Our mother tongues make us express ourselves freely, and in a country as linguistically diverse as the Philippines, that mother tongue differs from every Filipino. It’s not just used in our everyday speech, but in what we create: in our art, stories, and even lyrics. The Philippine music industry, however, is centered in Metro Manila. You’ll most likely hear Tagalog or English upon turning on your music. 

 

In a medium as personal as music, OPM artists and bands have reflected our everyday lives: their lyrics sing of love, hardship, friendship and commuting… among others. There’s no scarcity of music in the land of karaoke and singing contest winners but its spotlight remains on Tagalog. 

 

As Buwan Ng Wika comes to an end, pump up the volume for these five artists that showcase their language and culture. 

 

Alamat 

Don’t let the label of “boy band” fool you—weaving together pop music and indigenous instruments, Alamat bridges the gap between old and new with their unique sound. P-pop groups dominate the airwaves, Alamat proves that representing Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao with one group is possible—and serves to unite the three islands while keeping each identity. The pop group is composed of Tomás (Bicolano), R-Ji (Waray-Waray), Taneo (Ilocano/Cordilleran), Alas (Mindanawon/Bisaya), Mo (Tagalog), and Jao (Kapampangan). 

 

From their love songs “Day and Night” to their hard-hitting anthems “Hala,” all their respective mother tongues can be heard spread throughout their discography. Some even have a refreshing take on traditional folk songs, integrating them with their groovy, upbeat rhythms. Their accessible sound and colorful music videos invites listeners on a journey through the country’s different regions, history and stories.

 

Check out their music on Spotify and view their performances, music videos and vlogs on their YouTube channel. For updates, follow them on their official Facebook page.

 

Dwta

Bicol native, Jhasmine Villanueva, more popularly known as Dwta, first wrote in Tagalog and English. However it was in Bicolano where she found her authentic self and voice. In an interview with Billboard Philippines, she mentioned how “language holds a unique power to convey emotions and stories in their purest form.” 

 

This can be seen in her unique storytelling: Her most streamed song “Padaba Taka” shows the love in cooking Bicol Express and buying pili nuts as pasalubong for someone. She also explores folk healing and the supernatural in her song “Santigwar” accompanied with bouncy acoustic and indigenous instrumentals.

 

Her songs are a tapestry of shared memories and her own experiences, so if you’re looking for music that feels like a warm embrace, Dwta’s music goes the extra mile and holds your hand as you explore the beauty of Bicol. 

 

Tune in to her music on Spotify and YouTube channel. To know more and  stay updated visit her Facebook page.

 

Oh! Caraga

For music that feels like a breath of fresh air in your home province, look no further than Oh! Caraga’s unique blend of country and folk pop. Brothers Kenneth Corvera and Adam Corvera collaborate with Sherwin Fugoso—all Vispop (Visayan Pop Songwriting Campaign) songwriters who share the same musical background and longing for their homeland, Caraga. 

 

There’s a certain nostalgia when it comes to their music: the funky, playful guitars in “Way Gyuy Nagdahom” and the soaring string arrangements of “Ayaw Nag Hilak” bring cozy memories and feelings. Acoustic guitars never sounded more bright and alive with their feel-good songs. The band also challenges the notion of Bisaya being “baduy” or “substandard” and continues to advocate for more songwriting in the language by being proud of who they are and where they’re from.

 

Follow them on their socials at Oh! Caraga on Facebook and stream their music on Spotify. You can also watch their music videos on their YouTube channel.

 

Shane Lumanog

Coming from generations of guitar makers, Shane Lumanog was quite literally surrounded by music. Her journey as an artist started with a ukulele made by her grandfather, and as she began writing in Kapampangan, she consulted with her father on correct grammar. 

 

Her guitar and hypnotic voice can stand alone such as in “Acacia,” an acoustic ballad that softens the heart, calling to rest under its tree. The haunting sound of “Apelyidu” is heightened as she sings and strums to hypnotic chord progression. Her solid and powerful melodies are expanded upon by her live sets: a fusion of organic and electronic instruments thanks to her backing band called The Shane Lumanog Band.

 

Featured in an episode of NLEX Humans of the North, a series showcasing talented and skilled individuals from Central and Northern Luzon, her final words perfectly explain her vision as a songwriter: “People’s appreciation of our language can begin with the sound of our music.”

 

Most of Lumanog’s music can be found on Soundcloud while her YouTube channel has live performances alongside her band. Stay updated by following her Facebook page. 

 

Mandaue Nights

For the duo of Gino Rosales and Karl Lucente, they envisioned their music capturing late-night drives on the highway—specifically, in Mandaue, Cebu. 

 

That vision carried them when they launched their debut “You & I” with its dreamy synths and glossy guitars reminiscent of the 80’s. It proved to be a hit, mixing new wave with Cebuano. The genre added a cinematic feel to it: “What's It Gonna Be?” being played in a romcom montage, or “First Kiss” fitting perfectly in a coming-of-age film.

 

Their sound’s sugary melodies and dreamy atmosphere heighten listeners’ senses, making one feel like the main character of our mundane lives. It’s not just synth pop, however, as the duo experimented with sounds that would help listeners sleep in their EP Man on the Moon released during the pandemic. What started out with a specific vision has since then expanded with time, and they are no longer confined to a single genre. And as the duo ventures into house music in their latest track “Yours,” they continue their pursuit of breaking barriers in their own musical journeys. 

 

Stream their music on Spotify, watch their music videos on YouTube, and follow them on Facebook.

 

Red Gumayagay

Up north in Isabela, Red Gumayagay sings of hope beyond his personal demons. This youthful sound can be heard in his winning entry “Arise” for the NYC Songwriting Contest. This carries on to his song “Arapaap”—even if he wasn’t fully fluent in Iloko, with the support of his family and fans, the foot-stomping and inspirational track uplifts listeners. 

 

Since then, he has teamed up with other artists such as the founder of his label (Northern Roots Records) Ruth Lee Resuello in song collaborations, saying “The North (referring to Northern Luzon) is in need of a new sound, and pop music will lead the way in introducing Northern artists to others,” he said in an interview with Rappler. His hope extends outside his personal life, but to musicians especially in Northern Luzon: that a budding, supportive community will be there to carry them and their aspirations.

 

You can listen to his music on Spotify and Soundcloud.

 

As the Philippine music scene continues to change and before our eyes, it’s high time for the P in OPM to truly mean Pilipino. Not just those within Metro Manila, but the communities and regions that have long been in its shadows. Nowadays the stage is being shared with them, with more and more people being represented. Their voices have always been there, waiting for us to listen and singalong. 

 

Next time you’re adding to your OPM playlist, remember there’s so much the genre has to offer outside of big names and the languages we are used to. Take a musical trip to different regions with the comfort of your own headphones—you never know where you’ll find your next favorite artist.