Yes, Im a Filipino.

To begin with, I know I cannot give justice to OPM (Original Pinoy Music) through this post thats why it took so long for me to write about this. But still, Im gonna try showcasing the talent of Filipinos(Philippines), hence our music prowess. lol. If you dont know where Philippines is, please do me a favor and google it.
These entries are my latest personal band favorites . Dont get me wrong though, OPM already started even before I was born and,still is competing with the foreign influences in the country.
Please support OPM. Salamat po.

SANDWICH


Sandwich was founded in 1998 by Raimund Marasigan , Diego Castillo and Unnamed Kid for the purpose of fulfilling their mutual desire to work together. Castillo recruited former band mates (from The Aga Muhlach Experience) Mike Dizon (of Teeth) to play drums and Myrene Academia to handle bass duties. Although existing simultaneously with the Marasigan's foremost band at that time, Eraserheads, Sandwich provided a heavier, grittier sound, and built up their own fan base.

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IMAGO


Imago is an alternative-rock band comprised of Aia de Leon on vocals and guitars, Myrene Academia on bass, Tim Cacho on guitars, and Zach Lucero on drums. The band was formed in 1998, when the members were fresh college graduates. Imago released their first album, “Probably Not But Most Definitely” in 2001 under Viva Records, with the songs “Idlip,” “Alay,” and “Otherwise” gaining attention.

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ITCHYWORMS


On the surface, the Itchyworms have always been a bunch of jovial and funny guys. But as musicians, the foursome are deadly serious. The band came out at a time when furious and tuneless rap-metal was on the verge of breaking into local rock radio. In the midst of all the cacophonous aggression, the Itchyworms wrote and performed catchy music with actual melodies. But these weren’t mere pop songs; the band’s arrangements displayed a certain depth and complexity that would make the most fickle musician take notice.

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HALE


Hale is an OPM band from the Philippines composed of Champ Lui Pio, Roll Martinez, Sheldon Gellada, and Omnie Saroca. Hale, the band that promises to highlight their musical versatility and excellent vocalism in alternative rock genre and yet emanates a very sad undertone that they describe as “melodrama.” (melodious drama)

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ORANGE AND LEMONS


Orange and Lemons is a Filipino pop rock band.
Bandmates, Clementine and Mcoy Fundales met in high school in the mid 90’s. They found out through participating in school programs and events that they share a common passion for music. Mcoy introduced Clementine to the music of The Beatles and since then jammed songs from the legendary group and at the same time developed their song writing partnership. The band name “Oranges and Lemons” was recommended by a former member of the group. Apparently the band was not aware at that time that the name was actually derived from a British nursery rhyme and a title of an album by the British band “XTC”. So they changed it to “Orange and Lemons”.

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CHILLITEES


The group started as a songwriting collaboration between Dan Gil and Ryan Armamento in 2001. The Chillitees sound is a cool fusion of everything from The Beatles, America, Bread, Jaco Pastorius, Nirvana, Stone Temple Pilots, Brand New Heavies, Incognito, Etta James, Workshy, Micatone, Cinematic Orchestra, Aretha Franklin, Minnie Riperton, Swing Out Sisters, The Eraserheads, APO Hiking Society, Lauryn Hill and even Mariah Carey to create a vibe the band likes to call alterna-soul. With a somewhat Western sound, the band has stamped it with their own local twist by making the conscious effort of writing an all-Tagalog roster of songs, also as a way of waving that OPM flag.

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UP DHARMA DOWN


The group got its name from the concept that states that everything in existence is connected no matter how diverse they are. This is how the band explains their music, having rather dissimilar musical influences that have resulted in a dynamic sound that still meets halfway as it appeals to a certain group of listeners almost everywhere.
Since departing other bands, the 4 members have made a subconscious merge of an tangled-up, smacked-down groove that has remained unnamed but the likes of which has not been heard since fusion as a collective came out. Up Dharma Down, whom fans and industry insiders alike have described as Eryka Badu meets Zero 7, has a become a Philippine household name and their debut album. Fragmented was an immediate Tower Records/ M1 chain bestseller and continues to enjoy brisk sales.

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RADIOACTIVE SAGO PROJECT


Radioactive Sago Project is a Filipino jazz rock band formed in 1999 in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines. The band's sound is a fusion of spoken-word poetry, jazz, and some punk whose main topics are mostly about politics, alcoholism, drugs, and any other issues today. In 2000 the band released its first single, Gusto Ko Ng Baboy( I Want a Pig), telling of a young man's fascination with pigs since childhood. As the song progresses, it becomes a political tirade against corruption in society.

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MOONSTAR 88


They started out like most indie bands, who submitted a demo CD to different record companies, but one company took them in: Alpha Records. Two of their members, Acel Bisa (former lead vocalist) and Paolo Bernaldo used to be with the band Orphan Lily in the mid 1990’s. Moonstar 88 credits the different kinds of music that each member listens to for their distinct sound. Bittersweet pop with a dash of spunk pop (from YahooGroup). Apparently the band had a gig and they still don’t have a name for their group. They have a list then and have to pick one up before its their turn to perform. Moonstar was one of the many names on that list. They picked Moonstar 88 because apparently, they are performer number 88.

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SONGS:


DOWNLOADS:
Sandwich
Betamax
DVDX

Imago
Sundo
Ewan

Itchyworms
Akin Ka Na Lang
Love Team

Hale
Shooting Stars
Kung Wala Ka

Orange and Lemons
Huwag Kang Matakot
Abot Kamay
Hanggang Kailan

Chillitees
Sama Na

Up Dharma Down
Pag-Agos
Hiwaga

Radioactive Sago Project
Gusto Ko Ng Baboy
Astro

Moonstar 88
Torete
Sulat
Ang Pag-ibig Kong Ito