kultura

Notes on OPM: the fact of celebrity

The question of supporting Original Pilipino Music (OPM) is one that isn’t simple anymore, not in these times when cultural systems are so intricately intertwined, and television networks and cultural empires are kings. In this series I look at contemporary Pinoy music’s production(s) and unpack the contradictions and discriminations inherent in, and the context(s) crucial to, the fight for OPM as we know it.

We say it often, and truth to tell in these shores it is true: many of our less talented singers have albums, and many of our more talented musicians are without jobs. But what of the non-singer, someone who doesn’t sing at all, gathering a strong enough following for her CDs that she’s now on her fifth (count that!) solo album – and yes, that’s not counting the one she did with her son, and another about the rosary. (more…)

kultura

Notes on OPM: The reality talent sings

The question of supporting Original Pilipino Music (OPM) is one that isn’t simple anymore, not in these times when cultural systems are so intricately intertwined, and television networks and cultural empires are kings. In this series I look at contemporary Pinoy music’s production(s) and unpack the contradictions and discriminations inherent in, and the context(s) crucial to, the fight for OPM as we know it.

The reality show seems far off from a discussion on Original Pilipino Music (OPM), but anyone who watches local television would know that these shows are the birthplace of celebrity. Current televition has created stars with no great measure of talent: Kim Chiu and Sam Milby were Pinoy Big Brother housemates before they became stars. Both of them sang inside the Big Brother house, and stepped out of there to recording contract deals among other prices of fame. (more…)

komentaryo

click for project stitch!

Project Stitch puts the Filipino woman worker at the forefront of changing her own impoverished life and gives an entrepreneurial bent to the task of struggle. it will allow for women in poor communities in Manila to engage in sewing cooperatives, that will work toward a sustainable and just livelihood for women.

most important? i trust the women who are behind this project. i would trust them with my life, in fact.

Project Stitch is the only Filipina project in the top 9 finalists of Project Inspire 2012. click and vote so that Project Stitch can actually happen!  (more…)

komentaryo

puso, hindi plastic

The only image and slogan that has brought me close to tears, that has hit me in the past week of rains and floods are those by Mark Gosingtian, who did “in my country, everyone’s a hero” in 2009. I didn’t care much for that, but that was really more a measure of me, than of Gosingtian’s creativity, and heart. Which is, by the way, in the right place.

“Puso, Pilipinas” is the slogan he came up with for the tragedy that has been these rains and floods.

It is perfect.  (more…)

komentaryo

10 out 17 Cities in a State of Calamity

August 9 2012, 6:00AM

The dams are all at limit, so says Mareng Winnie on GMANews.
The Marikina River is beyond BEYOND its highest alert.

Navotas, Malabon, Muntinlupa, Marikina, Valenzuela, San Juan, Manila, Pasay, Pasig, Pateros are all under a State of Calamity. (more…)