FILIPINO POPULAR MUSIC, FOOD, AND FASHION
🎶 FILIPINO POPULAR MUSIC, FOOD, AND FASHION
(GE2507 Reviewer – Explained the chill way)
🎤 ORIGINAL PILIPINO MUSIC (OPM)
Definition:
OPM = music created and performed by Filipino artists, either in Filipino or English.
It reflects Filipino identity, creativity, and emotions — basically music na may Pinoy soul.
🕰 Historical Evolution of OPM
Era | Description | Famous Artists / Songs |
|---|---|---|
1. Early Foundations (1950s–1960s) | After WWII, Filipino artists started mixing Western styles with traditional music like kundiman. Radio and TV helped OPM grow. | Sylvia La Torre (Sa Kabukiran, Maalaala Mo Kaya), Pilita Corrales (Dahil Sa Iyo) |
2. Golden Era (1970s) | The rise of Manila Sound — a combo of Filipino vibes + Western pop, funk, disco. | Hotdog (Manila), VST & Co. (Awitin Mo, Isasayaw Ko), APO Hiking Society (Panalangin) |
3. Rock Movement (1980s–1990s) | OPM became more expressive and rebellious. Rock bands started voicing youth and social issues. | The Dawn (Salamat), Eraserheads (Ang Huling El Bimbo), Parokya ni Edgar (Harana), Rivermaya (214) |
4. Pop Ballad Boom (1990s–2000s) | Power ballads ruled! Singers with emotional, high-powered voices became icons. | Regine Velasquez (Dadalhin), Sarah Geronimo (Forever’s Not Enough) |
5. Revival & Indie Rise (2000s–2010s) | Acoustic revivals and indie bands brought a new, chill wave to OPM. | MYMP (Especially for You), Up Dharma Down (Tadhana) |
6. Global & OPM Wave (2010s–Present) | OPM went international, thanks to streaming and social media. | SB19 (MAPA, GENTO), BINI (Pantropiko), Ben&Ben (Kathang Isip) |
💡 Quick Tip:
Remember the OPM timeline using this mnemonic:
E-G-R-P-R-G → Early, Golden, Rock, Pop, Revival, Global
🍽 FILIPINO FOOD
Essence:
Pinoy food = more than just taste. It’s about togetherness and culture — a mix of Malay, Chinese, Spanish, American, and Indigenous influences.
Example:
Sinigang (comfort food na maasim-asim) and Adobo (forever ulam ng bayan) are both cultural icons.
🍳 Filipino Food in Media
Teleseryes show family meals → symbolizes unity and love.
Cooking shows like Sarap Diva, Pinas Sarap, and Farm to Table promote Filipino dishes.
Reality shows like Junior MasterChef Pinoy Edition and Kusina Master highlight local cooking talents.
🌏 Filipino Food on the Global Stage
Jollibee = global Pinoy fast food pride 🍗🍝
Abi Marquez x Gordon Ramsay collab (2025): Beef Wellington Lumpia 👀
Netflix’s Street Food: Asia featured Cebu dishes like Lechon and Tuslob Buwa.
💡 In short:
Filipino food = cultural pride served with rice 🍚
👗 FILIPINO FASHION TRENDS
Fashion = expression of identity and history through style.
Era | Description | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
Pre-Colonial (Before 1521) | Simple & practical clothing made from native materials | Men: bahag, Women: baro + patadyong |
Spanish Period (1521–1898) | Influenced by European modesty | Maria Clara gown, Baro’t Saya |
American Period (1898–1946) | Western influence; formalized Barong Tagalog | Suits, dresses, uniforms |
Post-War (1950s–1960s) | Glamorous and classy | Carmen Rosales’ full skirts, Rogelio de la Rosa’s polos |
1970s–1980s | Disco + youth rebellion | Bell-bottoms, neon outfits, Bagets & VST vibes |
1990s–2000s | Streetwear & colorful Y2K | Francis M. baggy jeans, Jolina’s playful fashion |
2010s–Present | Inclusivity + heritage fusion | Inabel & T’nalak fabrics, K-pop-inspired outfits |
💡 Shortcut mnemonic:
P-S-A-P-7-9-2-0 → Precolonial, Spanish, American, Post-war, 70s, 90s, 2000s, 2010s
🎧 OPPOSITIONAL SUBCULTURES & COMMODIFICATION
🔥 Oppositional Subcultures
Groups that go against the mainstream.
Express rebellion through music, fashion, and lifestyle.
Examples:
Rap & Rock Artists: tackle social issues (poverty, corruption).
Francis M – Mga Kababayan Ko
Gloc-9 – Sirena, Walang Natira
Bamboo – Tatsulok
LGBTQIA+ & Drag Communities: use music and fashion as artistic protest and self-expression.
Vice Ganda, Drag Den, Drag Race PH
💰 Commodification
Turning culture → profit.
Even rebellious art or fashion gets marketed and sold (like rap shirts or drag-inspired designs).
⚖ Pros & Cons:
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Wider audience & awareness | Can lose cultural meaning |
Artists earn income | Focus may shift from activism to commercialism |
🏳🌈 SOGIESC (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics)
🧠 Breakdown:
Term | Meaning | Question it answers |
|---|---|---|
Sexual Orientation (SO) | Who you’re attracted to (emotionally, romantically, sexually) | “To whom am I attracted?” |
Gender Identity (GI) | How you see yourself internally (male, female, both, or neither) | “How do I see myself?” |
Gender Expression (GE) | How you show your gender (clothes, hairstyle, behavior) | “How do I express myself?” |
Sex Characteristics (SC) | Biological features (genitalia, hormones, chromosomes) | “What are my physical sex traits?” |
💡 Shortcut mnemonic:
SO–GI–GE–SC → Attraction, Identity, Expression, Characteristics.
💪 SOGIESC Advocacy in Music & Fashion
Visibility: Artists like Ice Seguerra (Anino) and Jake Zyrus (Love Even If) show LGBTQ+ pride in mainstream media.
Community Empowerment: Pride Month songs and events unite people.
Education through Art: Inclusive messages help spread awareness and empathy.
🧠 QUICK RECAP / MEMORY TRICKS
Topic | Shortcut / Mnemonic |
|---|---|
OPM Eras | E-G-R-P-R-G → Early, Golden, Rock, Pop, Revival, Global |
Fashion History | P-S-A-P-7-9-2-0 → Precolonial, Spanish, American, Post-war, 70s, 90s, 2000s, 2010s |
SOGIESC | SO–GI–GE–SC → Attraction, Identity, Expression, Characteristics |
Core Idea | Filipino pop culture = Identity + Creativity + Expression ❤ |
In short, Filipino pop culture is a mirror of who we are — expressive, diverse, emotional, and proudly Pinoy! 🇵🇭✨