Home for the Holidays, Part 2b: Filipinos and Music

Filipinos are legendary lovers of music. Why or how it happened, I have no idea. But if you grew up in the Philippines, it would be impossible not to be exposed to music on a daily basis. Singing, specifically, is such an integral part of the Filipino culture that it is readily accessible even in malls (see picture).

Being musical, to be sure, has nothing to do with singing well or sounding pleasant. You may love music, and have an innate appreciation and "feel" for rhythms and melodies, although God may not have gifted you with a pleasant singing voice. So when I say Filipinos are musical, it doesn't necessarily mean all Filipinos you meet can sing (although they may think they can!), but that Filipinos--at least the ones who grew up in the Philippines--love and appreciate music.

(Here is a brave soul trying out the booth) Even the type of music doesn't seem to matter. Here in Upstate New York, it seems tv and radio stations mainly carry the popular music: country, pop, rock, and mostly homegrown. In the Philippines, in addition to the homegrown talents, we were (and still are) constantly exposed to music from around the world, notably Europe. Being a teenager during the 80s, I always enjoy listening to radio stations when they play 80s songs. But I notice that they would only play the 80s songs that were popular here in the U.S.; I rarely hear my favorites from the European bands. Just seemed weird to me that when I went to America, I became exposed to less music. Hmm.

A testament to the Filipinos love of music is the success and popularity of the Magic Mic karaoke system. It seems a Filipino household is not complete without one of these or at least a variant of some sort. At the minimum, you will find a microphone as sure as you will find a rice cooker or a tv. Parties are never complete without bringing out the karaoke and everybody belting out their own favorites... the louder the better! (the neighbors are probably singing along anyway :) )