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, âMaraming nagsasabi na Golden Age ng OPM ‘yung â90s. Sobrang saya naman kasi talaga nun â90s dahil sa Eheads, Rivermaya, PNE, Siakol, Color It Red, Teeth, Wolfgang, Yano, Razorback, Alamid, Youth, Grin Dept, at napakarami pang ibaâŠat kahit saan ka kasi magpunta, maririnig mo yung kanta ng mga banda.â
He also recalled how they didnât have it easy. âPero 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 systemâŠat 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 âtang*na, rakenrol kami eh!âđ€đ»đ 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.
âPero 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.
âPwede na silang mag-sulat lang basta ng kung anong trip nila, without considering kung âpatok ba sa masaâ or kung âradio friendlyâ ba yung kanta⊠pwede sila mag-record at mag-release kung kelan nila gusto. Kaya sobrang solid ng mga artists ngayon ehâŠkasi 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.â
Before ending his post, the PNE singer also shared an observation shared by his fellow musician Rico Blanco: âPS Gusto ko lang i-add (as pointed out by my Kuya Rico Blanco) na sooobrang galing ng mga Pinoy artists, no matter what eraâŠand I totally agree.â (PUSH)
