“The Influence of Different Continents in the Philippine Music: Its Influence and

Impact of Musical Thinking of Filipinos”

It is important to learn about the Philippine music for many reasons. Philippine
music was used in Philippines in various purposes. The Philippine music have been
used by the Filipinos to shape culture and traditions. Firstly, the goal of Philippine
music is to inspire the future Filipino people, to make them learn about their
ancestors and make them love music. Another one is that, Philippine music shows
how far someone or something has come in life. In terms of artisan-ship, the
Philippines has experienced a lot with the evidence way back early times. Music was
often considered as entertainment. Hence, for some other people music is life. It
helps a person to express true emotions, express thoughts, and modulate feelings.
Now, the history and the development of Philippine music reveals the richness as
well as the struggles of this country. To deeply understand why is it very important to
study about the Filipino’s musical tradition, this paper will explore how Filipinos have
created an art form that exist today.
Starting from the origin of Philippine music. Music already started from the
early times. Looking geographically, Philippines belongs to the East but the
Philippine music have greatly influenced by the West, owing to 333 years of Spanish
rule and 45 years of American domination. To discuss the Philippine music, there
are three dimensions to be apparent: First, is the indigenous music which is an old
Asian influenced music. Second, the Spanish and European influenced religious and
secular music. Third, an inspired classical, semi-classical, and popular music that
were greatly influenced by American/European.
The Indigenous traditions of Different Tribes
Indigenous traditions was practiced by different tribes, by about ten
percent of population. Eight percent of this
was in some of fifty language groups of
people who live in mountains of northern
Luzon and in the islands of Mindoro, Sulu,
Palawan, Mindanao. The two percent that
remained, these groups are Muslims from
Mindanao and Sulu. However, there is no
written information about the Philippine
music before the Arrival of Magellan last 1521, succeeding reports was made by the
Friars, some are from civil servants and travelers who have also concluded
descriptions about the instrumental and vocal music, sometimes mentioned in
passing, other times are in a large number of details.
 Based on these information, various kinds of instruments made of
bamboo, bronze, or wood have been discovered. Including, gongs of different kinds
of size and shapes, drums, flutes of different types, zithers, lutes, clappers, and
buzzers. Vocal genres includes epic versions inspired by the ancestors lineage.
These includes stories of the good actions by the heroes and Gods, as well as
songs for planting, harvesting, and fishing. Additionally, ritualistic melodies are sung
to disperse bad spirits or plead gracious ones for blessings. Special occasions such
as weddings, births, war champions or tribal conflicts resolved are also celebrated
through song while sad songs pay tribute for the souls that have passed. In addition,
this different kind of musical styles not only includes love ballads but also playful
melodies that was always enjoyed by children.
The Traditions Influenced by Spanish-European
When the Spaniards arrived in Philippines, the Filipino’s music have evolved with the
influence of western influences, significantly the Spanish-European culture prevalent
dated on 17th to the 19th centuries. During the three centuries after 1521 the religious
conversion was tied up. It made a big impact on Filipino’s musical thinking, it
emerged with a hybrid expression with Hispanic flavor. It produced a religious music
connected to and outside the Catholic liturgy and a European-inspired secular music
adapted by the Filipinos and reflected in their folk songs and instrumental music.

Tradition Influenced by American

The American regime lasted from 1898 to 1946 during which time Philippine
music has experienced transformation again.
Music was added in the new curriculum established
at the Elementary and later at High School levels.
Music rooms and colleges were established at the
tertiary level. Graduates from these institutions
included the first generation of Filipino composers
whose works were written in western styles and
taste. Their songs and those of the successful generations of Filipino composers
expressed the classical art music tradition which continues to be famous today.
Traditional music is much lighter than the classical music art. This semi-classical
songs includes; folk songs,
theater music, and instrumental
music. The sarswela or also
called as ‘Zarzuela’ is a role play
tradition composed with songs
and dance that was written in
colloquial prose, produced with
large body of music consisting of
songs pattern of the day as well as short instrumental overtures and interludes.
Americans taste and style and pop culture have influenced and made a great
impact to music that was made by Filipinos. Western pop forms was being used.
Referred to as Pinoy pop it includes a wide range of forms: folk songs, dance tunes,
ballads, broadway type songs, rock’ n’ roll, disco, jazz, and rap.

The Philippine music– indigenous, Spanish influenced religious and secular

music, American/European influenced classical, semi-classical, and popular music
comprise what we refer to today as Philippine music. These three domains have
influenced the taste and style of Filipino music.
Music was always used for occasions, for special gatherings, for
performances, and even in making money and fame, music can make an individual
powerful.
Now, what is its contribution? Music lets the people to be connected to each
other with the shared experience. It can make an
individual excited and happy. It lets a certain
person speak up and show identity of who that
person really is. Music can cure mental health
problems, such as; anxiety and depression. It
could also change the negative outlook in life into
positive outlook.
It awakens memories that used to sleep for a very
long time. Music achieves a lot of things. It can be
applied in many aspects of life, even in practical utility and can be implemented in
various ventures. It plays a big role in societies, especially in cultures. It can be used
in disseminating information and even in communicating. Music makes money and
fame. Also, one of the facts generally about music, is that music can further enhance
an individual’s intellect. It helps an individual to open up a new world of experience
that can be added to a person’s knowledge, further enhance physical coordination
and expression. In all levels of learning, music has substantial value. A person can
learn many valuable and important values as the music improved their minds, their
expressive ability, and a whole host of other qualities. In conclusion, we should use
and value music like the way the music makes us feel at home. We should not take
advantage with the beautiful colors that music can create. Again, music is not JUST
a music. Music is a sound of life.