Foreign Music vs. Filipino Music or OPM

As a member of this young generation, where are you; more of the foreign or still in the “sariling atin?”

Nowadays, Filipino teenagers have weird likes and wants – in terms of fashion, food, hairstyles, gadgets, etc. When it comes to the type of music or songs they are listening to as well. But the saddest truth is that, the Filipino youth today prefer the foreign music than the OPM (Original Pilipino Music).

Why? First, most Filipino songs seem to sound the same. That's why it is also tagged as "baduy" or "corny" Most of them are power ballads, acoustic and deep love songs so that’s why for many Filipinos especially for the younger generation, it really sounds boring. Filipino youth are into more upbeat, catchy and happy songs like the ones in the American music genres like hip hop. Aside from that, K-pop and J-pop already emerged in the Philippine music scene. It is fresher in their ears and it is quite the trend today. Second, Filipinos are known to be captivated by anything that is American. It has something to do with Filipinos' English capability. It also serves as our second language. By listening to American music, you'll improve you're English ability somehow. Third, the Filipino music known nowadays are more on either revivals of foreign songs or based on it. In that sense, our own music has no sense of originality and identity. And lastly, our era is already advanced in terms of technology and the way of living. Music videos are one form of being advanced. Meaning, the looks and the way the singers dress affect the listeners and viewers. Filipino teens take into consideration that things as original, unique, cool and so much IN (refers to the popular things). The perfect examples are Lady Gaga, 2NE1, Super Junior, Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber.

Yet, at the end of the day, it is up to you as a part of the “now” generation if you will go all the way in full supporting foreign music or you’ll stick to what you can call your own. Anyways, Filipino music and foreign music are two different types so we should stop comparing, just choose what you want and not look down either one of them.