AS THE frontman for one of the most enduring bands in the local music industry, vocalist Chito Miranda looked back on their younger years when he was still starting out with his band Parokya ni Edgar (PNE) three decades ago.
The 47-year-old artist paid homage to the passion he and his peers for OPM had even though they were under-appreciated in the entertainment industry as compared to the mainstream performers.
He wrote, “Maraming nagsasabi na Golden Age ng OPM ‘yung ‘90s. Sobrang saya naman kasi talaga nun ‘90s dahil sa Eheads, Rivermaya, PNE, Siakol, Color It Red, Teeth, Wolfgang, Yano, Razorback, Alamid, Youth, Grin Dept, at napakarami pang iba…at kahit saan ka kasi magpunta, maririnig mo yung kanta ng mga banda.”
He also recalled how they didn’t have it easy. “Pero nung time na ‘yun, we were all underpaid, hati-hati kami sa isang hotel room, kadalasan walang decent backstage or dressing room, ‘di maganda ‘yung sound system…at kahit sobrang sikat na ng mga bands, para pa rin kaming mga 2nd class citizens compared sa mga mainstream singers and artistas. Pero we loved it kasi ‘tang*na, rakenrol kami eh!’🤟🏻😎 and we loved the fact that we were outcasts, kasi it was cool not to be a part of their system.
In the same post, Chito explained why he believes now is the actual Golden Age for OPM because of the advent of social media and equality in treatment for artists.
“Pero for me, ngayon ang Golden Age ng OPM. Artists and bands now don’t need mainstream media and recording companies anymore (not that mainstream media nor having a recording contract is a bad thing), but artists now are no longer dependent on them to make it big.
“Pwede na silang mag-sulat lang basta ng kung anong trip nila, without considering kung ‘patok ba sa masa’ or kung ‘radio friendly’ ba yung kanta… pwede sila mag-record at mag-release kung kelan nila gusto. Kaya sobrang solid ng mga artists ngayon eh…kasi naririnig talaga natin ‘yung actual artistic intention nila without compromise. Kumbaga sa painting, we get to see their most honest artwork… tapos nakakatuwa kasi sobrang patok sa mga Pinoy. Tapos, ang masaya dun, bands and artists now get paid, and are treated, like celebrities.”
Before ending his post, the PNE singer also shared an observation shared by his fellow musician Rico Blanco: “PS Gusto ko lang i-add (as pointed out by my Kuya Rico Blanco) na sooobrang galing ng mga Pinoy artists, no matter what era…and I totally agree.” (PUSH)
