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Manila Sound facts for kids

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Manila Sound is a fun and upbeat type of music that began in Manila, Philippines. It started in the late 1960s and became very popular in the 1970s. People often called it the "bright side" of the time when President Ferdinand Marcos was in power.

This music was cheerful and sometimes used to express feelings against the government's strict rules. Manila Sound is also important because it helped start what we now call Original Pilipino Music (OPM). OPM includes all kinds of Filipino music made today.

What is Manila Sound Music?

Manila Sound became famous thanks to a folk rock band named Hotdog. Their songs, like "Ikaw Ang Miss Universe Ng Buhay Ko" ("You Are the Miss Universe Of My Life"), "'Manila'", and "Beh Buti Nga", had catchy tunes. These songs made people want to sing along.

Later, a singer-songwriter named Freddy Aguilar also used this style. He wrote songs that talked about the struggles of everyday people. His song, Bayan Ko (My Country), became very popular during public protests.

Musical Style and Lyrics

Manila Sound mixes different types of music. It combines Filipino folk music with rock music. You can also hear hints of funk, light jazz, and disco in its sound. Songs are usually sung in both Tagalog and English languages.

The words, or lyrics, in Manila Sound songs are often playful and funny. This was partly because disco music was very popular then. It also offered a happy contrast to the serious times under Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos. Some people even called it the "marshmallow sound" because it was so soft and sweet.

Who Made Manila Sound?

Many talented artists and groups helped make Manila Sound popular.

Singers and Bands

  • APO Hiking Society
  • Asin
  • Florante
  • Hagibis
  • Hotdog
  • Rey Valera
  • Rico J. Puno
  • Sharon Cuneta
  • Sampaguita
  • Soul Jugglers
  • The Boyfriends
  • VST and Company

Music Companies

These companies helped produce and share Manila Sound music:

  • Alpha Records
  • Vicor Music Philippines
  • Blackgold Record
  • Sunshine Records
  • Villar Records

Popular Manila Sound Songs

Here are some of the well-known songs from the Manila Sound era:

  • Manila
  • Anak
  • Beh Buti Nga
  • Ikaw Ang Miss Universe Ng Buhay Ko
  • Kay Ganda Ng Ating Musika
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