K-Pop Killed Pinoy Rock

Around five or six years ago, in the middle of the first decade of the new millennium, Pinoy music hit a new resurgence and in my opinion that was a Renaissance. A new breed of artists, groups and rock stars had conquered the charts and giving the Filipinos new music to enjoy that is a testament to brilliant song writing and a show case of homegrown talent.

Those were the days, where I was preoccupied in reviewing for my medical technology board exam where I turned to music for comfort and keeping me company in the wee hours of the morning. I usually watch MYX. Those were also the days were Pinoy music rounded up the Top 5 and I'm sure this time period I am talking about might be familiar, these were "The Day You Said Goodnight" by Hale, "Gemini" by Sponge Cola, "Hanggang Kailan" by Orange and Lemons, "Stay" by Cueshe and "Hari ng Sablay" by Sugarfree. And the bottom half of the countdown also was dominated by other Pinoy artists. During that time, Green Day, Gwen Stefani, Maroon 5, Mariah Carey and other international sensations were given a beating by these local bands. This year was 2005. I was turning 21, fresh out of college after a wild year of partying on my senior year, eager to explore the real world and armed with just a pocketful of optimism.

This was a turning point of Pinoy music, in my opinion. After this, more and more bands keep churning out fresh music and the music scene was alive again. This creative wave paved a way for more talented artists to shine.

Two years ago, K Pop invaded the Philippine shores and then the tides changed. K-Pop began to dominate. Boy bands and girl groups in weird regatta now are heard everywhere. Even twenty something girls are into K Pop, which I found a alarming. The charts that were formerly ruled by Pinoy bands or UK or American bands give way to this Korean invasion.

Last year, NU, a radio station that was crucial to the propagation of Philippine Music since the 90s has stopped broadcasting music over the air waves. As the digitization of books, movies and music is imminent, radio had to give in. It is indeed a dying medium. However it is very fitting that they have chosen "Ang Huling El Bimbo" by The Eraserheads as the last song ever to be played.

Oh well I don't hate K Pop from the core of my soul but what I don't get is how it captured the heart of the Filipinos. First the lyrics are in Korean and it is so hard to understand. Next the songs are just ditzy and kinda stupid sometimes and last the androgynous looks of these pop stars is just creepy. In fairness to them they actually make their own music.

Right now Pinoy music is in creative stagnation. Artists are doing remakes and remakes of old hits both local and foreign. Bands are breaking up and the international music scene is a strong influence among the youth here in the Philippines.

But I am hoping for another creative surge - right now it seems implausible but maybe in a little corner somewhere in the city, the rising star is still in development, a new band is still being formed or the newest diva is still entering puberty. I think it will be worth the wait. And thanks to Pinoy music I have fond memories of 2005 listening to their songs while feeling anxious, excited and satisfied that time.

And I do not dig Charice Pempengco at all.