Manila Sound

Manila Sound
Stylistic origins	Filipino folk - Rock and roll - Kundiman - Jazz - Disco - Taglish - Heavy Metal
Cultural origins	Late 1960s to early 1970s Manila
Typical instruments	Vocals • acoustic guitar • bass guitar • drums • piano
Mainstream popularity	Hugely popular in the Philippines during the 1970s, later displaced by OPM in the late 1970s to early 1980s.
Derivative forms	Pinoy rock - Pinoy hip hop
Other topics
Folk rock - OPM

Manila Sound is a musical genre in the Philippines that begun in the early 1970s in Manila, flourished and peaked in the mid to late 1970s, and waned in popularity by the early 1980s. It is often considered the "bright side" of the Martial Law era and has influenced all modern genres in the country by being the forerunner to OPM.^[1][2][3]

History

Manila Sound is typified and was popularized by the pop rock band Hotdog with its many hit singles, "Ikaw Ang Miss Universe Ng Buhay Ko" ("You Are the Miss Universe Of My Life"), "Panaginip" ("Dream"), "Langit Na Naman" ("Heaven Once Again"), "O Lumapit Ka" ("Oh, Come Closer") and "Bitin Sa Iyo" ("Left Hanging Over You"), among others. The name "Manila Sound" may have been derived from Hotdog's hit single "'Manila'", which has come to epitomize this genre. Manila Sound is characterized by catchy melodic phrases.^[4] In its later period, Manila Sound was dominated by the disco mania that swept the Philippines, led by groups such as VST & Co., The Boyfriends, and Hagibis, among others. Alternately described as "the marshmallow sound", Manila Sound generated a string of calculated radio hits by groups such as Cinderella, VST & Co., Apolinario Mabini Hiking Society, Florante, Rico J. Puno, Sharon Cuneta, and many others. Manila Sound's unprecedented and meteoric appeal provided viability to a Philippine recording industry that until then had relied on cover versions and imitation of foreign hits to entice consumer acceptance. Unfortunately in its later years, formula-addled lyrical bias toward camp humor and parody eventually caused the Manila Sound to devolve into an explicitly theatrical, if not juvenile, sub-genre as exemplified by Hagibis (a parody of the Village People) and the Boyfriends, until it diminished in the late 1970s under a wave of disco and dance-oriented hits from American films such as "Saturday Night Fever", "Grease" and "Footloose". But perhaps more importantly, by the early 1980s, disco had waned in popularity, mirroring disco's serious backlash and decline that occurred earlier in the United States. Moreover, musical tastes had changed, moving away from soft rock into newer musical forms, particularly Adult Contemporary, and to a lesser extent, Punk Rock and New Wave Music, and radio airplay reflected these changes.

Manila Sound's laid-back and unpretentious musical style gave way to the intricate, multi-layered, and sometimes symphonic arrangements of OPM (Original Pilipino Music) that dominated popular, radio-friendly Philippine music starting in the late 1970s up until the 1990s. OPM, spawned initially and heavily influenced by the annual Metro-Manila Popular Music Festival, emerged as radio favorites. Two of OPM's early and highly successful releases were the songs, "Anak" by the folk-rock singer-songwriter Freddie Aguilar, and "Kay Ganda Ng Ating Musika" by pianist-composer-conductor Ryan Cayabyab, both of whom produced a new generation of Original Pilipino Music, represented by artists such as Kuh Ledesma, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Basil Valdez, Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera and, later, Regine Velasquez.

A resurgence in interest in the Manila Sound surfaced in recent years with the compilation album, The Best of Manila Sound: Hopia Mani Popcorn. In 2006, the Apo Hiking Society relaunched their retro hits in a double-cd package, coupled with reinterpretations of each by Manila's young alternative bands. In 2007, riding on the appeal of this revival, "The Best of Manila Sound: Hopia, Mani, Popcorn" was released, which featured interpretations of a number of classic Manila Sound hits. This album's song listing is: "No Touch" (Rocksteddy), Ipagpatawad Mo" (Mayonnaise); "Hanggang Magdamag" (Kapatid); "Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko" (Soapdish); "Rock, Baby, Rock" (Kala); "Bitin Sa 'Yo" (Up Dharma Down); "Bonggahan" (6Cyclemind); "Macho Guwapito" (Protein Shake); "Tao" (DRT); "Kapalaran" (Radioactive Sago Project); "Ako Si Superman" (Sound); "Handog" (Join the Club); and "TL Ako Sa 'Yo" (Kitchie Nadal).

Artists

HOTDOG: The brothers Dennis Garcia, Rene Garcia and Jerss Garcia created the legendary Hotdog band in the mid-70s, a reconfiguration of an earlier band called Red Fox, which spawned what became known globally as ‘the Manila Sound’.

Crafting melodic, radio-friendly pop songs, Hotdog etched an indelible mark in Philippine music history with multi-generational chart toppers like Manila, Annie Batungbakal, Bongga Ka Day, Ikaw ang Miss Universe ng Buhay Ko, Pers Lab, Langit na Naman, and Behhh, Buti Nga, among others. Apart from dominating Manila's music charts, Hotdog was instrumental in bringing the quality of local pop music on par with international standards.

Baby Gil, Philippine Star’s influential entertainment columnist, observed: "Hotdog killed colonial mentality in pop music with its phenomenal original music. Suddenly it was cool to talk Taglish and listen to a Pinoy band. But a decade before that, the current Filipino songs were God Knows by Pablo Vergara and "Sapagka't Kami ay Tao Lamang" by Tony Maiquez that teen-aged buyers would never be caught dead with."

The songs of Hotdog (written and produced by the siblings Dennis and Rene Garcia) heavily influenced and sowed the seeds of Original Pilipino Music or OPM that was to later emerge in the late 1970s. Also for the first time, local songs begun to dominate the Philippine music scene (then monopolized by American pop and rock songs) and establish the style and identity of mainstream Filipino music. Since then, songs by Hotdog have been used in movies, television and radio commercials, videoke products, cellphone ringtones, and so forth.

In a nation of musically-inclined people, Hotdog's songs are probably among the most recognized and revered. Hotdog also paved the way for the spectacular solo musical careers of its female singers like Ella del Rosario, Zsa Zsa Padilla and Maso Diez.

VST AND COMPANY: This group started out with the famous Sotto Brothers. The group scored a number of disco hits such as Disco Fever, Awitin Mo Isasayaw Ko and Rock Baby Rock. Currently, VST and Company has incorporated Bossa Nova influences in its music as evidenced by its album, The Bossa Nova Collection: VST and Company. The group also help launched the careers of some Filipino artists, particularly that of Sharon Cuneta.

THE BOYFRIENDS: Band famous for the song Sumayaw, Sumunod, which became a big disco hit. Other popular singles include the two ballads "First Love" and "Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal."

SOUL JUGGLERS Funk band that released the singles "Hanggang Magdamag" and "Pinoy Disko".

CINDERELLA Pop band more commonly known for its love songs, particularly enduring classics such as T.L. Ako Sa'yo, Bato Sa Buhangin, Ang Boyfriend kong Baduy, Superstar ng Buhay Ko, and Tulak Ng Bibig, Kabig Ng Dibdib. The late Yolly Samson was lead vocalist in many of Cinderella's songs. In its later output, Cinderella incorporated Bossa Nova in its repertoire, as exemplified in the album "The Bossa Nova Collection: Cinderella."

APOLINARIO MABINI HIKING SOCIETY More popularly known as the APO Hiking Society, their album releases from 1975 to 1980 included many hit singles, including "Softly", "Love Is For Singing", "Mahirap Magmahal ng Syota Ng Iba", "Show Me A Smile", "Bakit Ang Babae Sa Tagal Ng Pagsasama (tila Mas Mahirap Maintindihan)", "Batang-Bata Ka Pa", "Nakapagtataka", " Kabilugan Ng Buwan", and "Pumapatak Ang Ulan". APO started out as a large musical ensemble, but was later reduced to a trio consisting of Jim Paredes, Danny Javier and Buboy Garovillo, which achieved great success during the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s. In December 2009, APO announced its plans for retiring from active performance, citing "diminished creative processes". After a series of warmly-received concerts in February 2010, the group officially disbanded. "Kami nAPO Muna", a tribute album, is a latter-day release.

SAMPAGUITA Folk-rock band renowned for the hit singles "Bonggahan", "Tao", and "Nosi Ba Lasi" among other songs.

HAGIBIS Song-and-dance male group known for its disco hits "Katawan", "Legs", "Nanggigigil Ako", "Babae"and "Ilagay Mo Kid". The group's musical and performing style nearly parallels that of the American disco group The Village People.

REY VALERA Soul artist and singer-songwriter known for releasing a string of romantic ballads including "Kung Kailangan Mo Ako", "Maging Sino Ka Man" ), "Pangako Sa Iyo", "Kung Tayo'y Magkalayo", and "Kahit Maputi na ang Buhok ko", among many others. He made his first appearance in music with the group "Electric Hair Band".

SHARON CUNETA Pop singer/screen actress who started her musical career as a twelve-year old in 1979 when she released a Rey Valera composition entitled Mr. DJ. She also recorded a cover version of "I-swing Mo Ako", which was a VST & Co. original release. Another single, "High School Life" also received considerable airplay. She later successfully crossed over into OPM, retaining and even increasing her commercial appeal.

FLORANTE Folk-pop artist who recorded the inspirational song, Handog. He is also known for the hit singles Ako'y Isang Pinoy, "ABaKaDa", "Pinay", and "Sana".

RICO J. PUNO Soul- and sometimes macho-styled balladeer acclaimed for a number of hit singles, including Lupa, Damdamin, May Bukas Pa, Kapalaran, Macho Gwapito and Babaero, among many others. After the collapse of the Manila Sound, he remained popular with the emergent OPM (Original Pilipino Music) genre. At present, he continues to perform locally and internationally. He is likewise famed for recasting American pop songs (e.g. "The Way We Were") with Tagalog lyrics with the aim of reaching a bigger sector of the listening public.

Other artists/bands that contributed to Manila Sound include ABC Express ("Magandang Binibini) I Love You", Asin ("Itanong Mo Sa Mga Bata"), Azul ("O Pag-ibig"), Blue Jeans ("Paniwalaan Mo"), Bong Peñera and the Batucada ("Samba Song"), Celeste Legaspi ("Saranggola Ni Pepe", "Mamang Sorbetero"), Cherie Gil ("Boy"), Ella del Rosario ("Mr. Disco", "Lagi Na lamang", "Shake It Baby"), Fred Panopio ("Ang Kawawang Cowboy", "Bilmoko", "Pitong Gatang"), Labuyo ("Tuloy Pa Rin"), Rainmakers ("Binibini", "OK Sa Akin", "You And Me", "Miss Maganda"), and Tito Mina ("Ikaw Pa Rin", "Honey", "Both In Love").

Record Labels

Villar Records (Mareco Broadcasting Corporation), Alpha Records and Vicor Music Philippines (and its subsidiary imprints, Sunshine Records and Blackgold Records) were recording companies that pioneered the Manila Sound.

Cover Versions

Over the years since Manila Sound's decline, many performers have released cover versions of the more popular songs of this genre, indicating its continuing appeal to new generations of listeners. These artists and their covers include Barbie's Cradle ("Langit Na Naman"), Donna Cruz ("Boy"), Freestyle ("Bakit Ba Ganyan"), Janno Gibbs ("Binibini","Ipagpatawad Mo"), Jolina Magdangal ("T.L. Ako Sa Iyo"), Manilyn Reynes ("Mr. Disco", "Shake It Baby"), Manilyn Reynes & Kempee De Leon ("Nais Kong Malaman Mo"), Prettier Than Pink ("Ang Boyfriend Kong Baduy"), Sitti Navarro ("Samba Song"), Tina Paner ("Sana"), Vina Morales ("Pers Lab"), and White Lies ("First Love Never Dies").

Resurgence

In 2006, the Filipino funk band, Kala, appeared in the music scene with its retro-sounding first single, Jeepney, which became a major hit. According to the Philippine Inquirer, the band revived and redefined the Manila Sound genre through their funk-rock-hip music. Rene Garcia (co-founder of the Hotdog band) praised Kala by "carrying out the funky groove of the 1970s with the sounds of today." The multi-awarded band also took part in the tribute album, Hopia Mani Popcorn. Kala's funky cover version of VST and Co.'s Rock Baby Rock was a number one hit.

The resurgence, rediscovery, and remodelling of the Manila Sound is a boost to the Philippine music industry.

Definition

The Manila Sound is essentially styled as melodic, innocuous, smooth, lightly orchestrated, and accessible folk/soft rock, sometimes fused with funk, light jazz and disco. It typified the then-prevailing pop sound of the era and drew its influences from the singer-songwriter genre of American music during the 1970s. The songs of Manila Sound were mostly written in taglish, sometimes with "juvenile lyrics" and less frequently, "swardspeak" (aka "gayspeak", i.e. homosexual slang) recast with novelty, comedic or satirical undertones.

References

1. ^ Lara, Tanya T. (2008-06-08). "A little night of music for everyone". Philippine Star. http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=66699. Retrieved 17 October 2011. 
2. ^ "Kala: Manila sound is back in the groove - INQ7.net". Philippine Daily Inquirer. INQ7 Interactive, Inc.. 2006. http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/you/vidvibe/view/20060629-7285/Kala%3A_Manila_sound_is_back_in_the_groove. Retrieved 2006-07-05. 
3. ^ Dalton, David (2007). The Rough Guide to the Philippines. Penguin. pp. 544. ISBN 1405380446, 9781405380447. http://books.google.com/books?id=VjpjzEuVmWQC&pg=PT1085&lpg=PT1085&dq=%22the+boyfriends%22+%22manila+sound%22&source=bl&ots=ctrn92e2sZ&sig=hWymq6zHjEc8DYk2pJDSOfy3r1o&hl=en&ei=chmcTofpAeW50QGjoJmHAw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=9&ved=0CFoQ6AEwCA#v=onepage&q=%22the%20boyfriends%22%20%22manila%20sound%22&f=false. 
4. ^ "Cultural Heritage - Hotdog". GLOBALPINOY.COM. 2006. http://www.globalpinoy.com/ch/ch_category.php?category=pinoymusicians&name=Hotdog&table=ch_pinoymusicians&startpage=1&endpage=15. Retrieved 2006-07-05.