EDITORS DESK
ROBERT REQUINTINA
Do you still remember the Metro Manila Popular Music Festival or Metropop?
The music festival was the country's most prestigious songwriting competition from 1978 to 1985. It successfully promoted the advancement of Filipino music, as it launched the careers of many songwriters and artists who joined the contest. Beyond that, Metropop has produced classic original Filipino music.
Senator Imee Marcos, one of the proponents of Metropop, recalled the first time she overheard her mom former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos, and the late journalist-philanthropist Teodoro Valencia discussing the promotion of pop music in the country.
In her vlog, Imee said she really liked the idea of Metropop, but it never really took off at first due to lack of sponsors. Soon, Metropop became one of the most-awaited and popular annual musical events on local television.
"Kay Ganda Ng Ating Musika" written by Ryan Cayabyab and interpreted by Hajji Alejandro was the first grand prize winner of Metropop in 1978. Other memorable entries that time were "Narito Ako," "Tayo'y Mga Pinoy," "Swerte-Swerte Lang."
But the most memorable song at that time was Freddie Aguilar's "Anak (Child)" which, unfortunately, did not win any awards. It never got the nod of the board of judges.
Imee remembered: "Eto na. Noong pinapatugtog na 'yung top 10 entries, narinig namin yung 'Anak.' Malabo 'yata yang 'Anak' na yan. Maganda pero sobrang native. At ang patok lang sa Pilipinas love songs. Kung hindi love song, walang benta. So paano natin ipo-produce yan?" (While playing the top 10 entries, we listened to 'Anak.' It's beautiful, but it's too native. Filipinos prefer love songs. If it's not a love song, how are we going to promote it?)"
After the first Metropop, the first lady said that "Anak" should be promoted because of its distinct Filipino sound and universal appeal. True enough, the song became a massive hit as it entered the music charts around the world. The song has been translated into more than 27 languages.
Fresh from the success of "Anak," Freddie joined the 2nd Metropop with another OPM classic "Bulag, Pipi, at Bingi (Blind, Deaf, and Mute)." Recalling the Metropop telecast in 1979, the crowd roared as Freddie hit the stage, even though he hasn't started singing.
That night, it didn't come as a surprise when Freddie won first prize for his stirring rendition of his own composition. Other notable songs in the same Metropop edition were "Ewan" and "Lupa."
More songs from Metropop have gone on to become classics, some were even revived in different genres. They include: "Ako Ang Nagwagi, Ako Ang Nasawi," "Ang Aking Awitin," "Gusto Kong Umawit," "Umagang Kay Ganda," "Isang Mundo, Isang Awit," "Hahanapin Ko," "Sino Ang Baliw?" "Magsimula Ka," "Kahit La La La," "Give Me A Chance," "You Made Me Live Again," "Pain," "Till I Met You," "Be My Lady," "A Smile In Your Heart," "Salamat, Salamat Musika," and "You're My Home."
The Metropop, launched by the Popular Music Foundation of the Philippines in 1977, was dissolved after the peaceful revolution in 1986. Then it was revived from 1996 to 2003.
"I'm really thrilled to hear Martin Nievera singing 'Be My Lady,' Lani Misalucha's 'Bulag, Pipi, at Bingi,' Lea Salonga singing 'Give Me A Chance,' and of course Regine Velasquez all the way to 'Narito Ako.' It goes on and on. I am so happy," said Imee, on some cover versions from the Metropop.
She hopes that Metropop will continue to inspire a whole new generation of OPM. "Mahalin natin ang musikang PIlipino. Importante ito kasi musika ang puso at diwa ng Pilipinas." (Let's support Filipino music. That's important because music is the heart and soul of the Philippines).
(Robert R. Requintina is the Entertainment Editor of Manila Bulletin)