Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino proves Pinoy music ‘here to stay’

Noel Cabangon

Virtual concerts and gigs, open mic challenges, exclusive premieres, songwriting workshops and a lecture series mark the second digital edition of the Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino (LMP).

Mounted in cooperation with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM), the weeklong celebration kicked off last July 23 and will run until Aug. 1.

The online events, which are accessible on Facebook and Kumu, are headline by the likes of Noel Cabangon, Christian Bautista, Sandwich, 6cyclemind, Gracenote, Bayang Barrios, Cooky Chua, past PhilPop champions Reon and Chud Festejo, Miss Ramonne and other artists from around the country. (Visit www.lmp.com.ph for the full schedule and other information.)‘Never stop’

True to its theme, “Ituloy and Awitan,” LMP aims to prove that, despite the challenges or limitations posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Filipino music “is here to stay.”

“It will continue to be a part of our lives and give a sense of hope, despite the challenges in these trying times. The creation and support of Filipino music should never stop, because our songs reflect the stories and the culture of Filipino people.” LMP project manager Gab Cabangon said in a statement.

Christian Bautista

Online media

Prior to pandemic-related movement restrictions the LMP was held across various live music venues and lasted for a month. But for now, they will have to make do with online media. “We would have wanted to have live shows and concerts so that fans of Filipino music can have that real-life concert experience once again. But of course, there were lots of considerations we have to make,” OPM board member Cabangon said. “Our priority is to mount this festival safely and responsibly for everyone.”

“For the time being, social media platforms are a suitable alternative to allow artists to perform without health risks,” he added.

To ensure musical diversity, LMP collaborated with music companies and regional industry stakeholders such as AmiananPop, MinPop, Kadasig & Artist Ko, Warner Music Philippines and Soupstar Music.

“We wanted a balance between independent artists and mainstream, signed artists from all over the country, and to try to cover as many styles and genres as possible,” Christian, also an OPM board member, said. “OPM already has a large roster of artists, and we wanted to be able to feature as many as we can from the organization.”