• SB19 perform at Expo 2020 Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
    SB19 perform at Expo 2020 Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Filipino singer-songwriter Zack Tabudlo. Photo: Facebook
    Filipino singer-songwriter Zack Tabudlo. Photo: Facebook
  • P-pop group MNL48 are part of a pan-Asian pop franchise success story, originating in Japan. Photo: ABS-CBN
    P-pop group MNL48 are part of a pan-Asian pop franchise success story, originating in Japan. Photo: ABS-CBN
  • Freddie Aguilar, a folk musician from the Philippines. Getty Images
    Freddie Aguilar, a folk musician from the Philippines. Getty Images
  • Nica del Rosario, right, sings her campaign song 'Rosas' for presidential aspirant Leni Robredo. AP
    Nica del Rosario, right, sings her campaign song 'Rosas' for presidential aspirant Leni Robredo. AP
  • Filipino pop star and actress Sarah Geronimo rose to fame after winning the television singing contest 'Star for a Night'. Reuters
    Filipino pop star and actress Sarah Geronimo rose to fame after winning the television singing contest 'Star for a Night'. Reuters
  • Barbie Almalbis, a Filipina singer-songwriter and former lead singer of the bands Hungry Young Poets and Barbie's Cradle. She pursued a solo career in 2005. Photo: Dragon Mart
    Barbie Almalbis, a Filipina singer-songwriter and former lead singer of the bands Hungry Young Poets and Barbie's Cradle. She pursued a solo career in 2005. Photo: Dragon Mart

A brief history of P-pop, from anti-Marcos messages to the mainstream and back


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The past decade has been a golden era for Filipino pop music, aka Pinoy-pop or P-pop. The past couple of years alone have marked some landmark moments for the genre, which is rapidly gaining an international presence to rival that of its J-pop and K-pop forebears that have so heavily influenced the music in its current form.

Last year, boy band SB19 picked up a nomination for an MTV Europe Music Award and became the first South-East Asian act to be nominated for a Billboard Top Social Artist Award. They kept this success going into 2022 by spending seven weeks at the top of Billboard’s Hot Trending Songs chart, breaking K-pop superstars BTS’s record for Butter in the process.

On Spotify’s annual streaming charts last year, Zack Tabudlo topped the Philippines’ most-streamed-song list with Binibini. It’s not entirely unusual for Filipino artists to make the list, but it’s more commonly dominated by international names such as Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande. With Olivia Rodrigues and Bruno Mars — both artists of Filipino descent — joining him in the top 5, and 84 million streams in a single year for Binibini, it was a particularly strong performance.

Meanwhile, girl band MNL48 are part of a pan-Asian pop franchise success story, originating in Japan, that is taking the continent, and world, by storm. The Filipina branch of the ‘reality pop’ 48 phenomenon have picked up awards at the MYX Awards, P-Pop Awards and TikTok Awards, and even have their very own theatre to hold performances at Manila’s Eton Centris Mall.

A recurring theme in these success stories has been the heavy influence of K-pop and J-pop, but it wasn’t always thus. While modern P-pop is marked by meticulous dance routines, polished production and squeaky-clean teen pin-ups, the early history of the genre is one of subversion.

The term “Pinoy” began to be widely used as a prefix to domestic pop music in the late 1970s and applied initially to a largely folk rock-inspired movement, sung not in English as had been the norm in the former US colony, but in Tagalog or “Taglish”, and with a frequent undercurrent of opposition to the authoritarian regime of then president Ferdinand Marcos. Heber Bartolome’s 1977 song Nena, for example, told the story of a young girl forced into prostitution owing to an uncaring government, while Florante De Leon’s Digoman (War) flatly states: “I am ready to do battle for the cause of our freedom.”

Craig Lockard’s Dance of Life, a 1998 study of South-East Asian pop music, explained: “The rise of politicised pop music is linked to the development in the early ‘70s of the musical style known as ‘Pinoy’. Sung not in English but in Tagalog [or] slang-filled Tagalog that appealed to urban youth, Pinoy music was a conscious attempt to create a Filipino national and popular culture.”

The term Pinoy-pop really hit the mainstream in 1978 when Freddie Aguilar’s single Anak (Child) sold 100,000 copies in the Philippines in its first two weeks of release — something that was unheard of at the time. The song was released in more than 50 countries and translated into nearly 30 languages, according to local media.

Anak wasn’t an overtly political song. It was a touching tale of a father-son relationship. Aguilar’s 1979 follow-up, Bayan Ko (My Country), pulled no such punches, with lyrics that translate as, “The Philippines, Nest of tears and poverty, My aspiration, See you perfectly free.” This song would go on to become the anthem of the 1986 uprising against Marcos, with Aguilar himself leading the crowds in singing on occasions.

As the 1970s became the 1980s, the growing influence of US hip-hop began to show. Musically, P-pop retained a strong folk influence, in part owing to the lack of easy access to hip-hop standards such as cheap samplers and record decks in the contemporary Philippines. The lyrical poetry of the genre began to emerge in P-pop, however. A trend even emerged among street theatre/musical collectives for adapting the poems of Amado Hernadez — a Marxist Filipino poet who died in 1970 — to music.

It was also around this time that Marcos became interested in the burgeoning Pinoy-pop scene. One might have expected him to want to shut down the growing subculture, but it seems he wasn’t paying too much attention to the lyrics. Instead, impressed by proudly nationalistic song titles such as My Country and I Am Filipino, performed in the native language, Marcos decided this was exactly the sort of movement he should co-opt for political purposes, mandating under a 1978 update to Order 75-31 of the Broadcast Media Council that all Filipino radio stations should play at least three Pinoy songs an hour as part of his campaign to boost the profile of Filipino culture and reduce outside influences.

It wasn’t the first, or last, time a populist leader had misappropriated pop music for their own ends. Earlier this month, British pop group M-People were furious when Liz Truss used their hit Movin’ on Up while she walked on stage for her Conservative Party Conference speech as UK Prime Minister, though they were also happy to note the irony of Truss using a song about breaking up with a deadbeat partner, including the line “pack your bags and get out” to highlight the bright future ahead under her leadership.

It’s a world away from the shiny P-pop product of 2022, but pop music and politics alike tend to move in circles. Filipino politics has already done so this year, with the Marcos family back in power following the election of Marcos’s son Ferdinand Marcos Jr, known as BongBong, as president in July.

  • Philippines' President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr, centre, is joined by his mother and former first lady Imelda at his inauguration ceremony in Manila. Getty
    Philippines' President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr, centre, is joined by his mother and former first lady Imelda at his inauguration ceremony in Manila. Getty
  • The ceremony took place at the National Museum in Manila. Reuters
    The ceremony took place at the National Museum in Manila. Reuters
  • Sara Duterte, the Philippines' new Vice President and daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte, with Mr Marcos Jr in Manila. Reuters
    Sara Duterte, the Philippines' new Vice President and daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte, with Mr Marcos Jr in Manila. Reuters
  • Mr Marcos Jr is the son of former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Getty
    Mr Marcos Jr is the son of former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Getty
  • Mr Marcos Jr is sworn in by Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo. AP
    Mr Marcos Jr is sworn in by Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo. AP
  • An activist prepares to protest against the inauguration ceremony in Manila. AP
    An activist prepares to protest against the inauguration ceremony in Manila. AP
  • Supporters of the new president gather in the capital. AP
    Supporters of the new president gather in the capital. AP
  • The inauguration ceremony sparked a demonstration in the city. AP
    The inauguration ceremony sparked a demonstration in the city. AP
  • Supporters watch Mr Marcos Jr and Mr Duterte on a giant screen during the ceremony. AP
    Supporters watch Mr Marcos Jr and Mr Duterte on a giant screen during the ceremony. AP
  • The new Philippines leader arrives at the museum. AP
    The new Philippines leader arrives at the museum. AP
  • Mr Marcos Jr, with his wife Louise Araneta-Marcos and son Ferdinand Alexander Marcos, takes the oath as the next Philippine president in Manila. Getty
    Mr Marcos Jr, with his wife Louise Araneta-Marcos and son Ferdinand Alexander Marcos, takes the oath as the next Philippine president in Manila. Getty
  • Ferdinand 'BongBong' Marcos, the Philippines' president, during the swearing-in ceremony at the Old Legislative Building in Manila. Bloomberg
    Ferdinand 'BongBong' Marcos, the Philippines' president, during the swearing-in ceremony at the Old Legislative Building in Manila. Bloomberg
  • Ferdinand Marcos with his wife and son at the ceremony. Bloomberg
    Ferdinand Marcos with his wife and son at the ceremony. Bloomberg
  • Departing Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, second from left, shakes hands with incoming President Ferdinand Marcos Jr during the inauguration ceremony for Mr Marcos in Manila. AFP
    Departing Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, second from left, shakes hands with incoming President Ferdinand Marcos Jr during the inauguration ceremony for Mr Marcos in Manila. AFP
  • Departing Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, centre left, is escorted as he reviews an honour guard, as incoming President Ferdinand Marcos J looks on, during the inauguration ceremony for Mr Marcos Jr, in Manila. AFP
    Departing Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, centre left, is escorted as he reviews an honour guard, as incoming President Ferdinand Marcos J looks on, during the inauguration ceremony for Mr Marcos Jr, in Manila. AFP
  • The leaders salute during the inauguration ceremony. AFP
    The leaders salute during the inauguration ceremony. AFP
  • People attend the swearing-in ceremony. Bloomberg
    People attend the swearing-in ceremony. Bloomberg
  • A promotional video for Mr Marcos Jr is displayed on a screen at the Old Legislative Building, in Manila. Bloomberg
    A promotional video for Mr Marcos Jr is displayed on a screen at the Old Legislative Building, in Manila. Bloomberg
  • Supporters attend the inauguration. Mr Marcos Jr was sworn in as president amid protests over his namesake father's rule. Bloomberg
    Supporters attend the inauguration. Mr Marcos Jr was sworn in as president amid protests over his namesake father's rule. Bloomberg
  • A supporter holds the national flag. Mr Marcos Jr received more than 31 million votes and incoming vice president Sara Duterte more than 32 million of the more than 55 million votes cast in the May 9 election. AP
    A supporter holds the national flag. Mr Marcos Jr received more than 31 million votes and incoming vice president Sara Duterte more than 32 million of the more than 55 million votes cast in the May 9 election. AP

Last week, meanwhile, Filipino Senator Jinggoy Estrada suggested banning K-drama and other foreign-made content from Filipino screens in a familiar-sounding call for the advancement of domestic culture.

In March, during the election campaign, Filipina songstress Nica Del Rosario, who has previously written songs for the likes of Sarah Geronimo and Barbie Almalbis, hit the No 1 and 2 spots on the Filipino iTunes download charts simultaneously, with Rosas and Kay Leni Tayo. Both were protest songs urging listeners to reject a return for the Marcos clan and vote for rival Leni Robredo.

Could P-pop be going full circle, too?

Scroll through the gallery below to see SB19 performing at Expo 2020 Dubai

  • Filipino boy band SB19 performed at Expo 2020 Dubai on March 16, 2022. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
    Filipino boy band SB19 performed at Expo 2020 Dubai on March 16, 2022. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
  • The band, which consists of members Josh, Pablo, Stell, Ken and Justin, arrived in Dubai on Wednesday morning.
    The band, which consists of members Josh, Pablo, Stell, Ken and Justin, arrived in Dubai on Wednesday morning.
  • The band put on a high-energy performance at the DEC Arena but fans reported technical difficulties on the night.
    The band put on a high-energy performance at the DEC Arena but fans reported technical difficulties on the night.
  • Expo 2020 Dubai apologised for 'technical issues during the SB19 concert'.
    Expo 2020 Dubai apologised for 'technical issues during the SB19 concert'.
  • Dedicated fans turned out to see their favourite band perform live.
    Dedicated fans turned out to see their favourite band perform live.
  • The group are known by the nickname Mahalima by fans.
    The group are known by the nickname Mahalima by fans.
  • Ahead of the concert, they tweeted: 'SB19 at EXPO 2020 Dubai. Mahalima says hi as they get ready for their performance.'
    Ahead of the concert, they tweeted: 'SB19 at EXPO 2020 Dubai. Mahalima says hi as they get ready for their performance.'
  • #MarhabaSB19inDubai was trending on Twitter as the band made their arrival in the UAE.
    #MarhabaSB19inDubai was trending on Twitter as the band made their arrival in the UAE.
  • SB19 made their debut in 2018 and are known for hits 'Bazinga' and 'Mapa'.
    SB19 made their debut in 2018 and are known for hits 'Bazinga' and 'Mapa'.
  • SB19 were the first Filipino and South-East Asian act to be nominated in the Billboard Music Awards.
    SB19 were the first Filipino and South-East Asian act to be nominated in the Billboard Music Awards.
  • SB19 have a global OPM fanbase; OPM stands for original Pinoy music.
    SB19 have a global OPM fanbase; OPM stands for original Pinoy music.
  • Loyal SB19 fans at the Expo 2020 Dubai concert.
    Loyal SB19 fans at the Expo 2020 Dubai concert.
  • The band performed at Expo 2020 Dubai during its last two weeks.
    The band performed at Expo 2020 Dubai during its last two weeks.
  • Filipino actor, comedian and YouTuber Chad Kinis warmed the crowd up for SB19.
    Filipino actor, comedian and YouTuber Chad Kinis warmed the crowd up for SB19.
  • Chad Kinis on stage at Expo 2020 Dubai.
    Chad Kinis on stage at Expo 2020 Dubai.
  • Filipino singer Zephanie Dimaranan also took to the stage.
    Filipino singer Zephanie Dimaranan also took to the stage.
  • Zephanie Dimaranan is known by her stage name Zephanie.
    Zephanie Dimaranan is known by her stage name Zephanie.
  • Zephanie was the winner of the first season of 'Idol Philippines'.
    Zephanie was the winner of the first season of 'Idol Philippines'.
Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

List of officials:

Referees: Chris Broad, David Boon, Jeff Crowe, Andy Pycroft, Ranjan Madugalle and Richie Richardson.

Umpires: Aleem Dar, Kumara Dharmasena, Marais Erasmus, Chris Gaffaney, Ian Gould, Richard Illingworth, Richard Kettleborough, Nigel Llong, Bruce Oxenford, Ruchira Palliyaguruge, Sundaram Ravi, Paul Reiffel, Rod Tucker, Michael Gough, Joel Wilson and Paul Wilson.

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Transmission: 8-speed auto

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Price: From Dh149,900

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Some 400,000 shrubs and 13,000 trees in the on-site nursery

An additional 450,000 shrubs and 4,000 trees to be delivered in the months leading up to the expo

Ghaf, date palm, acacia arabica, acacia tortilis, vitex or sage, techoma and the salvadora are just some heat tolerant native plants in the nursery

Approximately 340 species of shrubs and trees selected for diverse landscape

The nursery team works exclusively with organic fertilisers and pesticides

All shrubs and trees supplied by Dubai Municipality

Most sourced from farms, nurseries across the country

Plants and trees are re-potted when they arrive at nursery to give them room to grow

Some mature trees are in open areas or planted within the expo site

Green waste is recycled as compost

Treated sewage effluent supplied by Dubai Municipality is used to meet the majority of the nursery’s irrigation needs

Construction workforce peaked at 40,000 workers

About 65,000 people have signed up to volunteer

Main themes of expo is  ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’ and three subthemes of opportunity, mobility and sustainability.

Expo 2020 Dubai to open in October 2020 and run for six months

Dhadak 2

Director: Shazia Iqbal

Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri 

Rating: 1/5

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Profile of Tamatem

Date started: March 2013

Founder: Hussam Hammo

Based: Amman, Jordan

Employees: 55

Funding: $6m

Funders: Wamda Capital, Modern Electronics (part of Al Falaisah Group) and North Base Media

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting

2. Prayer

3. Hajj

4. Shahada

5. Zakat 

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10 tips for entry-level job seekers
  • Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
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  • Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
  • Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
  • Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
  • Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
  • Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.

Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz

Squid Game season two

Director: Hwang Dong-hyuk 

Stars:  Lee Jung-jae, Wi Ha-joon and Lee Byung-hun

Rating: 4.5/5

Who was Alfred Nobel?

The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.

  • In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
  • Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
  • Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
Updated: October 24, 2022, 10:45 AM