Pop Culture - Prefinal

Original Pilipino Music (OPM)

Refers to music composed and performed by Filipino artists, typically in Filipino or English; encompasses a wide range of genres and is a significant part of Filipino popular culture.

Historical Evolution of OPM

Reflects the growth of Filipino music as a cultural and artistic expression through several historical eras.

Early Foundations (1950s–1960s)

The modern roots of OPM began after World War II when Filipino musicians blended Western musical styles with traditional Filipino melodies; the kundiman remained influential and was modernized through radio and television.

Kundiman

A traditional Filipino love song that remained influential in modern OPM, often updated with contemporary arrangements.

Sylvia La Torre

Recorded over 300 songs including Sa Kabukiran, Maalala Mo Kaya, and Waray-Waray; appeared in radio and television shows that helped popularize Filipino music.

Pilita Corrales

Dubbed “Asia’s Queen of Songs”; known for Kapantay Ay Langit and Dahil Sa Iyo and her signature backbending pose called “liyad.”

Golden Era (1970s)

Marked the rise of OPM as a distinct genre through the Manila Sound, which fused Filipino themes with Western pop, funk, and disco; characterized by upbeat tempos and catchy lyrics.

Manila Sound

A musical style that defined the 1970s OPM scene, blending Filipino lyrical themes with Western pop, funk, and disco influences.

Hotdog

Band credited with songs such as Manila, Annie Batungbakal, and Pers Lab; captured urban Filipino life and gained popularity on radio and television.

VST & Company

Iconic disco band of the late 1970s known for Disco Fever, Awitin Mo, Isasayaw Ko, Magsayawan, and Rock Baby Rock.

APO Hiking Society

Musical group recognized for catchy harmonies and relatable lyrics in songs like Panalangin, Ewan, and Batang-bata Ka Pa.

Rock Movement (1980s–1990s)

Period that saw the rise of Filipino rock blending alternative, experimental, and socially aware themes; became the voice of youth expression and rebellion.

The Dawn

Gained fame with Enveloped Ideas and Salamat; disbanded in the early 1990s but later reunited.

Eraserheads

Referred to as “The Beatles of the Philippines”; famous for Ang Huling El Bimbo and With a Smile.

Parokya ni Edgar

Known for humorous and relatable lyrics in songs like Harana, Gitara, and Your Song.

Rivermaya

Blended rock with melodic and poetic lyrics in songs such as 214, Balisong, and Liwanag sa Dilim.

Pop Ballad Boom (1990s–2000s)

Era when OPM emphasized power ballads and love songs showcasing singers with powerful voices and emotional depth.

Regine Velasquez

Asia’s Songbird who defined the 1990s–2000s OPM scene with songs like Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw and Dadalhin.

Sarah Geronimo

Popstar Royalty who rose to fame in 2003 after winning Star for a Night; known for Forever’s Not Enough.

Revival and Indie Rise (2000s–2010s)

New wave of acoustic revivals, indie bands, and experimental acts that expanded OPM while preserving Filipino identity.

MYMP (Make Your Momma Proud)

Acoustic duo that popularized the revival trend with Especially for You.

Up Dharma Down (UDD)

Modernized OPM by combining electronic, jazz, and alternative elements; known for Tadhana.

Global and OPM Wave (2010s–Present)

Period when Filipino artists achieved international recognition through global music styles, social media, and streaming platforms.

SB19

First Southeast Asian and Filipino act nominated for Billboard Music Awards; entered Billboard Social 50 and Next Big Sound charts; known for MAPA, DUNGKA!, GENTO, and DAM; recognized by the NCCA as Youth Ambassadors.

BINI

Known as the Nation’s Girl Group; first all-Filipino group to perform at Coachella 2026; songs include Pantropiko, Salamin Salamin, Lagi, and Karera.

Ben&Ben

Indie-folk pop band formed by brothers Paolo and Miguel Guico; performed internationally at festivals like Clockenflap, SXSW, and Music Matters; known for Kathang Isip, Leaves, and Sa Susunod na Habang Buhay.

Filipino Food

Illustrates how traditional and modern cuisines represent and celebrate Filipino identity through diverse cultural influences and shared community experiences.

Cultural Influences on Filipino Food

Malay, Chinese, Spanish, American, and Indigenous culinary traditions shaping Filipino cuisine.

Sinigang

A sour Filipino soup regarded as a national comfort dish symbolizing local flavors.

Adobo

A popular Filipino dish of meat stewed in vinegar, soy sauce, and spices; considered a cultural symbol globally.

Filipino Food in Media

Television dramas and shows that depict family unity through shared meals, emphasizing community.

Sarap Diva (2012)

Cooking program hosted by Regine Velasquez that features Filipino dishes and promotes culinary heritage.

Pinas Sarap (2017)

Infotainment cooking show hosted by Kara David highlighting regional Filipino cuisine.

Farm to Table (2021)

Cooking show with Chef JR Royol promoting regional dishes and sustainable practices.

Junior MasterChef Pinoy Edition (2011)

Reality competition featuring Filipino cooking challenges for young chefs.

Chef Boy Logro

Kusina Master (2012)

Filipino Food on the Global Stage

Highlights the international recognition of Filipino cuisine through chefs, food chains, and global collaborations.

Jollibee

Global Filipino fast-food chain expanded to the U.S., Canada, Middle East, and Asia; known for Chickenjoy and Jolly Spaghetti.

Gordon Ramsay Collaboration (2025)

Partnership with Abi Marquez, the “Lumpia Queen,” to create Beef Wellington Lumpia.

Street Food

Asia (2019)

I Love Filipino (2025)

Netflix docuseries hosted by Jiggy Manicad showcasing Filipino food and culture, including Pinoy Altanghap and sawsawan.

Fashion Trends in the Philippines

Reflects how Filipino style evolved through pre-colonial, colonial, postwar, and modern influences blending tradition with global trends.

Pre-Colonial Period (Before 1521)

Men wore bahag (loincloth); women wore baro (blouse) with patadyong or tapis (wraparound skirt).

Spanish Colonial Period (1521–1898)

European styles shaped attire; the Maria Clara gown embodied modesty and Catholic values; men wore camisa de chino.

Maria Clara Gown

A formal baro’t saya variation representing Spanish modesty and Catholic femininity.

American Period (1898–1946)

Introduced Western suits and dresses; Barong Tagalog established as national formal wear.

Barong Tagalog

Traditional Filipino embroidered shirt formalized as the national men’s attire during the American period.

Post-War Era (1950s–1960s)

Women adopted elegant skirts popularized by actress Carmen Rosales; men preferred polos and slacks like actor Rogelio de la Rosa.

1970s–1980s Fashion

Era influenced by disco culture with bell-bottoms, psychedelic prints, and platform shoes; Bagets cast later popularized casual teen styles and neon colors.

1990s–2000s Fashion

Casual teen trends inspired by Gimik cast; Francis Magalona shaped male streetwear; Jolina Magdangal set colorful Y2K styles.

2010s–Present Fashion

Blends traditional textiles like Inabel and T’nalak with modern designs; promotes genderless and K-pop-inspired fashion.

Oppositional Subcultures

Social groups that challenge mainstream norms through alternative lifestyles, music, fashion, and ideology.

Oppositional Subcultures in Philippine Music and Fashion

Use rap, rock, and LGBTQIA+ culture to resist conformity and highlight social issues.

Francis Magalona

Known for Mga Kababayan Ko promoting nationalism and equality.

Gloc-9

Created songs like Sirena and Walang Natira addressing poverty and discrimination.

Bamboo

Performed Tatsulok, a song symbolizing social hierarchy and inequality.

Vice Ganda

Performer who expresses individuality through music and fashion representing LGBTQIA+ identity.

Drag Den (2022)

Philippine drag competition show hosted by Manila Luzon promoting drag artistry.

Drag Race Philippines (2022)

Reality competition hosted by Paolo Ballesteros celebrating drag as Filipino art and identity.

Commodification

The process of turning cultural expressions, art, or practices into products marketed for profit.

Commodification in Philippine Music and Fashion

When social messages and resistance movements become commercialized through media and consumer goods.

SOGIESC

Acronym for Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics; acknowledges diverse gender identities and expressions.

Sexual Orientation

Defines patterns of sexual, romantic, and emotional attraction; answers “To whom are you attracted?”

Gender Identity

Describes internal experience of gender; answers “How do you see yourself?”

Gender Expression

Refers to how one presents gender through clothing, behavior, and appearance; answers “How do you express yourself?”

Sex Characteristics

Physical traits related to sex, including genitalia, reproductive anatomy, chromosomes, and hormones; answers “What are your sex features?”

SOGIESC Advocacy in Philippine Music and Fashion

Promotes visibility, community empowerment, and education for LGBTQIA+ communities through creative arts.

Visibility in SOGIESC Advocacy

Representation of LGBTQIA+ through artists like Ice Seguerra (Anino) and Jake Zyrus (Love Even If) and Pride-inspired fashion.

Ice Seguerra

LGBTQIA+ artist known for the song Anino promoting inclusivity and self-acceptance.

Jake Zyrus

Performer known for Love Even If, representing love and identity in the LGBTQIA+ community.

Community Empowerment

Music as a unifying force in Pride Month events and LGBTQIA+ movements.

Education through Art

Songs and fashion encouraging empathy, understanding, and appreciation of diverse identities.