When I was back home in the Philippines, I always admire foreign talents. Growing up in Manila, I was very much into listening to "New Wave" stuff. My favorite station was NU 107FM where they constantly play the underground music.
You see, I am the type of person who would survive without teevee, just as long as there's music to entertain me. Although foreign music are still my favorites, I've always had a heart for O.P.M. . The earliest time I can remember appreciating our own homegrown talents was when my cousin sang in front of me, I was about 7 or 8 at the time. He was wearing a bandana and those dorky sunglasses back in the 70's. In his right hand is the walis tambo pretending it was a guitar he mimics Mike Hanopol while singing "Laki sa Layaw, JEPROKS". Then came ASIN, Florante, and Freddie Aguilar. Who haven't cried when they first heard the song "Anak" or laughed when they heard Yoyoy Villame belt out "Butsikik" , or fell in love when the airwaves were playing "Mr. DJ".
I am now in New York where I'm constantly exposed to foreign talents, I can even get to see them live in concert, but I miss home especially our music. Never mind if it's corny at times or if it's badly recorded, what matters is we have OPM to call our own and we should be proud of our own local talents. So much for this cheesy musings, I just hope you will continue to listen to the Original Pilipino Music.
©1999 O.P.M. Realms / Ted Ayson
