FILIPINO POPULAR MUSIC, FOOD, AND FASHION

Original Pilipino Music (OPM)

Music composed and performed by Filipino artists, usually in Filipino or English, reflecting Filipino identity, creativity, and emotions.

Early Foundations of OPM (1950s–1960s)

The modern roots of OPM started post–World War II, mixing Western styles with traditional kundiman.
Examples: Sylvia La Torre (Sa Kabukiran), Pilita Corrales (Dahil Sa Iyo).

Golden Era of OPM (1970s)

The rise of Manila Sound—a fusion of Filipino themes with Western pop, funk, and disco.
Examples: Hotdog (Manila), VST & Co. (Awitin Mo, Isasayaw Ko), APO Hiking Society (Panalangin).

Rock Movement (1980s–1990s)

Era where rock music became a voice for youth expression and social awareness.
Examples: The Dawn (Salamat), Eraserheads (Ang Huling El Bimbo), Parokya ni Edgar (Harana), Rivermaya (214).

Pop Ballad Boom (1990s–2000s)

Period dominated by emotional power ballads and love songs.
Examples: Regine Velasquez (Dadalhin), Sarah Geronimo (Forever’s Not Enough).

Revival and Indie Rise (2000s–2010s)

Acoustic revivals and indie music became popular, redefining modern OPM while keeping Filipino roots.
Examples: MYMP (Especially for You), Up Dharma Down (Tadhana).

Global and OPM Wave (2010s–Present)

Filipino artists gained international fame through streaming and social media platforms.
Examples: SB19 (GENTO), BINI (Pantropiko), Ben&Ben (Kathang Isip).

Filipino Food

Represents Filipino culture through unique flavors and shared meals influenced by Malay, Chinese, Spanish, American, and Indigenous traditions.

Filipino Food in Media

Filipino dishes are featured in teleseryes, cooking shows, and reality programs showing food as a symbol of unity.
Examples: Sarap Diva, Pinas Sarap, Farm to Table, Junior MasterChef Pinoy Edition.

Filipino Food on the Global Stage

Filipino cuisine’s rise worldwide through chefs, food chains, and global media exposure.
Examples: Jollibee, Abi Marquez x Gordon Ramsay collab, Netflix’s Street Food: Asia.

Filipino Fashion

Expression of style, history, and identity through clothing influenced by various cultures and eras.

Pre-Colonial Fashion (Before 1521)

Native Filipinos wore simple clothes made from natural fibers.
Examples: Men – bahag; Women – baro and patadyong.

Spanish Colonial Fashion (1521–1898)

Influenced by European modesty and Catholic values.
Examples: Maria Clara gown, Baro’t Saya.

American Period Fashion (1898–1946)

Western styles became common; Barong Tagalog was formalized as national wear.

Post-War Fashion (1950s–1960s)

Glamorous and classy fashion inspired by movie icons.
Examples: Carmen Rosales (full skirts), Rogelio de la Rosa (polo shirts).

1970s–1980s Fashion

Disco and youth culture defined the trends with bold colors and fun styles.
Examples: Bell-bottoms, neon outfits, Bagets and VST-inspired looks.

1990s–2000s Fashion

Streetwear and colorful Y2K fashion became popular among teens.
Examples: Francis M’s baggy jeans, Jolina Magdangal’s funky accessories.

2010s–Present Fashion

Blends tradition with inclusivity and global trends.
Examples: Inabel and T’nalak textiles, K-pop-inspired fashion.

Oppositional Subcultures

Groups that challenge mainstream norms through lifestyle, music, and fashion.
Examples: Rap and rock communities, LGBTQIA+ and drag communities.

Commodification

Turning cultural expressions or movements into marketable products.
Example: Selling drag-inspired outfits or protest-themed merchandise.

Sexual Orientation (SO)

Who you’re emotionally, romantically, or sexually attracted to.
Question: “To whom am I attracted?”

Gender Identity (GI)

How you see yourself internally (male, female, both, or neither).
Question: “How do I see myself?”

Gender Expression (GE)

How you present your gender through clothing, style, and behavior.
Question: “How do I express myself?”

Sex Characteristics (SC)

Biological traits related to sex, such as genitalia, chromosomes, and hormones.
Question: “What are my sex features?”

SOGIESC

An inclusive term referring to Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics.

SOGIESC Advocacy in Music and Fashion

Promotes visibility, empowerment, and education for LGBTQIA+ communities through art and expression.
Examples: Ice Seguerra (Anino), Jake Zyrus (Love Even If), Pride-inspired designs.

Commodification Pros and Cons

Turning culture into profit has both good and bad sides.
Pros: Spreads awareness, supports artists.
Cons: Can lose authenticity, may focus on money instead of message.