Manila Sound: A “Disco Fever” Music

Although Martial Law was still adopted, the shimmering disco ball, the dancing lights and the funky music of the discothèques or “Diskohan” colloquially known by Filipinos, dominated the night life of the Filipinos before. A certain kind of music here in the Philippines emerged. But do you hear these lines, “Si Annie Batungbakal ay taga Frisco. Lagi-lagi na lang sa disco…”, “Bongga ka day! Bongga!” or “Disco fever…Tumaas lang sa pag-ibig natin…” in you radio every Sunday then in the voice of your older relatives? I know you’re not too familiar in these lines. Probably, your parents, titas, titos or your older relatives really relate on this genre.

This genre is called the “Manila Sound”. This is a kind of music which was used by the Filipino singers during the Martial Law Era until the 80’s and invaded the dance floor, televisions and radio station of the Philippines during that time. Bands like, VST and Company, Hotdogs, and Boyfriends use to play this song, with their songs, “Rock Baby Rock”, “Bongga ka Day!”, and “Sumayaw Sumunod” and many more. Additionally, even nowadays this is still played in the radio stations, once again, or during field demonstration.

In my experience when I play this disco cultured music in our house, my mother let me to dance “Swing” always, like she was on her reign as the “Dancing Queen” because she was fond on going on the disco tech and singing this king of music. Even I also use my skills in doing swing or voice out to the world the lyrics of its kind. In addition even when I am driving our car, or buying foods in the market, I join the beat of the music when I hear this.

To sum these up, Manila sound will make you nostalgic, refreshing and comfortable; it will make you in love especially when you hear the songs that can beat your hear or make you “kilig”. Not to mention, it will make you dance. And Manila Sound will last forever. Furthermore, this is also one of the foundations of the Filipino music. So if I were you, let your ear listen to this music, have fun and beat it!

Photo Source