Philippines Music: Music Overview
Since the Philippine Islands were first settled more than 30,000 years ago, Indian, Arab, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, and American invaders, traders, and colonists have added themselves to the original Austronesian and Malay inhabitants.
Outsiders brought trade goods, religion, and music. But while adapting whatever seemed good to them, the Filipinos kept up their indigenous traditions and languages as well. Throughout this long history of outside influence, Filipinos have expressed their national identity through music. The rock, punk, and rap music of today still reflects the political and national awareness of young Filipinos.
Article written for World Trade Press by Marc Lecard.
Copyright © 1993—2024 World Trade Press. All rights reserved.