Love Local: 10 Reasons to Support OPM

Love Local: 10 Reasons to Support OPM

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Original Pinoy Music (OPM) was born out of Filipinos’ unparalleled passion for the art form. The vibrant local music scene has seen its golden age with the rise of iconic groups like Apo Hiking Society and Eraserheads, and world-class talents such as Lea Salonga and Arnel Pineda.

However, as years pass by, it is a saddening reality that Filipino compositions have become part of the minority, frequently overpowered by foreign mainstream hits.

In line with the celebration of the Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino, a revelry held every last week of July as mandated by Proclamation No. 933, let us help you rekindle your love for OPM with this list.

As compiled by a FilipiNotes promotional video, here are ten reasons why our support for our homegrown music genre should never cease.

(For starters, FilipiNotes is an open mic event that puts the limelight on songs originally crafted by Filipino artists — established or emerging. Its online ad features a roster of local talents sharing why OPM deserves our utmost support.)

JUAN RHYME: OPM tells us who we are

“Hoy, Pinoy ako!” This is what Bamboo proudly sings in the nationalistic rock anthem, Noypi. Many other classics of this theme embody the belief that OPM is more than just a genre — it is a badge of identity that defines who we are as a nation.

DINGDONG AVANZADO: OPM expresses how we feel

OPM features many great compositions that perfectly express how we feel. Well, who wouldn’t agree that this genre has an unrivaled role in immortalizing Filipinos’ deepest (and even most shallow) sentiments?

KIM MOLINA: Birit is fun

“Ayoko sana na ikaw ay mawawala/ Mawawasak lamang ang aking mundo, oooh,” belts out Aegis in their smash hit, Halik. This is just one song in the lengthy list of OPM tunes popular for their high notes. And one exceptional thing is that Filipinos (singers or not) find fun and excitement in slaying this hits — may it be in the banyo, in karaoke sessions or in singing competitions.

TIM PAVINO: OPM lyrics are unmatched

Apart from the melody, what makes a song timeless is its lyrics. Take a listen at Smokey Mountain’s Kailan and try to find a foreign counterpart that would match its effective Pinoy-style storytelling. Isn’t it that the Filipino language is downright fit to serve our sentiments well?

AIZA SEGUERRA: OPM hits you hard

OPM never fails to tug at the heartstrings of many Filipino music lovers. As its composers and listeners share the same culture, it is but justifiable that Philippine-made tracks contain the right formula to hit us as the core.

NOAH ZUNIGA AND DEEJAY POBLETE: It’s like therapy…better when shared

As music heals, many would agree that OPM is therapeutic and is more effective when shared and sang together with your loved ones. Try it, and take this song as an example: “Basta’t tayo’y magkasama/ laging mayro’ng umagang kay ganda.”

GHERNS CALINA: OPM asks life’s hardest questions

Remember Up Dharma Down’s radio staple, Tadhana? How about it’s popular (second) chorus, which goes likes this — “Ba’t di pa sabihin ang hindi mo maamin/ Ipauubaya na lang ba ‘to sa hangin?” Browse your OPM playlist and for sure, you’d find a couple of other tracks that state often-left-unasked questions on love, loss and life. They’re much easier sang than answered!

EDWIN NEGAPATAN: It gives the most honest answers

Honesty, after all, is one of the best policies; this holds true even for lyric writing. Nothing beats a sincere message weaved with beautiful melodic patterns. And we doubt anyone would contest if we say that Filipinos have some of the most straightforward ways of confessing. Have you heard Ewan’s ” “Mahal kita, mahal kita, hindi ‘to bola”?

DAN TRISTAN: It’s the soundtrack of our lives

This one needs no further elaboration. OPM is the soundtrack of our lives — there’s a song for everyone, for every occasion and for every kind of relationship.

POPPERT BERNADAS: We own OPM

Yes, we own OPM. It is one fact that nobody can dispute. From its most primeval form to what it sounds like today, this genre of music is one treasure that we can rightfully claim as ours. And as OPM has memorialized the most momentous and the most mundane of Filipino culture, it can be considered as one the best gifts we can give to the next generation.

Filipinotes Upsized is happening on July 26, Tuesday, at 12 Monkeys Music Hall and Pub, Century City Mall, Makati. Find out more details about the event here. Check out their video below:

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