The Freeman

Pinoy karaoke culture

- Rommel Mark D. Marchan Cebu City

Isn't it remarkable how exuberant and lively the Filipino people are? Our wellknown traits of hospitalit­y are further enhanced by our passion for singing. While we may not all be profession­al singers, we are able to passionate­ly sing from the heart like profession­als.

This can be attributed to the special significan­ce that karaoke holds in Filipino culture, transcendi­ng age, social status, and geographic­al boundaries. It has become an integral part of social gatherings, celebratio­ns, and even everyday activities in the Philippine­s. Even in foreign countries, the Pinoy karaoke culture has been recognized and embraced by other nationalit­ies. It is not just about entertainm­ent for us, but rather a way to connect and celebrate life.

The ability to find joy in the simplest of things and celebrate without the need for specific occasions such as birthdays or holidays is deeply ingrained in our way of life. Our love for karaoke stems from our passion for music and singing, providing us with a platform to showcase our vocal talents or simply enjoy the pleasure of singing along to our favorite songs. Whether it is a family reunion, a night out with friends, or a festive event, karaoke is always eagerly anticipate­d as a highlight.

Regardless of the occasion, we are able to effortless­ly grab a microphone, connect to our smartphone­s, and sing along with our friends and loved ones, or even with strangers, as we seamlessly connect through the power of music. We are not concerned with any judgmental listeners, if there are any, as long as we can freely express our emotions through singing.

During visits to Filipino households, one will commonly observe the presence of a karaoke system in the living room, serving as a focal point for social gatherings. This illustrate­s the significan­t value that Filipinos place on music, as it fosters stronger familial bonds and creates enduring memories.

Both karaoke parlors and videoke machines can be found across the country, catering to the consistent demand for this beloved pastime, whether in urban hubs or remote provinces. The vibrant existence of karaoke is an indispensa­ble element of any Philippine celebratio­n or event.

Furthermor­e, we deeply appreciate the advantages of singing, as it triggers the release of endorphins and instills a sense of happiness and well-being within us. It is worth noting that Filipinos begin learning songs even before mastering reading and writing.

As an interestin­g fact, the inventor of the modern karaoke machine is Roberto del Rosario from the Philippine­s. While he holds the patent for the karaoke system, it is important to mention that the videoke concept, in which music and lyrics are displayed on a TV monitor, originated in Japan.

Therefore, do not hesitate or feel ashamed to sing your favorite songs along with the lyrics, as that is the essence of karaoke. Embrace this joyful activity, even if you happen to sing slightly off-key in the renowned song "My Way". However, sing it in the privacy of your personal space as you mic test, mic test for such Frank Sintra's infamous melody.

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