OPM

Pinoy rock icon Chito Miranda aired disappointment over the recently proposed OPM (Original Pilipino Music) bill filed by Ifugao Representative Teddy Baguilat Jr.

The OPM Development Act of 2014 or House Bill 4218, when passed, will require foreign acts to pay a so-called Reciprocal Equity Fee before they could hold shows in the Philippines, among other measures.
A report also quoted Baguilat as saying that the bill meant to ”address the displacement of economic opportunity that arises when the foreign artists are here.”

On Twitter, Parokya Ni Edgar band vocalist reacted strongly against the proposal, claiming that it would not help further OPM in as much as it would only discourage foreign acts to stage concerts in the country.
“Bakit kelangan magbayad ng equity ang foreign acts? We should welcome them! Not drive them off! Hindi yan ang sagot para umunlad ang OPM,” he said.

Miranda argued that that supposed downfall of local music industry should not be blamed on foreign artists. He maintained that it is the local musicians’ responsibility to enliven the local scene by making music “worth listening to.”

“Sorry uminit ulo ko. Gusto singilin ang mga foreign acts ng mas malaking tax kasi nalulugi daw ang Pinoy acts. Hindi nila kasalanan ‘yun! Kasalanan na (sic) ng mga foreign acts kung bakit kulang ang kita ng Pinoy artists? Dapat nga masaya tayo na pumupunta sila dito eh,” he added.

The 38-year-old musician pointed a finger at illegal copying and selling of locally produced music as the threat. “Dun nalulugi ang mga pinoy artists! Hindi dahil sa foreign acts!”

He proposed, “Kelangan talaga natin ng support mula radio stations and proper enforcement against piracy. That, i understand. Pero higit sa lahat, kelangan natin gumawa ng magagandang kanta kasi papakinggan yan ng pinoy kahit gaano pa kasikat ang mga banyagang kanta.”

Despite his criticisms, Miranda clarified that he ”appreciate(s) the govt’s efforts to help OPM,” but added, “Let’s do it correctly.”

Singer Ogie Alcasid, president of Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM), has responded to Miranda’s rant, saying,  ”ayus pare! Tulong tulong tyo. God bless.”

-- OPM will be more alive if local artists nowadays know how to make good music. I'm not saying that they make bad music but look at the state of OPM today. They are good and I know that artists are just being creative but sometimes they forget what the people wants to hear. I was a big fan of OPM before but slowly I started to lose interest on it. I don't know what happened but I do know that OPM still lives. And I stand with Chito Miranda on this because it's not the fault of foreign acts that OPM is not booming today. Why would we charge them more if they just go here to inspire us and make us happy with their music just like our local bands? I love foreign acts but I also love opm. \m/