1970's - 1980'S: The Years Of Manila Sound

Manila Sound is a genre in the OPM industry that became well-known in the 1970's. It is most described as a smooth, easy-flowing pop/rock music, added a twist of funk, jazz and disco. Sometimes, the lyrics are in Taglish language.

Here are the artist and bands that became a hit because of Manila Sound:

THE HOTDOG BAND

The songs of Hotdog heralded the beginning of Original Pilipino Music or OPM, which saw – for the first time – local songs dominating the Philippine music scene, and in the process, establishing the identity of mainstream Filipino music.



VST and COMPANY

The band started in the 1970s with Vic Sotto, now a famous comedian, who also wrote songs for the group and performed "Disco Fever" with VST. The band consisted of different Filipino musicians time after time until they collided in the 1980s. The band is a big contributor to the Manila sound era because of a lot of disco fever songs that until now are disco classics.



CINDERELLA

Cinderella is a famous Filipino mellow band from the 1970s. It rose to fame together with such bands like VST and Company, The Hotdogs and The Boyfriends. It is known to have performed "T.L. Ako Sa'yo" (locally means True Love ako sa'yo). It made romantic classics such as "Bato sa Buhangin" (Pebble amongst the Sand), "Sa Aking Pag-iisa" (In my Solitude) and "Superstar ng Buhay Ko" (Superstar of my Life). They're also a band part of the Manila sound.



SAMPAGUITA

They are a Folk/ Rock and roll group popular for classic hits like the groovy Bonggahan, Tao, and Nosi Ba Lasi among their classics.



HAGIBIS

A group that sing and dance. Famous for male hits like Katawan. The group is similar to the equally classic Village People in terms of style in music, muscular appearance and dances.



FLORANTE

First to perform the classic and inspirational song, Handog. Also folk singer who performed Ako'y Isang Pinoy.



SHARON CUNETA

Started her career as DJ's pet after recording Rey Valera's composition, Mr. DJ. She was 12 years old in year 1979 when she started her career.

In 2007, an album entitled, "The Best Of Manila Sound: Hopia, Mani, Popcorn" was released which features re-interpretations of Manila Sound performed by "No Toucch by Rocksteddy", "Ipagpatawad Mo by Mayonnaise", "Rock Baby Rock by Kala" and "TL Ako Sa'yo by Kitchie Nadal".

Let us thank and look back to the roots of our music!