment impacted by human or natural disasters.
8. Night photography
Night, also known as Long Exposure Photography, is usually used to photograph
anything when the light is very low or when it’s dark. It’s typically used to capture
stationary objects/subjects in low light while allowing moving objects to blur or streak
through the scene.
(10) Sports Photography
Sports photography is a type of photography emphasized during any sports events.
(11) Street Photography
Street photography refers to documenting public spaces and the lives that are lived out
within these spaces. The subjects or people within these images are typically regular
people and may not even know that they are been photographed. It is a look at the
everyday world around you.
13. Portraits
A portrait is a photograph of a person or group of people to capturing their expression,
personality, and mood. However, it is not always the face that is the focus of the image.
You can have close up images of the face, ¾ length portraits, full-body portraits, and
environmental portraits. Portraits can be posed or natural like candid shots we looked at
earlier.
Mixed Media Art
Mixed media art can be dated as early as the 1900s but it became widely popular at the
start of the 20th century.
What is Mixed Media Art?
Mixed media art is a type of visual art that refers to artworks that are made from a
combination of mediums or materials.
Both the process of art-making and the materials or mediums used are emphasized in
many mixed media artworks.
Techniques in Mixed Media Art
Mixed media art uses a combination of materials or mediums. It also practices common
techniques in the art-making process.
1. Collage
A technique used in mixed media art which involves combining different materials pasting it onto
2D surfaces.
2. Decollage
A technique used in mixed media art that uses posters ripped from walls or other surfaces and
pasting it onto 2D surfaces.
3. Assemblage
A technique made by assembling different everyday objects often scavenged/ collected/bought
by the artist and making it into 3D artworks.
Multimedia Art
Mixed media art is not to be mistaken for multimedia art.
Mixed media art uses different mediums and materials where multimedia art uses combination
of electronic media, such as video, film, audio, and computers.
Timeline of Philippine Cinema
Theater was a more popular form of entertainment in the Philippines during the 19th century,
however, the last decade of the 19th century marked the start of film in the Philippines.
The start of Film in the Philippines
January 1897
Films were first introduced to the Philippines. The first four foreign movies namely: (1)
Un Homme Au Chapeau (Man with a Hat), (2) Une scene de danse Japonaise (Scene
from a Japanese Dance), (3) Les Boxers (The Boxers) and (4) La Place de L’ Opera
(The Place L’ Opera), were shown via 60mm Gaumont Chrono-photograph projector at
the Salon de Pertierra at no. 12 Escolta.
August 1897
Movies were later shown on the Lumiere Cinematograph was presented in Escolta,
corner San Jacinto.
Philippine Cinema in the early 1900's
1898
Antonio Ramos, a Spanish soldier, locally filmed Panorama de Manila (Manila
landscape), Fiesta de Quiapo (Quiapo Fiesta), Puwente de España (Bridge of Spain),
and Esceñas Callejeras (Street scenes)
1900
With the coming of the Americans to the country, the first movie house was opened. It
was named as Cine Walgrah.
1909
The first story film made in the Philippines, Rose of the Philippines, was produced by
the IMP Company (International Moving Pictures Company)
1912
There was a surge of New York and Hollywood films in Philippine Cinema Many
Filipinos patronized foreign films. Because of this, the Board of Censors was
established, now it is known as MTRCB.
1922
The Visayan film, El Hijo Disobediente (The Disobedient Son) was released.
The Advent of Talking Pictures
1929
It was the advent of “talking pictures” in the Philippines. Films with sound started to
surface in Philippine cinema.
1933
Jose Nepomuceno released his film Punyal na Guinto (Golden Dagger), which
was the first picture and sound movie.
1937
The film Zamboanga starring Fernando Po, Sr. and Rosa del Rosario achieved
international praise. It was the first Filipino movie that achieved international praise.
Philippine Film after the War
1939
Because of the World War and eventually Japanese occupation in the country, cinema
in the Philippines halted.
1940~1950
This decade was considered as the First Golden Age of Philippine Cinema. The four big
production studios emerged during this decade, namely:
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1. LVN Pictures
2.. Sampaguita Pictures
3. Premiere Productions
4. Lebran International
1950
The first colored film, Prinsipe Amante (Prince Amante) was released.
1966
The first successful colored film, Ito ang Pilipino, was released under J.E.
Production. The film starred Joseph Estrada and Barbara Perez.
Bomba Films
1960~1970
Independent studios began producing bomba (erotic) films, which were inspired by the
bomba komiks that featured nudity and sex.
1972
The Philippines was placed under Martial Law, and films were used as
propaganda vehicles.
The Second Golden Age of Film
1970~1980
This decade was considered as the Second Golden Age of Philippine Cinema. It was
also, considered as the period of the avant-garde filmmakers.
1980~1990
The increasing cost of production, extremely high taxes, and piracy brought about by
the Asian Financial Crisis prompted Philippine cinema quality to decline.
Notable Film Directors in the Second Golden Age of Philippine Cinema
1. Lino Brocka: Tinimbang ka Ngunit Kulang (1974), Maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag (1975),
Insiang (1976), Ang Tatay Kong Nanay (1978)
2. Ishmael Bernal: Manila by Night (1980), Himala (1982)
3. Peque Gallaga: Oro, Plata, Mata (1982), Shake, Rattle, Roll (1984, 1990, 1991, 1992)
4. Celso Ad Castillo: Ang Pinakamagandang Hayop sa Balat Ng Lupa (1974), Pagputi Ng Uwak,
Pag-itim Ng Tagak (1978)
5. Mike De Leon: Batch 81’ (1982), Sister Stella L (1984)
The Rise of New Wave Films
2000’s
The rise of digital filmmaking paved way for the emergence of independent films (new
wave films). It is also during the turn of the century that Filipino films started to make its
way back to international film festivals.
The start of the millennium is also the start of what is known as the Third Golden Age of
Philippine Cinema.
What are New Wave Films?
The term is based on the French art film movement, French New Wave (La Nouvelle
Vague). In the Philippines, however, it is popularly associated with the rise of digital and
experimental films during the late 90s-2000s and beyond.
New wave films are movies that feature unprecedented methods of expression, usually
featuring existential themes such as individualism or existentialism.
It is often produced on a tight budget.
Notable New Wave Film Directors
1. Marilou Diaz-Abaya: Muro-Ami (1996), Jose Rizal (1998), New Moon (2001)
2. Manny Reyes: Dreaming Filipinos (1992), Suwapings (1994)
3. Raymond Red: Sakay (1993), Anino (2000), Manila Skies (2009), Kamera Obskura (2012)
4. Nick Deocampo: Revolutions Happened Like Refrains in a Song (1987), The Philippines: A
Legacy of Violence (1990)
5. Brillante Mendoza: Tirador (2007), Thy Womb (2012), Ma Rosa (2016)
6. Lav Diaz: Evolution of a Filipino Family(2005), Mula sa Kung Ano ang Noon (2014), Hele sa
Mahigawang Hapis (2016), Ang Babaeng Humayo (2016), Panahon ng Halimaw (2018)
Notable Film Directors from the Regions
NCR
Cholo Laurel- Nasaan Ka Man (2005)
Marie Jamora- Ang Nawawala (2012)
Real Florido- 1st Ko Si 3rd(2014), Kabisera (2016)
Mikhail Red- Rekorder (2013), Birdshot (2016), Neomanila (2017)
Jerrold Tarog- Confessionals (2007), Sana Dati (2013), Senior Year (2013)
CAR
Eric De Guia “Kidlat Tahimik”- Memories of Overdevelopment (1980-2010)
Region 1
Christopher Gozum- Lawas Kan Pinabli (2011)
Region 3
Benito Bautista- Harana (2012)
Region 4
Gil Portes- Mga Munting Tinig (2002)
Auaeus Solito- Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros (2005)
Region 5
Alvin Yap- Debosyon (2013)
Region 6
Erik Matti- OTJ (On-the-Job) (2014), Honor Thy Father (2015)
Region 7
Victor Villanueva- My Paranormal Romance (2011), Patay Na Si Hesus (2016)
Remton Siega Zuarsola- Swap (2015), Ang Damgo ni Eleuteria (2010)
Kenneth Dagatan- Sanctissima (2015), MA (2018)
Keith Deligero- Iskalawags (2013), Babylon (2017), A Short History of a Very Few
Things (2018)
Ara Chawdhury- Miss Bulalacao (2015)
Region 9
Sheron Dayoc- Halaw: Ways of the Sea (2010)
Region 11
Paul Alexander Morales- Concerto (2008)
Neil Sanorio- Chasing Summer (2013)
a