MUSIC AS
CULTURAL
EXPRESSION
CONTENTS
• Overview of Music
• Philippine Music Genres and Their
Cultural Relevance
• Key Filipino Artists and Their
Contributions
• The Role of Music in Filipino
Society
INTRODUCTION
• Music is one of the oldest and most
universal forms of human expression.
• Across different societies, music reflects
the diversity of human experience, from
rituals and celebrations to moments of
personal reflection or collective unity.
IMPORTANCE OF
MUSIC IN FILIPINO
IDENTITY AND
TRADITION
• Music is a reflection of the multifaceted
Filipino identity.
• It is rooted in deep cultural
traditions while continually
evolving and adapting to modern
influences.
CULTURAL HERITAGE AND
TRADITION
• Music in the Philippines is integral
to cultural practices, serving as a
means of preserving history and
transmitting stories. Harana
RITUALS AND CELEBRATIONS
• Music plays a key role in
Filipino rituals and festivals.
Sinulog Festival
FAMILY AND COMMUNITY
BONDING
• Singing is a common family and
community activity, especially in
karaoke sessions, which are
Karaoke
incredibly popular in the
MUSIC AS A POLITICAL
Philippines.
VOICE
• Filipino music has often
served as a vehicle for
political expression.
Rosas by Leni
INFLUENCE OF COLONIAL HISTORY
• The Philippines’ musical
identity is shaped by its
colonial past.
EXPRESSIONS OF FILIPINO
Zarzuela RESILIENCE AND JOY
• Music in the Philippines often
embodies the resilience,
optimism, and joy of the Filipino
people.
Lupang Hinirang
PHILIPPINE MUSIC
GENRES AND THEIR
CULTURAL
RELEVANCE
I. TRADITIONAL AND FOLK
MUSIC
• Indigenous
Music
• Folk and Colonial-Era
Music
INDIGENOUS MUSIC
• Played by ethnic groups, often using
traditional instruments.
• Used in rituals, ceremonies, and
storytelling.
• Topics include nature, spirits, and
tribal life.
FOLK & COLONIAL-ERA MUSIC
• Combination of traditional music
and music influenced by Spanish
and European forms.
• Expresses themes of love, nature,
and rural life.
II. RELIGIOUS AND
DEVOTIONAL MUSIC
• Catholic and Christian
Music
• Indigenous and Folk
Religious Music
CATHOLIC AND CHRISTIAN
MUSIC
• Introduced by Spanish missionaries
to aid in evangelization.
• Used in Mass, worship services,
processions, and religious
celebrations.
• Focuses on praising God, saints, and
Christian teachings.
INDIGENOUS AND
FOLK RELIGIOUS MUSIC
• Blends native spirituality and
religious influences, often tied to
rituals and festivals.
• Used in rituals, ceremonies, and
festivals, often blending animistic
and Christian beliefs.
II. AMERICAN PERIOND,
CONTEMPORARY AND
POPULAR MUSIC
A. American Colonial
Period
BLUES
• Introduced by American
Influence.
• Filipino musicians began to
adapt blues elements into their
own music, creating a unique
fusion that resonated with
local audiences.
JAZZ
• Filipino artists experimented
with jazz, leading to the
development of local jazz
styles that incorporated
traditional Filipino rhythms
and melodies.
ROCK & ROLL
• Filipino artists began to create
their own versions of rock
music, often incorporating
Tagalog lyrics and local
themes.
RHYTHM & BLUES (R&B)
• Filipino musicians drawing
inspiration from American
artists.
• This genre allowed for
emotional expression and
storytelling, which resonated
with many listeners.
KUNDIMAN
• Evolved during the American
colonial era as Filipinos
composers began
incorporating Western musical
elements into this traditional
genre.
• Often express themes of love
and nationalism.
HABANERA
• Dance and musical form with
Spanish origins.
• Filipino musicians infused local
styles into habanera
compositions, creating a
distinct sound that appealed to
the audiences.
FOLK MUSIC ADAPTATIONS
• Resurgence of folk music as
well, with artists blending
traditional Filipino folk songs
with new musical styles
introduced by American
colonizers.
B. Music Genres in the
70s & 80s
MANILA SOUND (1970S-1980S)
• A music movement in the
1970s known for its disco, jazz,
and pop-rock sound.
• Light, catchy, and danceable
tunes with themes of urban
life.
• Popularized by bands like
Hotdog, Cinderella, and VST &
FOLK ROCK
• Gained prominence in the late
1970s and became associated
with social commentary and
protest music during the
1980s.
• One notable artist is Freddie
Aguilar, with songs that
address political issues.
PUNK ROCK
• Developed in Manila during the
late 70s and early 80s,
characterized by its raw sound
and rebellious spirit.
• Bands like The Jerks, Betrayed,
and Urban Bandits emerged
from this genre.
NEW WAVE
• A response to punk rock,
incorporating synthesizers and
a more polished sound.
• Bands such as The Dawn
became prominent in this
genre.
NOVELTY SONGS
• Characterized by humorous
and catchy melodies.
• Artists like Yoyoy Villame and
Fred Panopio entertained
audiences with light-hearted
songs that often addressed
everyday life in a comedic way
REGGAE
• Reggae music gain popularity
in the Philippines, influenced
by global trends.
• Acts like Tropical Depression
introduced reggae rhythms to
local audiences.
C. Music Genres in the
1990s
PINOY ROCK
• This genre incorporated
various influences, including
alternative rock, grunge, and
heavy metal.
• Rise in popularity during the
1990s with the bands like
Eraserheads, Rivermaya,
Parokya ni Edgar, and Teeth
ALTERNATIVE ROCK
• This genre emerged as an
umbrella term for underground
music that rejected
mainstream commercialism.
• Bands like Sandwich and
Wolfgang contributed to this
movement.
HIP-HOP
• Hip-hop music experienced a
“Golden Age” with significant
popularity, largely driven by
artists like Francis Magalona
and Andrew E.
REGGAE & SKA
• Reggae’s themes of peace,
love, and social justice
resonated with many Filipino.
• Gained traction in the 90s with
bands like Tropical Depression
and Brownman Revival.
NOVELTY SONGS
• This genre remained popular
during this decade,
characterized by humorous
lyrics and catchy tunes.
• Artists like Michael V & Bayani
Agbayani dominated this
genre.
DEATH METAL AND HARDCORE PUNK
• This genre was characterized
by its energy, intensity, and
DIY ethos.
• Some notable bands in this
genre and the Skychurch and
Genital Grinder.
D. Early 2000s
P-POP (PHILIPPINE POP)
• P-pop continued to evolve
from its roots, showcasing
catchy melodies and relatable
themes.
• Artists and groups such as
Neocolours, Side A, and
Freestyle we prominent during
ROCK
• The genre diversified to
include subgenres like emo,
punk rock, and alternative
rock.
• In this period, bands like
Rivermaya, Sandwich, and
Bamboo leads the charge.
R&B
• Smooth melodies and
emotional depth resonated
with the listeners.
• Artists such as Kyla, Nina, and
Jay R, brought a fresh sound to
the Filipino music scene.
HIP-HOP
• In this era, Filipino hip-hop
gained newcomers artists such
as Abra and Shehyee.
• This genre empowered young
Filipinos to express their
experiences and perspectives.
ACOUSTIC MUSIC
• This genre’s intimate style
resonated with audiences
seeking authenticity and
emotional connection.
• The acoustic music scene
flourished with artists like
MYMP, Paolo Santos, and
Jimmy Bondoc.
NOVELTY SONGS
• This genre remained popular
during this period, with artists
like Michael V. and groups like
the Sexbomb Girls producing
catchy tunes that often
contained humorous or light-
hearted themes.
E. Early 2010s
PINOY POP (P-POP)
• Characterized by its catchy
melodies and polished
production.
• Influences from K-pop, J-pop,
and Western pop became
prominent.
• P-pop artists like Sarah
Geronimo, Moira Dela Torre,
INDIE & ALTERNATIVE MUSIC
• This genre often blended
elements of folk, rock, and
pop.
• The indie music scene
flourished with bands like
Ben&Ben, The Ransom
Collective, and IV of Spades.
HIP-HOP
• Filipino hip-hop continued to
grow in popularity during this
period.
• With artists such as Gloc-9,
Abra, and newer acts like
Shanti Dope making significant
contributions to the genre.
R&B
• R&B music maintained its
presence in the early 2010s,
with artist like Kyla, Nina, Erik
Santos, and Jay R.
Electronic Dance Music (EDM)
• The rise of EDM in the
Philippines saw local DJs and
producers creating their own
electronic music styles.
• Artists like DJ Mars Miranda
became popular in this genre.
Reggae
• This genre continued to gain
traction in this era, with bands
like Tropical Depression and
Brownman Revival bringing
island vibes to mainstream
audiences.
IIII. KEY FILIPINO
ARTIST AND THEIR
CONTRIBUTION
A. PIONEERS AND LEGENDS
Levi Celerio:
Lyricist and cultural icon
Freddie Aguilar:
Nationalism and folk protest
music.
Ryan Cayabyab:
Composer and mentor in OPM.
B. GLOBAL FILIPINO ARTISTS
Lea Salonga:
Broadway and international
recognition.
Apl.de.ap (Black Eyed
Peas):
Bridging Filipino music with
global hip-hop.
KZ Tandingan and
SB19:
Filipino music in the international
stage.
C. EMERGING ARTISTS AND TRENDS
• New OPM wave
(Ben&Ben, Zack Tabudlo,
etc.)
• The rise of P-Pop
(BGYO, BINI, etc.)
THE ROLE OF MUSIC IN
FILIPINO SOCIETY
• Music as a reflection of history and social
issues
• Music in celebrations and daily life
• The impact of digital platforms on Filipino
music
THANK YOU
FOR
LISTENING!
