Some Filipinos spit on themselves when they support Charice and Arnel Pineda. Both are only popular because of their mimicry. In other words, they wouldn’t have been popular if they didn’t copy the styles and material of others.
When Filipinos support those two, they proclaim to the world that they acknowledge that Filipinos could only get popular by emulating Westerners, in particular, Americans. In addition, that is also an acknowledgment that songs made by Filipinos and performed by them would not be hits in the world. That acknowledgment proclaims to the world how little they think of their own culture. They have little to no stake in their own culture and arts. They would rather support and emulate Western (IE American) arts.
Take a look closer at Arnel and Charice. Both are stripped of their Filipino (and Asian as a whole) identities when performing. There’s nothing Filipino (and Asian) about them when they sing their songs outside the country. What probably makes it worse is that they try so hard to be an Asian/ Filipino copy of Whitney Houston and Celine Dion in Charice’s case. In Arnel’s case, he becomes an Asian/ Filipino imitator of Steve Perry. What underlies their lack of originality and identities is their lack of original songs. Arnel is singing the same old Journey songs that Steve Perry sang. He’s also not involved in making the 2008 Journey album. Charice has no song of her own despite having two albums published already. Even her “Note To God” is a song already part of Jojo’s album released a few years ago. Note that the song was not good enough for Jojo, but it’s good enough for the management of the Filipina copycat.
Compare and contrast Arnel and Charice to American Idol finalists. When the season of American Idol ends, there’s one thing that the finalists do first and foremost: they either write their own songs or they have professionals do it for them. Since American Idol is a glorified karaoke competition, finalists having their own songs serve a couple of purposes. Having their own songs send a message to the public that the American Idol contestants have their own identity. It also serves to showcase the talent of the contestants. Just take a look at Clay Aiken and Rubben Studdard. They may not have much talent, but having their own respective songs sent a message of identity. The original songs become theirs irrespective of quality.
By having no songs of their own, Arnel and Charice show to the world how worthless they are. One message that is also communicated to the public is how unimportant the two are to their managements and labels. For instance, Charice is just a sideshow at David Foster’s oldies tour (local translation: saling pusa and utus utusan). Arnel is just like pet (aso) that serves Journey (and Neal Schon). Arnel merely serves to belt out whenever Journey is needed, but is irrelevant to the creative process of the band. This entry explains why Journey and Neal Schon would prefer a submissive member to an assertive one.
Just note that the two are so replaceable due to their lack of unique identities and talent. Arnel and Charice could be easily replaced by other good karaoke and lounge singers. Going back to the American Idol comparison, the contestants might not become successful, but they have their songs to call their own. For instance, Clay Aiken has his multiplatinum “Measure of a Man” album. Katharine McPhee on the other hand has the successful singles “Love Story” and “Over It” to call her own. Both tracks received Top40 stations airplay and good enough sales (both physical and internet sales). Notice that I only cited the runner ups. Arnel and Charice are merely sideshows and cannot be compared to American Idol winners if this writer is to make a “balanced” point.
Jose Rizal once wrote that: “Ang hindi marunong magmahal sa sariling wika, daig pa ang hayop at malansang isda“. By giving uncritical support to cover and lounge singers like Charice and Arnel, some Filipinos are guilty of being “hayop at malansang isda”.
Kawawa ka na naman brother.
Mukhang walang nagmamahal sa yo!
galit na galit ka sa mundo!
Mukhang kulang ka sa pansin!
You need a big hug! Come to papa!
baka sakali maging matuwid pag iiisip mo!
Este baka gusto mong mag tagalog baka magalit si Rizal sa yo! he he he!
Sama ka na kay Papa Freddie tapos kanta kayo ng makabayang
“Smoke on the water”. Bwa ha ha ha!!!!
Gagongpinoy
Mag isip ka naman! You can’t come up with an argument to counter the points that I made. Instead of proving me wrong, you post ad hominem nonsense. Try again and think about the issue I presented. Hint: it’s about originality and identity.
I don’t like them both… and to mr gagongpinoy, your comment is non siquitur
Well said.
Fact is i dont give a fuck about this motherfuckers,and im filipino,they do there thing thats fine with me,i dont care fact of the matter is they cant sing,mimic and dance all they want..
Hmm, live and let live. Not too shabby, DMX
and who says that one persona from X country must follow one style? pff this is ridiculous
Tama basa mo dito sa gagong ito.
What hypocrisy.
U, sir, should have written in Tagalog if you truly wanted to be patriotic. Nationalism died with Hitler, I hope.
‘ad hominem’. Lol , how pretentious.
I bet you never made it thru law school or flunked the bar.
You are a disgrace.
to:jsstuff29
i bet u r a suicidal person.and a pig….hahahahaha
You Flippies are out of your mind. Arnel is great. Talking about charice? Who in the world can sing live better than her? Jealousy is not the way to go. By the way, philipines don’t have their own “good” songs. They all sucks.
what is “truly Filipino” contemporary singing though? paki-define please.
di naman sa nang-aaway pero i don’t know kung ano ang tunay na Filipino identity sa pagkanta. medyo western ang style natin because of the american colonization..
kung sana, readily understandable ang Tagalog sa ibang bansa, why not sing in tagalog diba? pero since tayong mga pinoy nga laging standard ay ang amerika, wala nang measure of success kung may na-achieve tayo unless kagaya ng model of success ng americans or westerners.
itong naabot nila ay measure of some success, i believe. for one nationality to be impressed of another nationality’s talent ay measure of success kasi naabot nya ang standard at expectation nya or di kaya nahigitan pa.
anyway i am just rambling. i enjoy reading your posts. 😀 happy new year.
Mods
Thanks for dropping by and making a comment. Happy New Year as well!
It is true that defining what makes a certain music “Filipino” is hard to define. There are many categories that divide and define Filipinos (Tagalog vs Cebuano speakers, Luzon vs Bisaya vs Mindanao, Filipinos in the country vs Filipino-other nationality). With that in mind, my simple definition of a “Filipino” song is:
1) A song composed/ produced by a Filipino (either natural born or by significant descent) in ANY language
2.) A song in any of the many languages/ dialects (excluding English) found in the Philippines composed/produced by a person of any background.
While there are heavy American influences in the music industry of the Philippines, there is a tremendous difference between being influenced by and being a copycat. For instance , Eraserheads’ “With a Smile” is “Filipino” despite the English lyrics and the possibility of foreign influence. Due to Apl De Ap’s contribution to making Black Eyed Peas albums, I consider their output to be “Filipino” by definition. Singing the material popularized by others is not a thing to be proud about.
I realize that making it big internationally by using any Philippine language is hard if not almost impossible. That’s why I’m proud of Apl’s work in doing some work that highlight his background/ experiences while on break from the band.
It’s a racial pride thing. Filipinos don’t have their own culture or anything else to be proud of so when some pretentious spectacle like Charice and Pacquiao come along they get overhyped.
I also dislike Oprah, Ellen and all of those other ignorant old white-trash people who are only awed by an Asian girl who doesn’t sound like she’s singing out of her nose. It further convinces Filipinos that the only things an Asian singer has to do in America is to forsake their culture’s uniqueness, learn good English and pull off the overrated powerhouse diva voice.
In the Philippines, the singers/actors/politicians are all the same people and they band together in the stupid A.S.A.P. show every week. When they sing together they all sound the same. They’re their own little clique so there’s no motivation to be creative and have distinctive talents. And Filipino pride my ass. By copying each other and Americans it’s more like Filipino-shame.
Their supporters like to call other people “jealous” and “scared” as if they expect me to cry. And when they’re not throwing out childish playground tactics, they try to argue in terms of how much money they’re making and how much Oprah and Foster are practically bowing down and kissing their asses. Miley Cyrus can be the pop business’ next cash-cow for all I care and I’m never going to think she’s genuine music material.
The only ones who are calling Charice an international star are Filipinos go figure. I’m not saying everyone else has to love ayumi hamasaki as much as I do, but at least she has built her reputation with her own two hands without consolation help from Has Beens and without compromising her identity. That’s an international star. Even if Charice will be releasing original material it’s all going to sound the same because she has no variety in her voice. But I actually won’t be surprised if Charice’s U.S. album does well. There’s A LOT of Filipinos here who are dying to get validation points.
Someone
Good points!
The media in the Philippines is indeed underwhelming and full of mimicry of American movies, shows, and etc. I blame the two media companies that dominate the environment: ABS-CBN and GMA. They have an immense influence as to what king of entertainment the average Filipino will enjoy, yet they keep putting out copycats of many American trends. What is even worse is when shows like Wowowee and Eat Bulaga tour the US. Filipino Americans flock to those shows, but it’s madness that Filipino entertainers then begin to sing American songs instead of OPM. I would have thought that Filipino Americans would demand more OPM (original Filipino music) since they can get all the American music they want in the US.
I also dislike the Americans and Canadians that helped out Charice. Why can’t they pick creative artists like Up Dharma Down, Eraserheads, or Asin to showcase in their shows. Those bands can create their own material, and they’re good performers as well. I’m afraid that mimicry route will do further damage for the average Filipino to disregard the native arts even more (if they don’t already consider OPM as baduy or jologs). Furthermore, it also sends a negative message to Fil-Ams in America that they should drop the “exotic” background. Notice how the musicians featured here didn’t drop their “exotic” background when breaking in the American entertainment industry:
Puerto Rico: Ricky Martin,Marc Anthony (American of PR descent), Daddy Yankee, the women of Nina Sky (American of PR descent)
Colombia:Shakira
Mexico: Paulina Rubio, Carlos Santana
Spain/Philippines: Enrique Iglesias
Brazil: Joao Gilberto and Tom Jobim
Americans of part or full Asian descent: Norah Jones, Don Ho, Jocelyn Enriquez
Philippines: Apl de Ap of the Black Eyed Peas, Freddie Aguilar
Many Filipinos can’t handle constructive criticism and don’t apply critical thinking when debating issues. They lash out and label others as : “jealous, scared, and full of crab mentality” as you pointed out. I’d bet the money on my wallet that they didn’t know who David Foster or Elen Degeneres were before those two paid attention to Charice!
Filipino culture has been heavily damaged by American and Spanish colonizations. What I find odd is that India is able to progress to some degree with the baggage of British colonization in their history, but the Philippines keep getting worse.
Filipinos in America might be one of the bigger subgroups of Asian-Americans, but I really doubt that Asian Americans will flock to Charice if the material isn’t good enough. If Asian Americans didn’t go out in force to watch “Better Luck Tomorrow”, I doubt they’ll come out and support Charice. I’ll reserve judgment on Charice’s album once I get to hear it online.
You have made some very wise points. Arnel seems like a very sweet gentleman and no one can blame him for taking his opportunity to get out of the dumps and make it in a rich music domain. However, it appears that even Arnel is getting tired of being a mimic in Journey. He is talented and it would benefit him to write his own music and become a huge star in his own right. He is 41 years old and likely feels like a puppet. He can make it on his own. No doubt about that. Then perhaps a more passive person who is American and has no problem filling the Steve Perry mold, which is one tough act to follow, have to say, can take the role of the lead singer in Journey and be very happy doing so. There certainly is nothing wrong with that either. To each his own, but it is much understood as to what you are saying. The Filipinos have someone that they can be proud of and if Arnel goes on his own as a performer, Filipinos everywhere will have someone to take much pride in. You are quite wise.
Shirley.
hmm I saw 2 different videos of Charice… one in Italy.. and one in Singapore.. both countries are calling her an international star… im 100% sure they’re not Filipinos.. lol! 😛 of course we also have the US…
Charice doesnt sound like she’s singing out of her nose? That’s good then haha!!!
She has written a song.. called “Amazing” She was only 15 yrs old when she wrote the song… and some finnish people helped her in recording that song.. its actually catchy.. she has potential though…
from a highschool student like me I think the reason why she can’t build her own reputation in the Philippine is because Filipinos are more amazed with the looks than being amazed w/ their talents… check out Makisig.. he’s more successful than Rhap before Ellen.. why? coz he got the looks… check out Sam.. he won over Charice because a lot of fan girls are crazy over his looks… The only reason why Filipinos are starting to like Charice are because of her accomplishments in the US…
I’m actually proud of Charice because at the age of 7.. she was the one who has been supporting her family by joining singing contests… she doesnt have a father… her mother is a minimum wage worker…
7 yr old girl studying and working at the same time… at least after 10 yrs of working really hard… she is able to bring comfort to her family and secure her mother and brother’s future…
Kate
You make a good point about how looks play a part in determining who makes it big in the Philippine entertainment industry. For instance, I doubt that Marian Rivera would be a star if her complexion were a few shades darker.
Here’s a problem with the in you face rags to fame story overemphasized by Charice fans: some people just want to listen to the music. The rags to fame story is a manipulative way to convince someone to listen and like a musician.
Oh Gods, there had to be TWO instances of sideshows with non-Filipinos that complement the other 95% of her fanbase which consist of Filipinos.
“Charice doesnt sound like she’s singing out of her nose? That’s good then haha!!!” If that’s an attempt at replying to a serious point, it perpetuates the ignorance of which I don’t like. It was most likely a dry joke though, so I’ll move on.
Why doesn’t she write songs anymore? I’m also unimpressed by everyone in American Idol. Any kind of karaoke show is too boring for me, but that’s my opinion. You can like whatever you like.
I think what most of her supporters don’t understand is that I don’t hate Charice. I mean like… I don’t personally know her. And if you like the BIG BIG type of voice then I don’t care.
What her fans can’t see is that this is about so much more than her. It’s Filipinos in general and this colonial mentality that they feel like they HAVE to feel proud of her because she’s Filipino. My mom also loves her big voice. But if she was black, my mom would more likely say something among the lines of, “Oh, it’s just another n-*bleep* with a big mouth.” She is not favored for her musical ability. She’s favored because of her racial identity. If she was a Chinese girl with the same “talent” and with another sob rags to riches story I doubt 90% of her Filipino fans would give 2 cents or still feel “proud”. And it’s not Pacquiao vs. Morales, it’s the Philippines vs. Mexico. So ridiculous.
People aren’t even talking about music anymore, they’re talking about racial pride (the other side of the coin of racism) and the need to feel like their race has to “prove” that they can sing like Celine Dion. And the whole pessimistic crab mentality thing doesn’t work on me. The only thing I’m avoiding is kidding myself.
She doesn’t have an obligation to sing Filipino songs. But if people are going to call her international, there’s nothing international about singing American songs in America. If people are going to praise Charice as a musician, then they should praise her for her musical accomplishments (if any). As a music lover, I’m tired of people noting a cameo appearance in a frivolous chipmunk movie and (finally) have a solo tour as genuine Talent. I also don’t give a rats ass if ayumi hamasaki or Utada Hikaru was able to keep their families from going bankrupt and was able to buy everyone in their a family a condo.
Excellent points about the Filipino fans forgetting the music components of being a fan of Charice.
Charice is only getting support from that fanbase because of ethnicity. I wish they’d be honest about it, and not get irrational when others point out the music based criticism
Do Filipinos watch boxing when there’s no Pacquiao or Filipino fighting? No
Would Filipinos watch other Celine/Whitney copycat on TV if she were not Filipino? NO
Charice was overhyped. Now, the problem is, how can she sustain that hype. She is known as “a girl who could sing high notes” but she’s not a girl anymore. She’s a 19 year old lady who could hit high notes but with nothing special in the voice quality. She’s a talented Filipino singer with so-called “international fans” but how can she compete with her contemporaries like Miley, etc? Our OPM industry is not doing well and that sucks. It is beacuse of westernized mentality of Pinoys.
Uh, “overhyped” at WHOSE perspective? And 2, compete with Miley!? Who? You must be living outside the United States since Miley has been a has-been for quite some time now, unless you call her brother impregnating Brenda Song relevant news.
I agree partially with your post.
Charice is actually overrated. Her advantages among other very good undiscovered Filipino singers are technology (youtube) and age. It was just at the right time (call that lucky) that Ellen has a segment of her show about discovering talents in youtube and it so happened that Charice was still very young then. If Charice happened to be 30 years old, do you think Ellen would be interested? Fat chance!
I’m actually quite bias here because I don’t really like Charice at all. Have you seen Willie Revillame’s disinterest of her in Wowowee when she’s not yet famous? Willie was more interested with the the other girls of the show she competed in (pardon my ignorance of the show because I don’t watch these craps) because she is more appealing. And all of a sudden, when she became famous, everybody wanted a piece of her. Typical Pinoy crap! Oh, let me digress… have you seen Charice on Oprah? Oprah asked her if her talent was a gift from God (or something to that effect) and she said “maybe”. Oprah almost fell down from the couch and subtly reprimanded her. Charice is very arrogant and egotistic at that early point of his career. I was not really amused by her at all because all she sang in all her singing engagements were songs 15 years ago and she keeps on repeating them that I went to hate those songs. I’m sorry Whitney, blame that to Charice.
On the other hand, Arnel is on the contrary. He is very talented and humble guy. He had a solo album in 1999 with original songs he wrote. With Journey, his job is to sing Journey’s songs and that’s it. It would be comical to sing OPM with Journey, right?
On the last note about the proverb “Ang hindi marunong magmahal sa sariling wika, daig pa ang hayop at malansang isda”, I totally do not agree with this. I will post my reasons on my blog – http://filipinoguide.blogspot.com later.
If you like my post, you may consider adding me. Thanks.
Filipino Guide
Thanks for dropping by. I’ll be checking out more of your new blog.
It would be out of place for Journey to sing OPM, but Arnel’s talent is sadly underutilized if he’s not part of making Journey material. He’s a malleable Steve Perry soundalike, and that’s why Neal Schon picked him.
As for Charice, I don’t mind how arrogant she is. Many “stars” are egomaniacs, and I don’t mind (IE I’ll watch Russell Crowe films despite him being a grumpy SOB, but the film better be good). Where I criticize them is lacking substance. Being a copycat is the extreme end of being substance-less.
I’ve heard of Willie Revillame. It’s odd that Filipinos either love him or loathe him.
If you really did your homework, it is not his ‘ability’ to get close to how Steve Perry sings that got Neal interested with Arnel. But it was his versatility and range. In fact, the song that got him to check more Arnel videos was when he was covering a Survivor song.
If Neal Schon was just to ‘hire’ a SP-sound-a-like, he would have opted for Hutchinson and Hugo from Journey tribute bands(which he was considering prior to his ‘discovery’ of Arnel) and resemble Perry more than Arnel himself. With Arnel he could give justice to their legacy yet bringing them to reinvent themselves yet retaining their Journeyness.
And as for the song writing, I wish you really have researched more. The reason why Arnel did not have songwriting contribution in Revelations is because the new songs were written prior to Arnel being in the band(perhaps during the Augeri-era). In fact, right after their tour they went to the studio right away to record the new songs. But do not worry about that. Arnel is writing songs for Journey(Neal encouraged him to) and is set to leave mid-April to work on the new Journey album. Just pray(but then maybe you’ll curse) that some of his written/co-written tracks makes it to the final set).
You do have interesting arguments here, but you lack research.
Jace
Your points are duly noted. Thanks for making them. I’ll be observing how much Arnel will be involved in creating Journey’s new album.
hmm you’re comparing Charice and Arnel? with regard to ego and arrogance.. I don’t think you can judge Charice that easily because of that oprah segment… Its obvious she is very shy to Oprah and she cant even talk w/c sucks btw… and besides you dont really know her…
in 1999.. Charice is 7 yrs old? i dont think charice has the capabilities of writing and producing an album back then… All she did from age 7-14 is joining singing contests in order to support her family…
yes charice is lucky.. not a lot of people get chances like what she is having now… but its not all about luck.. since talent is another key factor to her success..
Charice was only 15 years old when she was discovered FYI! Mimic singers? for a kid like Charice, what do you expect her to do? She doesnt have any recording contracts and albums before she was discovered… so she would definitely sing powerful ballads by Whitney, Celine and Beyonce to show off her voice.. Charice is still a minor… why are you all treating her like an old woman? At least we can be proud at least that a Filipina kid can sing exactly the same as what Celine, Whitney and Beyonce can sing?
A reporter already asked the same thing about Charice mimicking other singers to David Foster… He said.. “if you listen to Note to God, its 100% Charice.” Its written by Dianne Warren.. and she gave the rights to charice.. jojo doesnt own that song… and besides both versions are different…
Charice will be having her own solo tour in the US… She will sing all brand new songs… (i dont think note to god is included..)
“Pyramid” by Charice has been leaked in the internet.. and Charice got good feedbacks from different music blogs even though the song is not yet the final version… Pyramid = rnb song.. no birit… and btw she doesnt shout.. its called belting out.. screaming will not produce a note.. speaking will not produce a note… just for everyone’s information..
Charice mayabang? I dont think so.. She said in an interview before that there are a lot of better Filipino singers than her… and She’s a big fan of Regine and Sarah..
maybe Charice is lucky.. but do we really have to hate her? hating her for her accomplishments = inggit n yun dba?
I think the #1 problem here is pinoy crab mentality… a few are very pessimistic about Charice and Arnel… Its their life anyway… and if Filipinos would adore charice and arnel.. its none of your business… we have the freedom to choose what we like… and you guys also have the freedom to dislike Charice and Arnel… But spreading something like this is rude in my opinion…
Originality? check these songs on youtube…
1. Charice – Pyramid (Middle RNB)
2. Charice – Fingerprint (will only be released in Asia) (POP/RNB)
3. Charice – Breathe Out (Warner Bros decided not to include this on her album) (POP/RNB)
4. Charice – In this song (Warner Bros decided not to include this on her album) (Ballad)
“Ang hindi marunong magmahal sa sariling wika, daig pa ang hayop at malansang isda“ -> I guess we’re all guilty of this as both of us are speaking in english.. right? and we’re already in the 21st century… like my science teacher said before back in grade school.. (HS student po aq) We need to adapt in order to survive… past is past… and past does not repeat itself… so all of us should be flexible with what is happening in the present.. so there.. 😛
Kate
Thanks for dropping by and commenting
– Freddie Aguilar was making original compositions in both English and Filipino when he was still a student. Charice being a copycat of Americans and Canadians is a manifestation of colonial mentality. Notice how overeager she is mimicking foreign musicians even when she was in the Philippines.
– “Note To God” might have been modified, but it doesn’t change the fact that it is recycled music. Warren already made money when it was included as filler in Jojo’s album. A message is sent when one musician picks a track as filler while another musician picks the same song as a single. Can you guess what message it is?
– I’ll reserve judgment on Charice’s new album when I hear it (online of course, I’m not paying!). Judging from David Foster’s record, I doubt Charice’s album will be making waves in Top40 stations anytime soon. Adult contemporary or whatever the category is called might be a place where Charice’s album will be able to flourish
– You can discuss crab mentality all you want, but I’m merely putting my two cents out there. I’m also giving out constructive criticism about Filipino copycats in general as well.
– There are different kinds of adaptation. The Japanese and Koreans adopted well into the post WWII era. The Chinese adopted in a different direction, and they now hold many US T-Bills and currency reserves. I’m afraid the Philippines adopted quite badly. Filipino “adaptation” now includes exporting college degree holders to work as
+ maids in Hong Kong
+ other blue collar work in the Middle East
+ unmentionable work in Japan
+etc
My point is that colonial mentality has dragged the Philippines into the wrong direction unfortunately.
oh freddie aguilar? hahaha there was a time when he said that Charice and arnel are monkeys… then a week after.. I was asked by my parents to accompany my grandfather in this some cheap bar.. once I got there I was surprised that it was Freddie Aguilar’s newly opened bar… He was singing american songs the whole night… its really ironic that he is singing american songs after what he said about charice and arnel.. I think its on youtube.. you should check it xD
yep charice is mimicking… but not a lot of people can be talented like Freddie Aguilar.. at least Charice proved that Filipinos can sing like Whitney, Beyonce, and Celine.. w/c makes their voices not unique at all.. and not the other way around..
Kate
-Freddie Aguilar was the one imitated by musicians in other countries. His “Anak” was translated into 26 different languages and the song was played in 56 countries. Millions of copies of Anak singles has been sold. You don’t see many Filipino musicians being copied do you? Instead it’s the Filipino musician that we see relentlessly copying other musicians from other countries.
– Freddie Aguilar might do covers, but his career and legacy as a whole is intact and will be far greater than pathetic Filipino copycats. He is also correct to criticize Arnel and Charice for their aping/ mimicry/ copycat ways.
hahaha freddie aguilar fan k pla sori na =)) hahahah
So what’s wrong with liking Freddie Aguilar?
coz i thought you weren’t biased… this argument would become Charice vs Freddie Aguilar… Just because your idol says that Charice and Arnel mimics.. you would believe him that easily… just because they sound like those originals.. this doesnt mean they cannot sing at all.. this doesnt mean they didnt give pride and hope to the Philippines.. would you enjoy watching or reading news all about regarding corruption, murder, war and a lot? I guess maybe you would!
you and your idol are alike.. Freddie using Charice and Arnel to promote his bar? wth? the interview was about his bar.. but what did he do? he talk trashed about Charice and Arnel coz he know people would not read, watch or care at all…
now you.. using Charice and Arnel.. well congratz… you attracted a lot of fans… coz no one would care about your blog.. just like Freddie Aguilar’s bar…
Kate
I can’t and won’t argue that Arnel and Charice can’t sing. The application of their singing skills is open to interpretation and debate.
Have you read the PEP article that has a more complete transcript of the interview? If you haven’t, I recommend you read it. Anel and Charice weren’t the only target of criticism. Even Edu Manzano was criticized. In addition, the PEP article has a lot less spin compared to the TV reports of the “controversy”. The TV reports flamed the “controversy”.
I make no claim of being unbiased, but I made sure that my comparison and comparing examples are not unreasonable. Note that I compared the two to American Idol “losers”. It would be absurd to compare the two to AI “winners” because some of them are stars.
“would you enjoy watching or reading news all about regarding corruption, murder, war and a lot? I guess maybe you would!”
I already mentioned that I’m a fan of this site.I also prefer the BBC world news report compared to the less credible world news report from the US. More warts, grimmer, and less of that “America fuck yeah!” sophistry.
Guys, don’t you recognize yet that the author is Freddie Aguilar himself who has never stopped criticizing Filipinos who have become famous for singing outside the Philippines. He is just one bitter, envious old man, who can’t be happy for the present fame of others. Freddie, your person shows in all your replies to those making comments. Trying to regain fame again by throwing criticisms at others a lot more famous than you now?
FreddieAging-lar
Attacking the messenger is pathetic. Why don’t you refute my points?
Do we really have the right to criticize Charice and Arnel? Do we really have the right to BURDEN them with promoting our culture?
Can we not admire two filipinos who uplifted themselves from their humble beginnings and making a good life
for themselves and their families? I thought this is what most of us try to achieve. Oh no, they need to promote our culture and show NATIONALISM. Huh? Have we lost our sensibilities.
Don’t give us the crap about singing and writing filipino songs. It’s silly to think that it’s about promoting our culture. IT’S JUST A JOB FOR CHRIST SAKE! Have we lost our intelligence somewhere?
All of us deserve to have better paying jobs to uplift us from the harsh realities of paying our BILLS and provide a decent dwelling for ourselves and the people we love. This is the world that we live in. In case you haven’t noticed, there’s not really many opportunities in the Philippines that one can grab on to better one’s living situation, let alone help the rest of your families.
Those two landed a job that exposes them to a bigger market to show the world what they can do with the talent that they obviously have. You’re belittling them for that? Are you suggesting that they should have turned down those opportunities and stuck it out in the Philippine entertainment market? Haven’t you noticed the struggles of lots of our talented artists duke it out back home. You should go to bars more often. Don’t get drunk, but listen to those performers and think about their lives, especially those in their 60s.
There are millions of filipinos working overseas and some of them, yes, cleaning toilets and taking care of other people families while their own are crying for food back home. Do you think we should burden them with promoting our cultures?
Why don’t we just grow up and be happy for them for what they have accomplished. If we can’t do this simple humble cultural trait, then the least we can do is just shut up.
If some day they’re able to get more opportunities to sing and write their own songs, then we’ll appreciate them more. For now, for god’s sake, those two are filipinos. Find in your heart to be happy for them. Philippines will be a better place to live if we all just lift each other up and not drag each other down.
Oh, as regards to Nationalism, my father fought in WWII. He fought and many others for our freedom. Their bravery is what NATIONALISM is about. Shame on those who try to equate their sacrifices to the daily trivial struggles of today.
Island
Geez, calm down! First, in a free society, everyone is entitled to their opinion no matter how brilliant or dumb it is.
Secondly where in my blog post did you read the part where I write that Arnel and Charice must promote Filipino culture and nationalism? I was only focusing on the lack of originality and identity of those two. As a whole, Filipino music isn’t a source of Filipino culture or nationalism unless we are discussing Asin or Freddie Aguilar.
There’s nothing to be happy and admire about Arnel and Charice if one is Filipino? They are just assuming the identities of others. If there’s no Steve Perry, Whitney Houston, and Celine Dion, those two would have nothing to hold onto. They are like parasites leeching of host body.
BTW it’s time for you think deeper about the issue. You can’t distinguish artistic integrity versus superficial popularity stemming from mimicry. If you are happy merely due to the fact that they are getting popular, perhaps it’s time to set your standards higher.
I notice you (and other comment makers) don’t comment about the American Idol comparison. Isn’t it pathetic that the sources of “Pinoy Pride” have to mimic has beens while the losers of American Idols get to have their own songs and identities?
“First, in a free society, everyone is entitled to their opinion no matter how brilliant or dumb it is.” where does this fits to my comments…. can’t relate it anywhere. If you’re referring to my first statement, that was just rhetorical and not to question anyone’s opinion.
So, you want me to make an American Idol comparison and that is setting my standards higher? Hmmmnn, sorry but I can’t stoop that low. I’ll take that as “everyone is entitled to their opinion no matter how brilliant or dumb it is.”
So, when you say, “both are stripped of their Filipino (and Asian as a whole) identities when performing. There’s nothing Filipino (and Asian) about them when they sing their songs outside the country.” what exactly are you talking about? I took it as, more than just lacking in originality, but more on, they’re void of their cultural identities. If you only wanted to talk about originality, why invoke “filipino/asian identities?” That’s where my “promoting our culture” ramblings stem from. This is not the “deeper issues” you were talking about?
“There’s nothing to be happy and admire about Arnel and Charice if one is Filipino?” Huh? Here you are again, what are you talking about? Do you need to associate their cultural identities with their singing? That’s quite a tall order for singers. Well, surprise surprise, I am a filipino and I’m proud of both of them. And guess what? There’s a lot more who are. And you have the audacity to tell me to talk about deeper issues? Oh well, here’s my unsolicited advise, remove your blinkers and sort the things around you first, then perhaps you can move on ahead better. And please, just talk for yourself and not for all filipinos.
Island
On the contrary those American Idol “losers” are quite higher on the totem-pole than Charice and Arnel. Their managements bothered to get them their own songs. Hey it’s your opinion…….
Notice I focused on individual identity as musicians. I cited the examples of Clay Aiken and Katharine McPhee. They had their own individual identities as musicians. Compare and contrast that with the Arnel and Charice. You keep harping about “promoting our culture” when Arnel is a Steve Perry impersonator and Charice is a stuck doing the same Whitney/ Celine mimicry. Let them have their own identities first!
When I wrote the line about them not having Filipino/Asian qualities when singing, it is to support the point about their lack of identities. Just so we’re clear, there’s nothing Asian about impersonating Steve Perry, Whitney Houston, etc.
You’re the one that “associates their cultural identities with their singing”. I’m judging them through artistic criteria (naturally, originality is part of the criteria).
I realize that many are proud of them, but for the wrong and superficial reasons. The Filipinos are only proud of them because they’re getting the attention (pansin) of Americans. Add the over hyping of the Philippine media, and what one gets is a foolish show of “Pinoy Pride” that has little to no substance.
I have the balls to challenge the false notion of “Pinoy Pride” attributed to the “success” of the copycats. Of course, people are free to disagree.
BTW where in my blog post did you find that I claim to speak for all Filipinos?
As for the deeper issues, I won’t spell it out now. This will not be the last post on “Phillipines Sucks” that will deal about the broken culture of Filipinos.
Obviously I can’t ask you to talk about Filipino Pride because you don’t seem to have any.
You seem to enjoy talking about American Idol talents. I’ll point out the obvious, THEY ARE AMERICANS. They’re at home. All they need to show is their talent then obviously AMERICAN producers and AMERICAN songwriters will notice them. There are 250 million extravagant American consumers, whilts it’s a lot easier to invest in America.
We don’t have many producers in the Philippines who would be willing to spend millions on filipino talents. That is why a lot of our extremely gifted artists are still struggling to live decent lives, let alone the resources to share their gifts to all of us. They are on SURVIVAL MODE, pity.
If you want to bark, bark on our politicians. They put us in these conditions. For us filipinos who just want to live dignified lives, just allow us to find ways to survive.
Charice and Arnel was presented an opportunity to penetrate the American market. That alone is something every filipino who wish our artists to have better living conditions, which they so deserve, be proud about. The least we good do is wish them luck, if one is a filipino.
Arnel is already sharing his blessings with his foundation. Hopefully from those young kids who were given a nudge of help would walk the path towards their dreams. I believe in domino effect.
Charice is already being helped by AMERICAN songwriters and producers. It’s harder for these AMERICAN producers to market CHARICE because she is NOT American. She hardly could speak like an AMERICAN, which some Americans frown on. These producers are really gabling a lot on Charice’s talent. Those help needs to be appreciated at the least. We can’t be ingrates.
If someday, we can all rely on our conditions in the Philippines to truly serve each other, then that would be my perfect world. Not only are we not there yet, we are sliding further down. For us, including myself, who found a way to venture somewhere else, allow us. We’ll come back. There’s no place like home.
If you’re asking them to be original while they are hungry, that’s a bit heartless or harsh at the least. If you think they’ve lost their identities because they sing AMERICAN songs, common, that’s superficial. That was the door they found, along the way they’ll find the right door to exit. They are filipinos in their hearts. They have not abandoned us.
Buona giornata, ciao!
Island
You fail to comprehend this is about musical talent not the case of who needs some pity and support due to their poor economic status. Consumers don’t buy music because of some overplayed “poverty” bait.
I’m asking them to have originality and identity. That’s not much to ask for. Miley Cyrus, a person with dubious talent, has that manufactured for her, but I’m still not drinking the Kool Aid they serve. Why would I support copycats? Just because they’re Filipino? That’s pathetic.
Since you bothered to defend Charice and Arenl, did you celebrate the achievement and progress of some Filipino artists during May of 2009? I’m just curious because the superficial Pinoy Pride people only come out of the caves whenever they make it on American media.
Just want to leave my two cents. This is too long an issue. Everyone is entitled to his own opinion. I read jstuff29’s post and comments and I agree with island’s rebuttal. But then, please guys, dont propagate this culture of hate and disrespect especially in the internet. Be courteous in responding, and retort like the other person is in front of you. Please respect the opinion of others and be considerate in posting. Respect their opinion because they are entitled to it. I guess from the length of this argument, no one is going to crumple down from the other’s rebuttal.
My two cents: both of them are filipinos. Both are in the AMERICAN market because they were able to penetrate the US market and actually got a good job/gig for it. I could shamelessly say that I am a Charice and Arnel fan because they are doing a good JOB on what they do. Original music or not, it’s the singing that I am most proud of.
Way to go, Island! You’re a true citizen of the world (and a Filipino too).
Charice – Amazing
She wrote this song… Before Ellen Degeneres.. She went to Switzerland.. coz the people their got interested w/ her… and they helped Charice in producing the song…
melody and lyrics by Charice
produced by some music label (for free) in switzerland
That doesn’t sound bad. It’s nothing special either. Why didn’t her Filipino fans like this? I think Oprah would’ve had to give it the o-k first.
Then didn’t she sing that one? David Foster and her handlers must know the consequences of having a musician do covers all the time.
jstuff29
I can’t agree more with you about Filipinos spitting on themselves by supporting Arnel Pineda and Charice. How dare you Filipinos support a couple of mimicry singers whose only claim to fame is to emulate American music and singers. They should instead be considered as turncoats to their own culture and race for not singing songs in their native language and for not showcasing Filipino culture and creativity. They should not be considered artists either, because they can’t even compose, much less sing their own original songs.
Where’s your pride as true Filipinos if you support these two singers? Why can’t you be like the Chinese, Koreans, Japanese, Indians, Thais and other Asians whose artists and singers are so proud of their own culture that they are unwilling to compromise their identities by imitating Western singers and music? It is no coincidence that no one from these Asian countries with superior cultural identities has penetrated mainstream American music and mass media similar to what Charice and Arnel have done.
So Filipinos should stop supporting Charice and Arnel. Instead, you should get rid of them and banish them to America since they can only imitate American artists and sing American songs, anyway. If you succeed, as Filipino-American married to a Chinese-American and member of the media-invisible Asian community population in the US, we will be grateful for the gifts of Charice and Arnel. And cheers to yet another example of Filipino hubris and idiocy.
lagderf
“It is no coincidence that no one from these Asian countries with superior cultural identities has penetrated mainstream American music and mass media similar to what Charice and Arnel have done.”
That’s almost like an oxymoron. And Asian singer singing Asian music wouldn’t WANT to penetrate American media. Otherwise they would try American mainstream music. In that case, you’re right. Charice and Arnel have done a good job being UNFilipino despite all of this talk about FILIPINO pride.
“Where’s your pride as true Filipinos if you support these two singers?”
Do I HAVE to feel proud or ashamed of being Filipino? Jesus.
someone
Pardon the arrogance, but c’mon who are we kidding. Who would not want to penetrate the American market, the biggest, greatest, richest and most powerful economy in the world. Any artist who wants to aim high, get filthy rich and be considered a successful international star must definitely make it big in America. Anybody who thinks otherwise is a loser or a moron or a moronic loser. Another oxymoron?
“Do I HAVE to feel proud or ashamed of being Filipino? Jesus.”
That’s precisely my point. Susmaryosep.
lagderf
Here’ something to consider why those from Korea and Japan don’t enter the US market. Opportunity cost. Being an “idol” in Japan and Korea has a very short lifespan. SES, one of South Korea’s most beloved girl group was only around for not more than a half decade before breaking up. Why waste those time when one could end up in development hell in the US. Let’s face it, it is hard for Asians to break into rock and hiphop. Whites find it hard to break into hiphop while blacks find it hard to break into rock as well. The Jimmy Hendrix and Freddie Mercurys of the world are rare.
So I guess we’re back at square #1 cause it really is about validation points and not integrity isn’t it? Your arrogance is NOT pardoned.
“Anybody who thinks otherwise is a loser or a moron or a moronic loser. Another oxymoron?”
So you want to play childish playground tactics? I’m not interested.
““Do I HAVE to feel proud or ashamed of being Filipino? Jesus.”
That’s precisely my point. Susmaryosep.”
And that’s precisely MY point. People with racial pride aren’t anymore or less shallow than racist people.
Someone
No need to get Lagderf get to you. There have been successful Filipino musicians in the US. Apl De Ap of Black Eyed Peas and Jocelyn Enriquez comes to mind. Nicole Shcerzinger of the Pussycat Dolls should also be included somehow. I’m just glad none of those I mentioned are not just doing upgraded karaoke.
hi jstuff29!
remember me?
Anyway…Apl De Ap, Jocelyn Enriquez and Nicole Sherzinger are NOT Filipinos. They are Filipino-Americans. Big Difference.
How so, you say?
Well, for one thing, they are fluent in American English…They lived most of their lives in the US (Apl), brought up in American culture, etc.
So, I am a bit confused as to why they are being brought up here…please explain. Sorry for the confusion, I have a hangover…
Thanks for the correction. I should have read the blog post I was referring more carefully. You are right. Nicole and Jocelyn are Americans who happen to have Filipino ancestry. As for Apl, I count him as a Filipino who’ve become a naturalized US citizen.
I agree that there’s a big difference between Filipinos in the Philippines and Americans of Filipino ancestry. The cultural gap is immense!
Get a grip Lagderf. There have been successful Asian American (or half Asian descent) musicians that no copycats are needed. Ever heard of Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park? How about Chad Hugo of N.E.R.D.? How about the following I quoted from earlier:
“Americans of part or full Asian descent: Norah Jones, Don Ho, Jocelyn Enriquez”
Since you mentioned Japan, do you that it is the second largest music market in the world. The Japanese don’t have to try to cross over if they are satisfied in Japan.
Unstuff yourself jstuff29. I thought we were on the same page with Something.
Thanks for supporting my point with your comments. I only know Norah Jones whom I adore. Who is this Jocelyn Enriquez? Never heard of her. You seem to be forgetting something though…all these people you are mentioning and admiring for their musical integrity are all AMERICAN-grown talent who had the opportunity to blossom as musical artists here in AMERICA. I consider them AMERICANS and I’ll bet my poodle if anyone of these people has ever acknowledged their ethnicity in public.
What I am asking for examples are homegrown Asian artists (NOT Asian-Americans) that are able to cross-over to the American mainstream. And don’t give me your hero crap about the Asian looking guy with the Black-eyed peas who got lucky because he is the fourth wheel in a group dominated by will.i.am and fergie. Is he half or full filipino? He looks pathetic and never heard him talk in BEP interviews in the US.
Again, I want to reiterate. If you elitist Filipinos want to spit Charice and Arnel out of your country because of lack of musical integrity and originality, be our guest. We couldn’t care less. We will gladly have them here in the US and provide them the opportunity to be able to spit back at you.
The ploy of abusing sarcasm and being ambiguous is getting amusing.
Who cares if they are Americans? Did they ever even self-proclaim themselves as international artists who were able to conquer and colonize America? I don’t know if they really have or haven’t acknowledged their ethnicity, but they’re NOT supposed to. If I were a musician I would want to sell my music, not my race, not my age, not my gender or anything stupidly superficial that can be used to discriminate or have a shallow favorable bias towards me. If I were Charice I would be disappointed because with all the hype before I even get to show something of my own, I’m never going to know the real merit of my accomplishments even if I might be filthy rich.
“Again, I want to reiterate.”
Again, I also like to reiterate there hasn’t really been Asian singers singing to Asian music in America cause they DON’T want to. The only ones who make that kind of crap a big deal are real elitists who like to claim that only people who are active in America are successful. “Cause who wouldn’t want to be validated by the country dominated by rich white peeps? Only moronic losers. Lulz.” And what’s the purpose of calling Charice a homegrown Filipino who was able to cross over to America when there’s not much crossing over to begin with. Is there anything Filipino she’s brought over when “penetrating” American mainstream?
No one wants to spit them out of America. And they can sing whatever they like. Again, I don’t have anything personal against them, and I’m not saying them and their families deserve to starve, even if it means they have to copy and leech off of other people. I just want people to stop talking
about Filipino pride when they don’t even know what it’s supposed to be.
“We couldn’t care less. We will gladly have them here in the US and provide them the opportunity to be able to spit back at you.”
More childish rebuttals. I’m getting ready to cry.
Well then, get a load of this.
Jstuffed was right. I am getting to you. Your arguments are starting to get frayed at the seams and sounding idiotic and laughable by each post.
Duh. Conquer? Colonize America? They are already in America. ROTFL. The fact that you even know the ethnicity of these American musicians and you are Filipino means they are international artists.
Unless it helps sell themselves and their albums. I must admit Norah Jones talked about her father (the Indian Beatle) so you got me here. I’ll have my poodle stuffed and sent to you c/o Jstuffed.
Extricate your face out of your arse for a moment and look out at the real world. Did they not teach you Marketing in school? Success in the music business is not just about the music. It is also about image and how you market yourself taking into consideration all the stupid superficial things you are talking about. Now if Maria Ozawa had 1/10th the talent of Charice, I guarantee she would be a cross-over hit in the US.
Now see SOMEONE, inane statements like these reveal your personal bias (too neutral), animosity (still mild), hatred (more like it) to Filipinos like Charice and Arnel. I’d like to make a ‘Criminal Minds’ profile on you but I’ll bite my tongue because I’ll just make you cry and tell your mama. Here’s the deal: Charice needs all the hype she can get to get noticed even BEFORE she releases her first album in the US, in order to be successful. She does not have the advantage of having 50 million viewers weekly for four months that American Idol singers have. And as far as accomplishments, I bet Charice has accomplished more in her 17 years than what you can achieve in your lifetime. After reading the rest of your post, 100 lifetimes.
“Again, I want to reiterate.”
But isn’t that what your hero of musical integrity, Freddie Aguilar, wants Charice and Arnel to do? Isn’t that what YOU SOMEONE and JSTUFFED want Charice and Arnel to do so they will have YOUR respect as real musical artists with integrity… showcase and sing original pinoy music in America? Isn’t this the whole point of this blog?
Hey, you SOMEONE and JSTUFFED are the ones that brought out this CRAP and made it a big deal. READ YOUR FREAKING BLOG. So guess who is the REAL elitists, now?
You’re damn right. If you want to be considered an international success you have to penetrate the American market. That’s another reality that you would have known if you just stop being a moronic loser and take your face out of your arse.
Hellooo!? Is there any brain matter left in your head? Even my three year old can recognize her as Filipino on TV. Considering your elitist hatred, you probably won’t even consider her singing talent and musicality as homegrown Filipino.
You’re damn right again. We appreciate and support special talent when we see one. I better warn you not to disrespect Oprah and Ellen for supporting Charice for if the word gets out, you know Oprah has Obama’s ear, the Philippines might be in deeper shit than where it is right now.
You’re not just a moronic loser with his head stuck up his arse but also a liar.
My God, where is this hatred all coming from? Poor Arnel and Charice are just trying to make a living with their talent, they get recognize here in America, get rich and now they are leeches? Again, unstuck your head from your arse and look around you. Guess what? Leeches abound in the Phil. For all I know you and your family might have leeched off from your already poor country for all your electronic toys, fancy car and high priced education.
Now this gets me mad. And I suppose you know about Filipino pride. It’s obvious you don’t have one. Pride is something you feel inside when you see your family, friends, alumni and countrymen do well and get recognized for it. I’ve never in my life seen such arrogance as what I have seen in this statement. Filipino pride is when you take a break from school, fly across the US and see Lea Salonga get a standing ovation on Broadway. Filipino pride is when my Chinese-American wife, who is an avid fan of American Idol, first saw Charice by chance on PBS, tells me to watch with her and after the performance tells me that never in her life did she had goosebumps from watching somebody sing that well. We both are now avid Charice video watchers as a result. Filipino pride is watching Arnel Pineda in concert at Raley Field and afterwards my white friends and other people recognizing you look like Filipino yell “Hey you guys rock!”.
Who the hell are you to tell me that I don’t know what I’m feeling and my feeling does not count as Filipino pride?
Hey, your compadre jstuffed started the spitting thing remember? I’m just adding to the theme. I won’t be surprised if you go to your mama crying after reading this. Just don’t go to your dad, he might send his private army to hunt me down.
There’s more but I think I’ll save them for next time after reading the next blog from you, jstuffed and other Filipino elitists when Manny Pacquiao becomes the next president of the Philippines. Go Manny!
How does calling people “moronic losers” in a supposedly intelligent civil debate NOT considered as frayed and laughable?
“Duh. Conquer? Colonize America? They are already in America. ROTFL. The fact that you even know the ethnicity of these American musicians and you are Filipino means they are international artists.”
Reading this already stunts me and I prepare to slam my head on my desk on what I’ve yet to read. Well “Duh” again, I know that they’re already in America so they’re Americans like what YOU said. And now you’re saying they’re international? What happened to the whole “crossing over” bit? I don’t like following you around in circles.
“Extricate your face out of your arse for a moment and look out at the real world. Success in the music business is not just about the music. It is also about image and how you market yourself taking into consideration all the stupid superficial things you are talking about. ”
More insults *cry* I know that image is always going to matter because of people like you. And again, if I were so so grossly over-hyped to the extent that 95% of what I’m promoting is my image and from having needed consolation help from Oprah and Has Beens I’d be disappointed. I’m quite tired from repeating myself so I won’t get into that in detail again.
“Now see SOMEONE, inane statements like these reveal your personal bias (too neutral), animosity (still mild), hatred (more like it) to Filipinos like Charice and Arnel. I’d like to make a ‘Criminal Minds’ profile on you but I’ll bite my tongue because I’ll just make you cry and tell your mama.”
Start being more specific and tell me EXACTLY what’s inane and shows that I hate certain people (who I don’t even have a personal attachment to) instead of THREATENING to make me cry. But here you go: *cries*
“She does not have the advantage of having 50 million viewers weekly for four months that American Idol singers have.”
Your right. Unfortunately, people can’t just throw out their music and without promoting it first because of people like you. People don’t NEED an advantage though (especially that kind). That’s really pushing it.
“And as far as accomplishments, I bet Charice has accomplished more in her 17 years than what you can achieve in your lifetime. After reading the rest of your post, 100 lifetimes.”
*cry*
“But isn’t that what your hero of musical integrity, Freddie Aguilar, wants Charice and Arnel to do? Isn’t that what YOU SOMEONE and JSTUFFED want Charice and Arnel to do so they will have YOUR respect as real musical artists with integrity… showcase and sing original pinoy music in America? Isn’t this the whole point of this blog?”
I’m not a Freddie Aguilar fan :3 So you respond to my insistence that I don’t care what they sing and that they don’t have an obligation to sing Filipino songs with, “Huh? But I thought that’s what you were talking about?? I need to find what page we’re on.” That’s not really sophisticated if you ask me. The whole musical integrity thing is kind of another discussion in itself. Believe me, I have more ammo if I were talk about that another time. Although the owner of this blog has already been going at it to an extent, and I have stated what I would like if I were a musician, that’s not what I’ve been trying to heavily discuss.
“Hey, you SOMEONE and JSTUFFED are the ones that brought out this CRAP and made it a big deal. READ YOUR FREAKING BLOG. So guess who is the REAL elitists, now?”
From how you seem to get lost in the discussion, it’s not hard to see that you’re not even refering to the same CRAP I was talking about. So don’t try to use my own words against me. The CRAP I refer to is the bit about you practically insulting every happy artist who’s proud of their accomplishments, be it in America or not. And I’m not the one who self-proclaimed myself as ARROGANT. And…
“You’re damn right. If you want to be considered an international success you have to penetrate the American market. That’s another reality that you would have known if you just stop being a moronic loser and take your face out of your arse.”
Thanks for showcasing more of your arrogance and insults. *cry*
“Hellooo!? Is there any brain matter left in your head?”
Someone is getting frayed.
“Even my three year old can recognize her as Filipino on TV. Considering your elitist hatred, you probably won’t even consider her singing talent and musicality as homegrown Filipino.”
Again, stop trying to avoid in giving specific reasons for your argument by using insults. I guess you’re going to have deal in your belief that my intellect is lower than that a of a 3 year old. *cry* And so you’re going to have spell out what’s so Filipino about singing American songs from American producers because unfortunately your kid isn’t around. This is probably where you’re going to get lost in the pages again. She doesn’t even HAVE to sing Filipino songs. Just stop calling her an international Filipino artist and get your labels right.
“You’re damn right again. We appreciate and support special talent when we see one.”
Yeah but if you can describe talent without being shallow I’m not going to take your word for it being “special talent”.
“I better warn you not to disrespect Oprah and Ellen for supporting Charice for if the word gets out, you know Oprah has Obama’s ear, the Philippines might be in deeper shit than where it is right now.”
More threats. *cry*
“You’re not just a moronic loser with his head stuck up his arse but also a liar.”
*cry*
“My God, where is this hatred all coming from? Poor Arnel and Charice are just trying to make a living with their talent, they get recognize here in America, get rich and now they are leeches? Again, unstuck your head from your arse and look around you. Guess what? Leeches abound in the Phil. For all I know you and your family might have leeched off from your already poor country for all your electronic toys, fancy car and high priced education.”
With all of the threats and insults, I’m starting to know why your definition of “hate” is so warped. Yeah, poor Arnel and Charice are just trying not to starve to death and have a house over their head, and no matter how much I say they can leech however they like you’re never going to give me a break. Don’t know if that was a typo and if you were only talking to people in the Philippines but if you were talking about Americans: I really thought you said America has the richest economy in the world yada yada yada… And now not only do you say we’re poor but that I’m that leeching from BUYING my education? *slaps forehead* And before you get lost in the pages again, pardon me if I misunderstood cause it wasn’t clear.
“Now this gets me mad.” Sorry for getting you all frayed about. Honestly.
“And I suppose you know about Filipino pride. It’s obvious you don’t have one.”
Don’t spew any crap about how I don’t know what Filipino pride is cause I don’t have any. That’s like saying I don’t know what racism is since I’m not a racist.
“Pride is something you feel inside when you see your family, friends, alumni and countrymen do well and get recognized for it.”
That’s the root of the problem. I feel proud of my family and friends WHEN we accomplish something TOGETHER. I have no reason to have any personal attachment or affiliation with Charice. And race is a retarded concept that you need to take a sociology or anthropology class to learn about because you’re not going to get anything out a biology class. I might as well say that since we both have black hair and are considered midgets that whatever she does makes me proud because technically her accomplishments are really mine also. And when Oprah says she loves Charice’s “talent” she’s also really saying that she loves all Filipinos and their “talent” and we’re back full circle at square #1 with superficial shallow colonial mentality and validation points.
“I’ve never in my life seen such arrogance as what I have seen in this statement.”
What’s arrogant about NOT having pride for shallow reasons?
“Filipino pride is when you take a break from school, fly across the US and see Lea Salonga get a standing ovation on Broadway. Filipino pride is when my Chinese-American wife, who is an avid fan of American Idol, first saw Charice by chance on PBS, tells me to watch with her and after the performance tells me that never in her life did she had goosebumps from watching somebody sing that well. We both are now avid Charice video watchers as a result. Filipino pride is watching Arnel Pineda in concert at Raley Field and afterwards my white friends and other people recognizing you look like Filipino yell “Hey you guys rock!”.
Who the hell are you to tell me that I don’t know what I’m feeling and my feeling does not count as Filipino pride?”
Again with your cross-over internationalism and the notion that the only way to feel proud is have validation from foreigners. *slaps forehead*
“Who the hell are you to tell me that I don’t know what I’m feeling and my feeling does not count as Filipino pride?”
Someone who’s actually argued for it with premises instead of insults and threats.
“Hey, your compadre jstuffed started the spitting thing remember? I’m just adding to the theme.”
I kind of thought the OP’s post was about Filipinos spitting on themselves (and constructively arguing for it) and not spitting on Charice or Arnel so to say. But again, that’s what I thought and I’m not the owner of this blog.
“I won’t be surprised if you go to your mama crying after reading this. Just don’t go to your dad, he might send his private army to hunt me down.”
*cry*
“There’s more but I think I’ll save them for next time after reading the next blog from you, jstuffed and other Filipino elitists when Manny Pacquiao becomes the next president of the Philippines. Go Manny!”
If there’s more insults and threats from a self-proclaimed arrogant (elitist) who goes around in circles and can’t stay on the same page be my guest. I really have to admit that I’m a bit exhausted from repeating myself since my important points keep getting ignored. I’m sorry to say that this will be the last reply to your posts unless you write something new. Bye bye 🙂
lagderf
We’re not on the same page, and while you’re at it, try to stay at the same book.
The examples I mentioned included Americans of ASIAN descent. Note that I wrote ASIAN-AMERICAN. BTW they’re pretty successful too.
BTW what’s you obsession with Asians in Asia becoming successful? If you really care about them, you should support Asian American musicians that have the talent to break into mainstream music.
You disparaging remarks on Apl sheds negative light on your character. Apl is one of the founding members of the band along with Will I Am.
While you’re at it, drop the sophistry act. You write about the US embracing Asian musicians yet the US constantly whitewashes the stories about Asian people/characters (see the films: “21” and the “Last Airbender”). What you write and what really happens are totally different things. BTW could you just write for yourself. You are not America.
Masyado naman yatang mapanghusga yung iyong mga komento. konting hinahon sana. sa mga katulad kong mahilig sa musika karaniwan nang nauunang nagugustuhan ko ang tono at ang pagka-awit ng manganganta. narinig ko nang kumunta noong una si arnel at nagustuhan ko agad ang timbre ng kanyang boses. gusto ko rin ang mga orihinal na awiting Filipino kasama na ang mga kundiman, mga kontemporaryong awitin, at mga kantang likha ng mga kompositor at banda tulad ng Asin, Eraserheads, After Image, Rivermaya, kasama na rin si Ka Fredie.
Natuwa akong basahin ang iyong blog kasi pinalalim mo ang iyong opinyon at medyo pangahas ka sa iyong mga kaisipan. Nakakalungkot lang na hindi naman mahalaga sa katulad ko ang ganyang paghihimay ng mga kaisipan hinggil sa musika hindi ko naman pinakikinggan ang pangit na kanta.
tagalinang
It is true that my post is very harsh, but you have to consider what the mainstream Philippine and Fil-Am press write about Charice and Arnel. They come off as press releases. From lines “a spot among the greats” to describe Charice to lack of acknowledgment that Journey is now playing State Fairs. In addition, one is accused of being a crab or being jealous when one is critical of Charice and Arnel. That’s where I’m coming from.
I realize that you like Charice’s voice and many Filipinos do. In general, they also like covers as long as the singer sounds good. Nonetheless, it won’t cut it in the US. Musicians fall over each other in order to establish their distinct identities. Nobody want to be known as the 9000th Madonna or 1000th incarnation of Biggie. For crying out loud, Britney Spears has moved on quite far from her first album in terms of style/direction.
I wish Arnel would be involved in making the Journey album. He just comes off as a hired gun and music commentators are labeling him as a copycat. I know he was involved with Zoo and making their first album.
Salamat sa pagbisita mo at pagiwan ng comment.
to jstuff29,
I’ve read what you wrote over and over, and I think your argument is so dumb. What do you care about Arnel and Charice anyway?Even if you hang yourself–people will not care.Those two are just trying to make a living.Who cares about nationalism,originality or identity.If they have no skills or if they lack talent like what you’ve been yupping, they would have not been hired or given the microphone in the grand stage,in front of ten thousands. PAKIALAMERO KA, You are a disgrace.You should hang yourself..
Cebu
Why are you getting angry and attacking me personally? Here’s an idea, refute my points about originality and identity (in relation to Charice and Arnel).
Here’s another idea, who makes it that big singing the same old songs. Notice that Journey songs are played on the radio with the original version performed by Steve Perry. When the song “I will always love you ” is played, it is the version performed by Whitney Houston, not the one performed by Charice or the original one by Dolly Parton (country stations might differ of course)
I hope you can consider my points. I hope you’re not too busy ordering others to hang themselves to consider what I argued!
As I understand Charice and Arnel has been slugging it out in the Philippine Music Industry for a long time before being noticed by International media.
Where are those Filipino songwriters? Why didn’t they come up with songs for both of them? Where are those rich filipino producers who can invest to hire songwriters for talented filipino singers?
Obviously Charice and Arnel’s talents are not the same as Aguillar, Asin, Valera, Yoyoy, etc. To expect them to be like these songwriters is plain silly. Their musicality is in their singing voice.
Whitney and Celine don’t write their own songs. Their music are written for them because their talents in singing are recognized by these composers.
Mimickry? Simon Cowell, Randy and Paula emphasize this over and over again, “If you’re going to sing a Mariah, Whitney or Celine songs make sure you’re up to the challenge.” In other words, nothing wrong with singing their songs, you just have to do better if not at par with these great singers.
In business, they do this all the time. Toyota buys newly released Nissan and other car models and vice versa, stripped them and see what’s new and where they can do better. Cell phone companies do this to. Furniture designers do this to. Flooring companies do this too. Refrigerator companies do this to. Cooking range companies do this to. Washing machine companies do this to. Should I continue….
Can you blame Charice and Arnel if they seek to emulate the best in the business as regards to their talents? The important thing is to find your own niche.
Btw, listen to this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvXaOCTC6wU then this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGt7LvJzCzI
Ciao!
Island
That’s the problem with Charice. Her management didn’t get other people to make songs for her and promote those instead. They had her do Celine and Whitney covers while it’s obvious that Charice won’t make people forget about those two unlike that way Whitney stole “I will always love you” from Dolly Parton.
Mimicry is what Charice and Arnel are doing .
That was the first time I heard the full version of Charice’s new single. It could make the Top40 stations. It kind of sounds like a song that would have been performed by Jojo.
you obviously didn’t listen to this one. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8wKTGJuhV0
Island
Geez, I already admitted that it sounds like a single that could make it in Top40 stations! What do you want?!
I still hold that it’s a bit that Jojo would have performed. IDK what happened to her. I’m assuming she’s not in her teens anymore.
To Sean Kingston’s credit, I’m not filled with strong desire to choke him anymore. He was that annoying when I still heard his songs played on the radio.
Edit: I’ll also admit that David Foster might still have a few tricks left. He’s not laos afterall.
jstuff29,
Now you got me wired up into this topic. I found this on You Tube. Do you think she’s “saling pusa” here? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vw8WAfGdyUU&feature=PlayList&p=FDE6D1351824362E&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=85
These songs FYI are composed by David Foster, the guy on the piano, which he composed for Whitney.
Wouldn’t you be proud and honored if David let you sing his songs, let alone play the piano while singing it?
Well, guess what? David is doing more for Charice. He’s also producing Charice’s first international album. How about that?
Just asking.
That’s still saling pusa for a number of reasons:
1.) Charice doesn’t have a big enough fanbase so she needs to part of a tour
2.) Charice needs some familiarity performing at bigger and more diverse venues so she needs to be part of that tour as a minor act.
3.) She sings David Foster produced songs for a reason: MONEY. If a copyright is paid, it goes straight to David Foster
4.) By having Charice as saling pusa, he gains millions of Filipino fans, and those in the US aren’t exactly poor. Notice how many Filipinos claim David Foster this, David Foster that. They probably didn’t know a song he produced before he worked with Charice.
David Foster was a hit maker perhaps a decade or more ago. Now, he’s just good at getting Josh Gorban and others to the make good enough singles for adult contemporary stations (they make multiplatinum, I admit!).
What’s your problem with filipinos admiring fellow filipinos? BoyOHboy, you’re comments are bordering RACISM. What’s wrong with you?
And by the way, CHARICE was actually the main attraction on that tour.
There are more than 5 million filipinos overseas, including myself. Don’t we deserve to express our pride by supporting filipino artists? We’re spitting on ourselves by supporting Charice and Arnel? What an insult! What’s wrong with you? Look in the mirror and ask yourself what have you done for US.
You’re living inside your little bubble. Think outside the box and be smart. Use this platform to uplift filipino pride. Yes, all filipinos if possible!
Your american idol heroes don’t need your support! Stop your non sense and be a more productive citizen.
Island
Have you noticed that example I wrote of Filipinos and other Asian musicians that have been successful without resulting to mimicry? If you haven’t ,read my other responses I wrote.
So what’s wrong with Filipinos supporting other Filipino artists? Nothing as a whole, but people should pick and chose depending on talent. Hence, I go back to the same old originality and identity issue. I’ve argued that copycats are not worth supporting. Of course, it’s a free country. People can support whoever they want. Nonetheless, I see blind support of copycats with hardly any discussion about their artistic contributions (and the identity issue that comes with being a copycat).
You see I’ve been wondering if Filipinos would still support Charice if she were born and raised in Cambodia from ethnically Cambodian parents. Want to take a stab at it?
BTW I’m thinking outside the box by evaluating Charice through originality, identity, artistic merit. I’m also evaluating her fanbase. In addition, I haven’t bought a CD or digital song from any American Idol contestant, but I do mp3 of Kelly Clarkson. I only used AI for comparison and comparing purposes of glorified karaoke.
Island
Let me get to the point. One should support any artist due to merit, not due to the ethnicity of the artist.
Filmmaker Justin Lin (Better Luck Tomorrow, one of the best Asian American films of last decade) was asked why should an Asian American support AA films. You could substitute film with music, and it’s one objective way to view the misguided support of Charice by some Filipinos:
”
Well, Martin, nobody likes paying for shit. You should apply the same criteria as all the other films you choose to watch (which I’m sure some are shit also.) I do agree that telling people to go and support the film solely because it’s Asian American does no one any good. It has the potential to be a ‘boy who cried wolf’ scenario. Asian American films need to be judged as a film first and foremost…..”
Am I making myself clear?
jstuff29,
I don’t know about you, but I admire an artist not because of origianlity or identity but because of pure talent or skill. Arnel and Charice have the purest of talent and skill. It may be that later they would be writing their own songs, but success is not dependent on that. It is what other people want or like seeing or hearing. Just because they sing American songs, doesn’t mean they do NOT LOVE their native tongue. I think you are misguided and jealous to say the least.
This is my last. I’m done with this topic. My conclusion, your argument is shallow and lack intelligent merits.
I challenged you to jump into the the deeper waters, but I guess that would be difficult if you don’t know how to swim.
So be it, stay along the shores, it’s safer there.
Bon jour!
Island
I acknowledge that the upcoming single of Charice should have no barrier in making the Top 40 stations. I even praised Charice, David Foster, and Sean Kingston.
My main point still remains that Arnel and Charice are lacking originality and identity. I’m challenging you further to view the musician’s output instead of supporting Charice because you are both of the same ethnicity.
What’s so shallow about evaluating musicians from an originality and identity criteria? What’s so shallow about evaluating their fanbase who only supports them because they are of the same ethnicity?
When the discussion finally gets to question the shallowness of the supporters, the supporters shout “shallowness” in return.
“What’s so shallow about evaluating musicians from an originality and identity criteria? What’s so shallow about evaluating their fanbase who only supports them because they are of the same ethnicity?”
Amen.
[…] the original: Filipinos spit on themselves by supporting Arnel Pineda and … Share and […]
You must be a compadre to Ka Freddie Crab. I bet Arnel is richer than him now, because of his mimicry.
Louie
Come back again when you have something worthwhile to contribute. Accusing others of being a crab won’t cut it without supporting arguments.
to someone,
Isa ka pa! Don’t be condescending. Lots of filipinos are smart. If you’re stucked with ethnicity and musicality, then you’re wearing blinkers.
If you can’t take it from me, take it from the Italian musicians who was head over heels when Charice performed in their show. The MUSICAL Conductor said, “sensa parola”, not only from him but from members of the whole orchestra, so much that they invited her two more times.
“Brilliance” according to BRIT Paul O’Brady and “Amazing, lost for words, I’ve never heard anything like it” from Hurry Judd.
I don’t support them just because they are filipinos. I support them because FINALLY filipinos that can make us proud. I’ve been waiting for a long time to feel that sense of pride in my ethnicity. Visit Charice fan sites and you would see how “full blooded” Americans, Curacao, Koreans, Chinese, Singaporeans, Scottish, British, Luxumbourg, etc, and yes FILIPINOS interact with each other with one common unifying force, CHARICE.
I’m aware of the excesses in hollywood that would make someone gag. If there’s anyone who I wish to be successful, there’s no one more deserving than Charice and Arnel. Their stories are true inspirations to all of us and the rest of the world.
I truly believe that their success can only be good, certainly for the Philippine entertainment industry. If WE FILIPINOS cannot warm up to Charice and Arnel, how can we expect AMERICANS and other nationalities to warm up to them? Families look up to each other. You’re not expecting Afghans or Uzbekis to help Charice and Arnel do you?
I reiterate, if you can’t find it in your heart to support them make it internationally, then the LEAST, the LEAST, the LEAST you can do is SHUT UP and stop disgracing us.
Don’t be SHALLOW!
Island
It is unacceptable to ask those who don’t share your views to shut up. Either acknowledge their views that contradicts yours or refute them.
You write: “I support them because FINALLY filipinos that can make us proud. I’ve been waiting for a long time to feel that sense of pride in my ethnicity.”. Where were you when Chad Hugo (half Filipino) of the Neptunes produced chart topping hits and won a few Grammy Awards? Where were you when Nicole Scherzinger (half Filipina) became the lead singer and key member of Pussycat Dolls on their way to success?
Were you not paying attention to the music scene all along? For the record I’m happy for the successes of Hugo and Scherzinger. I’m also proud that those with of Filipino descent can break through, and make a name for themselves (as opposed to be mimics of someone else).
What makes Charice and Arnel so special that they deserve the uncritical support of Filipinos all over the planet?
… and your brain is half the size of a pea. Don’t tell me that I’m attacking you personally. You did it to yourself. The more you talk, the more you expose the size of your brain. When I suggest you to SHUT UP, I’m doing you a favor, really.
Island
Full of ad hominem jus like mga pikon na mga Filipino (IE the Chip Tsao case)! Oh boy.
You can attack whoever you want making a comment here, but I draw the line at telling them to shut up. I don’t believe in silencing debate. Only the weak wants to limit debate and ideas.
On the contrary, I’m the one doing you a favor by questioning your questionable fandom of Arnel and Charice. Notice how you don’t respond to my points about other musicians of Filipino ethnicity or my points about evaluating musicians from a criteria of originality, identity, and artistic merit.
You still don’t get it do you? When you said FILIPINOS spit on themselves for supporting Charice and Arnel, this is more than just about Charice and Arnel’s musicality. You INSULTED all filipinos who support them! This is what I was trying to tell you to SHUT UP about.
It’s good you noticed that I don’t comment about the other artists you mentioned. I have a simplier solution, I buy or not buy their CDs.
Your blog transcends beyond Charice and Arnel’s music. You ignited FILIPINOS sense of PRIDE for supporting fellow filipinos.
I’ve worked with people of different nationalities and everyone’s proud of their cultural identities.
There are only few who are not…. they’re called TRAITORS.
I really hope that when you look in the mirror you don’t see someone with a paper bag over your head.
Island
I’m glad you’re getting the purpose of the blog entry. It’s not just about Charice and Arnel. It’s also about their fans who blindly support them due to the shared ethnicity. Notice that I didn’t paint all Filipino people as foolish for supporting them. I’m only criticizing the uncritical Filipino supporters of those two. If I could get one Filipino to think critically about artistic merit and originality, I have done my job.
BTW why do you need Arnel and Charice to have a sense of pride about your ethnicity? Isn’t that shallow and a bit narrow minded? I mean, there are other successful Filipinos out there.
you continue to dig deeper into the hole you’re going be burried in. goodluck, it’s dark down there, bring this with you. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=my-iUioCU1g
Island
Oh boy. You’re the one waiting for validation through the success of Arnel and Charice, and you’re the one that writes I need that? Perhaps you need it more. I’m proud of being Filipino despite that faults I see. Please get some more perspective about the merits of the Filipino musicians you will decide to support
What are you talking about here? Are you confused and getting a taste of your own medicine? You’re not making any sense at all.
Island, quote the part where I’m “confused”. Your post is not threaded to the post your are responding to.
Holy crap they just called me a TRAITOR. O_O
Everything is black and white with you isn’t it. Telling people to be with or against a certain country isn’t the best way to be mature.
No, I don’t have a paper bag on my head. I have black hair, brown eyes, a round face and a nice looking smile according to some people. They’re not Filipino qualities, they’re MY qualities. 🙂
I’m not blind either. If I were teleport to China I would know I was in China and not in… I don’t know, Africa. I also see people with different nose types and a jillion types of eye color. But let’s not try to pigeonhole those categories too.
Hello! Nice to have you back despite you saying it would be the contrary. I feel sooo privileged at having attained a personal reply.
“Isa ka pa! Don’t be condescending. Lots of filipinos are smart. If you’re stucked with ethnicity and musicality, then you’re wearing blinkers.”
Did I say they’re stupid? Okay maybe that was implied a couple of times, but yeah of course, lots are smart too. I’m not talking about ethnicity, I’m talking about race. And I only dare to discuss the word with people who insist it has merit. Musicality? Well I don’t know where you’re getting at here. You’re more likely replying to something I didn’t even say or was misunderstood.
“If you can’t take it from me, take it from the Italian musicians who was head over heels when Charice performed in their show. The MUSICAL Conductor said, “sensa parola”, not only from him but from members of the whole orchestra, so much that they invited her two more times.
“Brilliance” according to BRIT Paul O’Brady and “Amazing, lost for words, I’ve never heard anything like it” from Hurry Judd.”
So much padding. I get your point. But no matter how many times I say it you’re probably not going to get mine. I don’t give a rat’s ass what Italian musicians think. I don’t care what you think. —You can like whatever you like— I don’t have to take ANYTHING from ANYONE to decide on who has talent and who doesn’t. Do people have a good sense of individuality anymore or do they have to follow what everyone says and does? And since it’s been brought up before, please don’t give me anything about not having valid opinions on what’s good or bad since I’m not a professional musician. Most of their fans aren’t either. And although you’re free to have any kind opinion, all I ask is that if you want to impose it on other people have -valid- arguments. I don’t want to attempt discussing Charice’s musical abilities with people who’d rather just talk about racial pride bullcrap.
“I don’t support them just because they are filipinos. I support them because FINALLY filipinos that can make us proud. I’ve been waiting for a long time to feel that sense of pride in my ethnicity. Visit Charice fan sites and you would see how “full blooded” Americans, Curacao, Koreans, Chinese, Singaporeans, Scottish, British, Luxumbourg, etc, and yes FILIPINOS interact with each other with one common unifying force, CHARICE.”
Again, so much padding. I can pretty much truncate that to “I don’t support them just because they are filipinos. I support them because they’re filipinos.” Really, you aren’t saying anything that I haven’t read before in your and others’ posts of which I didn’t even bother replying because there’s nothing about MUSICAL competence in your reasons for supporting a MUSICIAN. Since she is a cover artist, praise her for being a cover artist, it’s the only thing she’s been doing so far. Filipino? Has she done anything Filipino besides looking like you in appearance? I don’t understand your definition of “shallow”. I’m only using the dictionary’s.
You’re not even talking about ethnicity, you’re talking about race. 1) I repeat, if they make you proud about your ethnicity, what have they done that is anything remotely iconic of your ethnicity? 2) Since you are more among the lines of talking about race, why inflate the meaning of race? Why make up another thing that needs to “fulfilled” in order to make you feel better about yourself? Don’t have anything else that YOU accomplished that you can be proud of?
“I’m aware of the excesses in hollywood that would make someone gag. If there’s anyone who I wish to be successful, there’s no one more deserving than Charice and Arnel. Their stories are true inspirations to all of us and the rest of the world.”
The notorious rags to riches story. Again, nothing new here. I’ll move on.
“I truly believe that their success can only be good, certainly for the Philippine entertainment industry. If WE FILIPINOS cannot warm up to Charice and Arnel, how can we expect AMERICANS and other nationalities to warm up to them? Families look up to each other.”
I don’t care if they’re successful in terms of being cash-cows. Again *gasp-sigh* Americans don’t need validation from FILIPINOs are anyone else if they like what they HEAR from Charice and Arnel. What? I should be obligated to support them or else *gasp* if I don’t then other Americans won’t be able to? Garbage. And families? Where did that come from? The Filipino/American family? You’re stretching it way too much.
“You’re not expecting Afghans or Uzbekis to help Charice and Arnel do you?”
I guess that showcases what’s different about me and you isn’t it? First *gasp* No one has to HELP Charice and Arnel. Why do you make it all sound like a charity fund in response to their sob stories instead of showing appreciation for musical talent? And what if I DO expect Afghans or whatever to support them (under the condition if it’s about musical talent)? I expect EVERYONE to support them as MUSICIANS for their MUSICAL talent. But you’re right. We live in a very shallow world where people like you have to put racial qualities in front of everything else so people will always have their biases. It is a bit much to expect.
“I reiterate, if you can’t find it in your heart to support them make it internationally, then the LEAST, the LEAST, the LEAST you can do is SHUT UP and stop disgracing us.”
No YOU shut up xP xP xP
Seriously, I’m sorry that we’re in the real world instead of a 1950’s sitcom where everyone has something nice to say. Am I disgracing you and hurting your “pride”? You can make me out to be a monster that’s out to be a joykill and nothing else, all I’m doing is being a lover and defender of music.
“Don’t be SHALLOW!”
You keep saying this out of context so I don’t even know what your argument is for that. I try to reread what you say before and after but I don’t even think you know it means.
I hope you are just sensationalizing your title. Charice and Arnel are always happy to tell every part of the world that they are filipinos. They are never ashamed of being a Filipino. Charice even wear a Philippine flag neckclace abroad. Thousands of other people from other countries who have not heard of the Philippines are now aware of the talents we have here. Please let us not be selfish, let them share their gifts, not only for us Filipinos, but to the world.
Banuk
Yes, the title is worded sharply, but the post elaborates more on it. Arnel and Charice are unquestionably Filipino even if they decide to change their nationalities.
The matter that is debated is their originality, identities, and applied talents (or talent applied to x, y, z). I’m also critical of a portion of the fanbase(s) of the two who blindly support them because they are of the same ethnicity. As you read the responses, people differ in how they view things
THIS. I’m an American and I didn’t know much about the Philippines until Arnel became part of Journey. Now I find myself listening to Arnel’s solo album and the Zoo’s Zoology more than Journey’s own albums. I sing along with every OPM song I’ve heard Arnel sing, and I’d like to point out that he has written/composed a great deal of those songs HIMSELF. Why does it matter that those songs aren’t what got him famous in the US? Those songs didn’t even do very well in his own country. It doesn’t make them any less worth listening to. After spending roughly 28 years in the music industry, he deserves to be where he’s at. This post reminds me of all the narrowminded asshats I see posting on Journey’s facebook page and that’s really sad. Arnel is a talented individual with much experience in his field, a fact that jstuff29 apparently forget to research first. I’m only halfway through the comments here so I assume this has probably already been brought up, but he did also contribute to the new Eclipse album. jstuff29, you remind me of all the Perry enthusiasts who can’t let the past go. Is that an underlying motive here? I wouldn’t be surprised. All in all, I don’t know why I bother replying, as your opinion would never influence my own anyway. I’m just surprised to see something like this and in my heart of hearts I hope Arnel or his kids haven’t stumbled across this post.
Through Arnel I discovered music I’d never heard before, but grew to love. I sing right along with Asin, too. Is that offensive? Ah well. I’m proud of what I have learned and very proud to give Arnel the credit for it. I only wish I would have known of him before Journey, because he is so much MORE than a “Steve Perry cover singer.”
I just want to understand something about your blog, “Why the Philippine Suck”. You never mentioned what is this all about or what is the purpose of this blog. What are you trying to achieve? Where are you based (are you in the Philippines)?
I think answering those questions will help a lot.
Maybe you want another tab up there that says ABOUT.
In theory, the tab above that says “Why the Philippines Suck” is my about page. Obviously it needs some work. Okay, a major overhaul is needed.
My main inspiration of this blog is this site, Antipinoy.com. I’ve been following the writers of that for months. At fist, their views and arguments confused me , but they have a thing or two to state that the mass media doesn’t offer.
This is my first blog BTW.
First of all, there is only one Arnel Pineda, and there is only one Charice. So, what is originality? Do you need to be purely original Filipino in all the ways to be called original? Not to mention what is the definition of an original Filipino anyway (who knows)? And how far can you get if you are so called purely original Filipino ? I am sure so many have tried before, but where are they now? Did they make any difference? Even Freddie Aguliar has to translate his “Anak” in many languages. The self-proclaimed pinoy identity savior, who is at the same time egotistic, selfish and a hypocrite. How far can you penetrate the world if you confine yourself in a fence? You need to communicate with the rest of the world, and they need to understand you before they will listen to you. Charice and Arnel are now unofficial Philippine ambassadors to other countries. They have already united a lot of Filipinos abroad where a lot of politician have failed.
Arnel may sing Journey songs, Charice may sing Whitney or Celine; but they also sing from their hearts. People around the world will listen,… and they will know that that heart is the heart of a Filipino. Mabuhay.
Banuk
You are right, there is only one Charice and only one Arnel. Yet, there are many who copy Whitney, Celine, and Steve Perry. According to some music writers, Neal Schon himself is guilty of finding three Steve Perry sound alikes and inviting them to join Journey.
What’s a Filipino? Or a Filipino song? I’ll answer the latter. This is what I wrote in response to Mods:
“1) A song composed/ produced by a Filipino (either natural born or by significant descent) in ANY language
2.) A song in any of the many languages/ dialects (excluding English) found in the Philippines composed/produced by a person of any background.”
What’s originality? Originality in relation to what I wrote is just simply having a song one either composed by one’s self or made by others specifically for that person.
I want to emphasize what you wrote that people will know that Arnel and Charice are Filipino no matter what they sing. I concur. It’s not about standing in a corner shouting “Pinoy Pride”, but doing well enough that people themselves recognize it without the person saying it outright. Look at Freddy Mercury. People know he is British, Tanzanian, and of Indian descent through his success. In other words, success forces people to acknowledge the successful person.
Charice is not mimicking…
If she just mimics those singers… Why will Oprah, David Foster and other huge people would waste their time with Charice? Why would Warner Brothers waste their time? Why would 143/Reprise waste their time? Why did the “Alvin and the Chipmunks” crew picked Charice among those all of who have auditioned for the role?
right? coz if she just mimics.. then people from the circus should guest her.. not ellen… not paul o grady… not italy… not singapore idol… not david foster… not oprah… and i know you would say “i dont like them blah blah blah they’re stupid whatever” Could you prove that? Well of course not.. coz who are you to judge people? who are you to judge charice? maybe you’re just sharing your views… well your views are promoting hatred…
At least people like them are fans… Why does Philippines suck? Because of people like you! Who would try to share his view without even trying to use facts… All of what you said are just assumptions.. especially the article you said about charice and mediocrity..
at least Charice is doing something for the Philippines… and what are you doing? what a shame!
at least Charice and Arnel’s paycheck are doing something for our country… Their taxes are processed by the government, through its law making body, that would help n raising income to defray the necessary expenses of our country… well what is tax for? For public purpose! i know.. you might say something about corruption.. whatever… but taxation is based on that and you cant do anything about it!
at least im not dogmatic.. I would be honest.. im a fool for posting comments here… wasting my time… I allowed myself to be under your temptation mr devil…
btw I would definitely spit on you for picking on a 17 yr old girl.. her voice is not even mature yet… she’s still a kid.. A singer’s would mature around 20-30..
I said before “Charice said there are a lot of better singers than her.” I’m a charice fan… others are too.. but we’re not even saying Charice is the best singer in the world.. and you’re like.. what? VERY DOGMATIC… she just mimics… she just mimics.. she just mimics… sheesh… gamitin mo ang utak mo at TENGA mo! parang tanga pala ang mga tao sa madison garden when Charice and Celine sang “Because you loved me” kc sbi mo Charice is just mimicking… e d dpt napansin nila yun kc DUET yun!! duh!! wla nmn ako narinig kht 1 tao nagsbi na same xla ng boses.. basahin mo lahat ng american reviews from american journalists… duh!!!
fyi sir.. you’re not all knowing.. so please stop trying to be one.. coz you’ll never be one!
Philippines suck because of people like you who are selfish, dogmatic, pessimistic and insensitive..
Kate
The Philippines might suck, but it won’t be because of me. I contribute to improving the country marginally. How? By applying critical thinking to events and ideas related to the country. I plan to write more blog entries and to challenge other Filipinos to use critical thinking.
You mentioned taxes that people pay or tax revenues from the POV of the government. Do you know that tax revenues paid by the Filipinos are used to murder other Filipinos? Look at the Ampatuan Massacre. Tax revenues helped to maintain their own private army that butcher people. Kate, tax revenues aren’t all that beneficial especially at the hands of the notoriously corrupt Filipino officials.
As for the reasons why David Foster and Oprah support Charice? I’m not going to pretend I have an answer. My cynical instinct tells me that David Foster hedged his bet. Charice is not untalented afterall, and she could make him money through his productions. In addition, by including Charice as saling pusa (okay, a supporting act!) in his tour, he gains the support ($$$) of Filipino-North Americans. Whatever the case, he is not gambling blindly, and more power to him and Charice.
Kate, I’m going to ask you why you support Charice. Can’t you get the same from listening to Whitney or Celine’s albums, attending their concerts, and watching concert footage? Would you also be a fan of Charice and Arnel if they were Cambodians?
Charice mimics Celine and other singers???
this is Charice and Celine’s DUET
bingi k b? mimic pla a… this proves you’re not even CREDIBLE..
Is Charice NOT singing the same old song made popular by her duet partner?
Since that’s just one example, isn’t it true that Charice’s public performance record as a whole full of mimicry/ aping/ copycat examples?
well first before replying.. you have to know why did Charice and Celine sing that song…
The song was dedicated to her mother…
+ during that time… and Charice doesnt have a recording contract yet… and that is Celine Dion’s concert… If you have a problem w/ the song choice.. blame it to Celine.. Since she is the one who picked that song.. again.. at least freddie aguilar already accepted the fact that Charice sang “My heart will go on” because Celine will surprise her.
about her public performance record in the US… Charice never picked what songs will she sing… blame it to David Foster… her album will be release this year.. so yey.. no more whitney. celine, and beyonce for you…
listen to Charice’s version of Listen… the one before she met David Foster… Charice would make the arrangement higher… Charice loves doing G#5.. i bet you dont know what that note means.. try playing the piano.. Charice did a G#5 on a note where Beyonce sang it lower… Charice also did a G#5 on Whitney’s “One more time” where Whitney sang a note close to G#3… Charice did a G#5 on Fantasia’s “I believe” and believe me Charice didnt sound like Fantasia.. and obviously you know what Fantasia sounds like.. you could listen to “Lipad ng Pangarap” its very Charice.. she didnt sound like the original one who sounded like sheryn regis.. Charice’s headvoice sounds better than Whitney’s if you would watch Charice’s performance of “I will always love you.” Charice didnt sound like Jennifer Hudson, Jennifer Holiday, and Bianca Ryan on the song “And I am telling you” yes she didnt sound like a black person… she didnt sound like bianca ryan who’s singing with a lot of pressure in pushing the song.. Charice had more vocal control unlike the three of them… yes charice does sound a lot like Whitney… but you can’t mimic a vibrato.. Charice and Whitney’s vibrato and headvoice are 100% different… and yes i know you may say Charice mimics whitney during the chorus… but thats the arrangement of the song… blame it to David Foster… hmm mariah… nope.. Charice is not allowed to whistle… as instructed by David Foster…
Charice sang i will always love you/ i have nothing.. coz its david foster’s concert… its about the songs produced by David Foster…
“And I Am Telling you” <- Charice mimicked who? tell me.. i know its old.. the last time Charice sang this on a tv show is 2008.. @ paul o grady… coz paul saw this on ellen… and ellen saw it on starking… ellen saw charice doing a cover… charice did this cover because FalseVoice asked charice to make one as he is fond of making Charice vs Bianca Ryan videos..
She sang "Anak" on her first solo concert… and yes she didnt mimic your idol – freddie aguilar! though i have to admit i was wanting her to mimic him…
I am already tired typing haha.. i cant type it all… you go figure it out yourself.. mr know it all.. you dont even know these facts…
you should know the facts first before judging, hating, and such about Charice..
2010 is here.. Charice's album is near… and im not hoping that you would like the album.. its very obvious already..
i meant whitney’s “one moment in time”
sorry im not as perfect as you
Points noted Kate. I’m willing to concede that Charice put a different spin on singing those material. Somewhere in the comment section, I also wrote that the blame should go to Charice’s handlers for making her sing the old songs.
Nonetheless, it’s still singing the same old songs. I don’t like it. I could just whip put Celine and Whitney cds. Do you see why musicians always strive to have their own songs?
BTW you assume too much
haha im not the one who is assuming too much.. im a charice fan.. so i know the details… i didnt assume ellen saw charice on starking… ellen was the one who showed it… I read a lot of interviews and such… i have sources… 😛 but yeah I do assume a lot when it comes to you.. coz you too assume too much about charice.. and i guess im sorry…
well i dont see her performing old songs @ abs anymore… halo is new.. note to god.. always you… heal the world.. hmm.. coz its a tribute to mj… lipad ng pangarap.. hmm.. coz its a tribute to filipinos working abroad…
i guess the discussion ends here.. 😛
Kate
BTW that’s still mimicry
Yes I consider covering songs = copycats = mimicry = aping
Especially if one musician has no song of her/his own. Pang perya ang ganyan sa US. Even garage bands have their own songs.
The film equivalent of that mimicry is the Hollywood remakes of non US films. Both suck and I have no intention of wasting my time with them.
hmm so covering songs = mimicking? haha
so here is Charice and Kuh’s duet of “Anak”
so they are mimicking your freddie aguilar…
i think you said something about charice is always singing old songs.. yes i agree w/ you that… but the answer is so obvious!! her album is not yet released… and about jojo and diane warren.. Charice didnt intend that to happen.. so why blame charice? haha seriously… Charice already proved she can sing like whitney, celine, and beyonce.. so im fed up with her covering songs.. but what can i do? its her management that I should blame for that… so now im waiting for something original…
and fyi.. just because they (kuh and charice) are covering songs… it doesnt mean they are mimicking the singer’s (freddie) voice… LOL!
so if i would sing a song by freddie aguilar.. it doesnt mean im mimicking his voice! LOL!!!
about other performances.. I already replied… see my comment up there haha
{The ploy of abusing sarcasm and being ambiguous is getting amusing.} Well then, get a load of this.
Jstuffed was right. I am getting to you. Your arguments are starting to get frayed at the seams and sounding idiotic and laughable by each post.
{Who cares if they are Americans? Did they ever even self-proclaim themselves as international artists who were able to conquer and colonize America? }
Duh. Conquer? Colonize America? They are already in America. ROTFL. The fact that you even know the ethnicity of these American musicians and you are Filipino means they are international artists.
{I don’t know if they really have or haven’t acknowledged their ethnicity, but they’re NOT supposed to. }
Unless it helps sell themselves and their albums. I must admit Norah Jones talked about her father (the Indian Beatle) so you got me here. I’ll have my poodle stuffed and sent to you c/o Jstuffed.
{If I were a musician I would want to sell my music, not my race, not my age, not my gender or anything stupidly superficial that can be used to discriminate or have a shallow favorable bias towards me. }
Extricate your face out of your arse for a moment and look out at the real world. Did they not teach you Marketing in school? Success in the music business is not just about the music. It is also about image and how you market yourself taking into consideration all the stupid superficial things you are talking about. Now if Maria Ozawa had 1/10th the talent of Charice, I guarantee she would be a cross-over hit in the US.
{If I were Charice I would be disappointed because with all the hype before I even get to show something of my own, I’m never going to know the real merit of my accomplishments even if I might be filthy rich.}
Now see SOMEONE, inane statements like these reveal your personal bias (too neutral), animosity (still mild), hatred (more like it) to Filipinos like Charice and Arnel. I’d like to make a ‘Criminal Minds’ profile on you but I’ll bite my tongue because I’ll just make you cry and tell your mama. Here’s the deal: Charice needs all the hype she can get to get noticed even BEFORE she releases her first album in the US, in order to be successful. She does not have the advantage of having 50 million viewers weekly for four months that American Idol singers have. And as far as accomplishments, I bet Charice has accomplished more in her 17 years than what you can achieve in your lifetime. After reading the rest of your post, 100 lifetimes.
“Again, I want to reiterate.”
{Again, I also like to reiterate there hasn’t really been Asian singers singing to Asian music in America cause they DON’T want to.}
But isn’t that what your hero of musical integrity, Freddie Aguilar, wants Charice and Arnel to do? Isn’t that what YOU SOMEONE and JSTUFFED want Charice and Arnel to do so they will have YOUR respect as real musical artists with integrity… showcase and sing original pinoy music in America? Isn’t this the whole point of this blog?
{The only ones who make that kind of crap a big deal are real elitists }
Hey, you SOMEONE and JSTUFFED are the ones that brought out this CRAP and made it a big deal. READ YOUR FREAKING BLOG. So guess who is the REAL elitists, now?
{who like to claim that only people who are active in America are successful. “Cause who wouldn’t want to be validated by the country dominated by rich white peeps? Only moronic losers. Lulz.” }
You’re damn right. If you want to be considered an international success you have to penetrate the American market. That’s another reality that you would have known if you just stop being a moronic loser and take your face out of your arse.
{And what’s the purpose of calling Charice a homegrown Filipino who was able to cross over to America when there’s not much crossing over to begin with. Is there anything Filipino she’s brought over when “penetrating” American mainstream?}
Hellooo!? Is there any brain matter left in your head? Even my three year old can recognize her as Filipino on TV. Considering your elitist hatred, you probably won’t even consider her singing talent and musicality as homegrown Filipino.
{No one wants to spit them out of America.}
You’re damn right again. We appreciate and support special talent when we see one. I better warn you not to disrespect Oprah and Ellen for supporting Charice for if the word gets out, you know Oprah has Obama’s ear, the Philippines might be in deeper shit than where it is right now.
{And they can sing whatever they like. Again, I don’t have anything personal against them, }
You’re not just a moronic loser with his head stuck up his arse but also a liar.
{and I’m not saying them and their families deserve to starve, even if it means they have to copy and leech off of other people.}
My God, where is this hatred all coming from? Poor Arnel and Charice are just trying to make a living with their talent, they get recognize here in America, get rich and now they are leeches? Again, unstuck your head from your arse and look around you. Guess what? Leeches abound in the Phil. For all I know you and your family might have leeched off from your already poor country for all your electronic toys, fancy car and high priced education.
{I just want people to stop talking
about Filipino pride when they don’t even know what it’s supposed to be.}
Now this gets me mad. And I suppose you know about Filipino pride. It’s obvious you don’t have one. Pride is something you feel inside when you see your family, friends, alumni and countrymen do well and get recognized for it. I’ve never in my life seen such arrogance as what I have seen in this statement. Filipino pride is when you take a break from school, fly across the US and see Lea Salonga get a standing ovation on Broadway. Filipino pride is when my Chinese-American wife, who is an avid fan of American Idol, first saw Charice by chance on PBS, tells me to watch with her and after the performance tells me that never in her life did she had goosebumps from watching somebody sing that well. We both are now avid Charice video watchers as a result. Filipino pride is watching Arnel Pineda in concert at Raley Field and afterwards my white friends and other people recognizing you look like Filipino yell “Hey you guys rock!”.
Who the hell are you to tell me that I don’t know what I’m feeling and my feeling does not count as Filipino pride?
{“We couldn’t care less. We will gladly have them here in the US and provide them the opportunity to be able to spit back at you.”
More childish rebuttals. I’m getting ready to cry.}
Hey, your compadre jstuffed started the spitting thing remember? I’m just adding to the theme. I won’t be surprised if you go to your mama crying after reading this. Just don’t go to your dad, he might send his private army to hunt me down.
There’s more but I think I’ll save them for next time after reading the next blog from you, jstuffed and other Filipino elitists when Manny Pacquiao becomes the next president of the Philippines. Go Manny!
Both suck and I have no intention of wasting my time with them.
them -> Charice and Arnel?
then dont! no one is forcing you… you’re the one who did an article using charice and arnel as examples..
you should have used freddie aguilar and how original can he be… though he is guilty of covering / mimicking songs of old rock bands in his own bar recently… but yeah still he got famous w/ his original songs in the past…
this is going nowhere
Kate
I was refering more to music covers and Hollywood remakes in general. “A Tale of Two Sisters” is awesome and not in need of a remake. “Let the Right One In” also doen’t need a remake, and the remake will just water it down
If Charice’s album has enough catchy material, I might even buy legit copies. As for Arnel, I’ll just be happy if he is involved in making Journey albums. Journey is not my type of rock unless they can reinvent themselves.
BTW I’m aware that Freddie has many faults as well. He failed to evolve and criticized Jose MariChan and Francis Magallona unfairly.
i just want to emphasize with what you said about Charice that she should only be compared to katharine and clay… lets exclude everything first… and put an emphasis on this..
DF and friends 08.. Charice was the last performer before the main event (josh groban). Katharine performed @ the earlier part of the show
DF and friends 09.. Charice was the main event.. Clay Aiken… also @ the earlier part of the show…
DF and friends 09 Tour… Charice was the main event… American idol season 2 WINNER Reuben performed @ the earlier part of the show too… Reuben defeated Clay right…
you said [ “Arnel and Charice are merely sideshows and cannot be compared to American Idol WINNERS if this writer is to make a “balanced” point. ]
yes charice is not successful yet… FYI.. she is not yet like Freddie Aguilar… She is just beginning her career… her album is not even released yet… so if you want to make a balanced point.. use successful people already not beginners like Charice.. no one is saying she is already successful… those achievements are only stepping stones no matter how big it is… 😛
Kate
Duly noted regarding the scenario you posed and the Rubben example as well. To my defense, I’ve commented somewhere here about winners of AI not being all successful.
Edit: That’s got me thinking. Let’s face it, looks play a part on who gets to be more successful to some degree. I wonder what would be the case if Charice were as pretty as Katharine (equal to Iza Calzado in looks? any pretty “non mestiza looking” Filipina equivalent suggestion?). There would less unjust criticism of Charice if that were the case. I admit cracking a joke due to Charice’s looks a few times. IDK if I did it in this post and comments.
I have one question for you before I make a comment. Will u still able to write this blog if you are a friend to Arnel & Charice?
Lance
If they were my friends, I would reword it slightly, but the core of the criticism will remain. Real friends are the ones who can point out a problem in a frank manner.
Edit: I’d also tell them privately the dangers and consequences of being known as a copycat in the entertainment industry.
I cannot believe this is true!
{We’re not on the same page, and while you’re at it, try to stay at the same book.}
Jtuffed, Jstuffed, Jstuffed. Of course we’re not on the same page. We’re not even in the same world. I was just messing with you and SOMEONE the Arseman. I was beginning to worry you two dimwit morons won’t catch on.
{The examples I mentioned included Americans of ASIAN descent. Note that I wrote ASIAN-AMERICAN. BTW they’re pretty successful too.}
BTW, what is your obsession with Asian-American musicians? As far as I know you are NOT in America and you’re a freaking Filipino. You are telling your fellow Filipinos to spit on themselves for supporting and feeling Filipino pride for Charice and Arnel for lack of originality and then using Asian-American musicians as alternatives to emulate. Unbelievable. Are you Filipinos buying this crap?
Listen, Jstuffed and Arseman. You can not tell people WHAT or HOW to feel. Even God can not do that because he has granted each and everyone of us free will. If majority of Filipinos feel Filipino pride for Charice and Arnel’s talents and what they have achieved, you have no right to tell them to spit on themselves just because you two dimwit morons don’t feel that way.
And to top it off, Jstuffed here keeps harping about Asian-American musicians, arrogantly dropping names here and there as if saying he’s a musical sophisticate and we’re not, as alternatives to Charice and Arnel for your affection and support. If Jstuffed feels pride for the music and accomplishments of these Asian-American musicians, it’s his feelings and his right. But he does NOT have the right to be intolerant of other people’s musical preferences, insulting his fellow Filipinos for preferring Charice and Arnel, instead of his beloved Asian-American musicians and in Arseman’s case, Utotmo Wasakiki.
{BTW what’s you obsession with Asians in Asia becoming successful?}
Helloo?! Do I have to knock on your noggin? You wrote a freaking blog about Charice and Arnel. Isn’t that what they are trying to do? (I can just see the guinea pig spinning its wheel in Jstuffed thick skull coming up with a counter zinger … uh, copycat, shallow validation, originality, opm, pussycat dolls …)
The fact that despite your name dropping prowess, you can’t even come up with one name of a homegrown Asian singer making it big in America, makes Charice’ impending success a historical one. Oooohh…that must be eating at your elitist, mestizo soul. Imagine an unsophisticated, midget, native Filipina with pug nose and brown skin making it big in America, bigger than your beloved Asian-Americans … Oh, the horror, the horror.
{ If you really care about them, you should support Asian American musicians that have the talent to break into mainstream music. }
Oh yeah. My wife and I, actually mainly my wife supported Asian-American singers and dancers in Am Idol, Am Got Talent, So you think you can dance, Bruno vs. Carrie Ann and all these other shows she watches on cable. Personally, I liked 14 yr old Thia Megia in her first audition but bombed on her version of The Climb in Am Got Talent. I think she has the voice, the looks and personality to make it big someday. We even supported William Hung, for crissakes.
{You disparaging remarks on Apl sheds negative light on your character. Apl is one of the founding members of the band along with Will I Am.}
My bad on this one. I thought Apl was the Asian looking dude until I saw the two videos embedded. I didn’t realize Apl was the other black dude. First time to see those videos and I’m impressed that he was able to sing and record those songs. Still not American mainstream though or else I would’ve heard of it.
{While you’re at it, drop the sophistry act. You write about the US embracing Asian musicians yet the US constantly whitewashes the stories about Asian people/characters (see the films: “21″ and the “Last Airbender”). What you write and what really happens are totally different things.}
Again, Helloo?! Charice and Arnel have guested in Oprah, Ellen, CBS early show, ABC good morning america, PBS. How much more embracing do you need? Oprah is the queen and king of mass media here in America and if you are an artist or pitching a product, once you appear in Oprah, that means you’ve made it.
The US embracing of Asian musicians with talent like Charice and Arnel is a totally different issue from the way US media portray Asians or the lack thereof. You are confusing the two and I am willing to discuss with you about US media bias …Oh wait. Why do you care? You’re a freaking Filipino!
{BTW could you just write for yourself. You are not America.}
You see Jstuffed, you upset and offended my Asian-American wife who like other Americans like Oprah, Ellen, Diane Sawyer, Robin Roberts, Joe Torre, Paris Hilton and millions of other NON-Filipino Americans from Dodger Stadium in LA to Madison Square Garden in NY, never heard about Charice but were all touched as if by magic once they heard her sing. She accidentally came upon your blog, showed it to me and asked …”How can a Filipino write this? Shouldn’t they be proud of her? Can you do something about it?” I am writing for her and for the millions of Americans like her.
To all the Filipinos reading and following this blog:
If you feel in your hearts that you are proud of Charice and Arnel, don’t be ashamed of it or hide it just because these dimwit morons tells you that you are spitting yourselves for doing so. Stop trying to rationalize what you are feeling with these bozos because they don’t feel the same way. You’re not obligated to rationalize what you’re feeling, anyway. Let them feel proud of their pussycat dolls, Mark Horoda (whoever he is), Jocelyn Enriquez (never heard of her either) and Utotmo Wasakiki but NEVER EVER let them tell you what you should feel or who you should be proud of.
Music, original or not, has the ability to capture the mind, the heart and the soul. Charice, and to a lesser extent Arnel, has done that to millions of people around the world. As ethnic Filipino living in the US, I am proud that they are homegrown Filipino talents. And no diatribes or rationalizations from Jstuffed aka Dimwit and Someone aka Arseman, can convince me otherwise.
lagderf
It’s a free enough world where ideas and debates can be aired. Unless such things are banned in your West Coast city that starts with an S, you’re going to have to live in a world where I share my views. I have a right to tell Filipinos everywhere that Charice and Arnel are not worth supporting, and you better bet that I will have more to write about the foolishness of their uncritical supporters. Of course, they have a right to reject my view like you are doing, but I’m pretty sure I can outargue those courageous enough to take on my main points.
I brought up the examples of Americans (of full or at least half Asian descent) because you keep mentioning the lack of Asian musicians from Asia not having success in the US. What’s the idea behind rejecting and sidestepping the examples I gave? Both sets are Asian by descent. The only difference is that Asian-Americans have a familiarity and grew up with a knowledge of American culture (specifically, music trends). One set is familiar with the environment while the other has to learn about it. Hence, Asian Americans have been part of alternative rock-hiphop for a long time whereas Asians in Asia have to learn about American alternative rock-hiphop.
The Black Eyed Peas (BEP) are not mainstream enough? You must have been from Middle America despite living now in the a West Coast city. The BEP have been a mainstay at Top40 stations for years, and some music commentators are disappointed at the lost of progressive roots/ alternative nature of the band. Non mainstream bands don’t get to perform at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show (it might be hard to pay attention to them when there are hot models walking with little clothing!).
The issue of Asian musicians from Asia breaking into the US market and films that whitewash the Asian roots of the plots are interrelated. The latter is a barometer of the opportunities available to people of Asian descent in the entertainment industry.
Too bad that your wife was just upset and offended. Too bad she didn’t use critical thinking to think for herself about the issues I brought up. Encourage her to think about originality, identity, and artistic merit with some regards to economic considerations.
About your message regarding “To all the Filipinos reading and following this blog:”
Stop encouraging blind and uncritical fandom. It should be argued that people should support musicians that have artistic merit. They should have some sort of mixture of originality, ability to evolve, and ability to grow their fanbase without dramatically changing the fanbase’s demographic. In short, they should have something worth offering unlike the pathetic copycats. Stop encouraging people to be puppets that labels can easily manipulate.
Sidenote
Your personal attacks on me and Someone only weakens the effectiveness of your already substandard arguments. Try to remember that when you try to debate others. Try not to assume to much about me. Just because I write about Filipino topics on the blog doesn’t automatically translate to me being a Filipino. You assume that I’m a Filipino not in the US. Perhaps you are correct, perhaps not. Why does it matter if I’m able to nullify your main points?
Trying to bait me into flaming you won’t work. I’m not like the stereotypical onion skinned Filipino in case you haven’t read my other posts ( Encourage your wife to read them so that she can be introduced to more critical thinking / independent thought). Troll harder
Jstuffed aka Dimwit
You disappoint me. I expected more from you than Someone the Arseman. No counter arguments that make sense, no counter zingers, just rehash of your inutile blather. It’s no fun anymore.
Music is a personal and an individual choice. I still remember a friend bringing me to a zydeco show in Berkeley once. She loved it but it was the most teeth gnashing experience in my life. I hated country music until Carrie Underwood started singing them. I never liked rap until I saw Eminem in ‘8 mile’. I don’t like Charice’ new single Pyramid but absolutely love those two Tagalog songs she sang in that noontime Filipino show (it was heartachingly beautiful and reminded me of days gone by). I listen to a different set of radio stations from my wife. Fortunately, we have separate commutes and compromise on one station when together.
We may tease with friends and family about our tastes in music but we NEVER disrespect each other by forcing them to like what we like and insult them if they don’t do so. You see Jstuffed the Dimwit and Someone the Arseman, that’s where you crossed the line. You morons disrespected me, my wife, your fellow Filipinos and millions of other people who prefer listening to Charice and Arnel than your beloved pussycat dolls, Mark Horoda, Jocelyn Enriquez and Utotmo Wasakiki. And for that, you dimwit morons don’t deserve any respect.
lagderf
I forgot to mention that you need to get some more critical thinking skills as well. It’s for your own good. You don’t want to be one of the Filipino morons who get offended when one journalist writes a satire not even directed at Filipinos in general (see what I wrote about Filipinos and Chip Tsao). BTW I’ve already replied to the points you made on your last post even when you sidestep my other points.
I concur that music is an individual choice. Hence, I wrote not to mock people’s music choices, but to present a case where musicians can be compared and contrasted not on music taste. Rather it compares and contrasts them on how they go about releasing their albums.
You, your wife, Filipinos, and others can feel “insulted and disrespected” all you want. I’ve done all I can to free your minds. Yet you keep being hostile and in the process, keep disrespecting other musicians, other posters here, and myself.
Poor Jstuffed. I am starting to feel pity for you so I’ll put the insults aside.
I actually agree with you about Charice and Arnel as copycat singers with no originality. Specially with Charice at this point in her career. But she’s still very young, only 17. She would not even qualify for American Idol during the earlier years. She has all the time in the world to blossom into a musical artist. What strikes me about her is not so much her voice but her musicality which if allowed to evolve may one day lead to a distinct and original style of singing and musical interpretation. Take her interpretation of Celine Dion’s ‘Because you love me’. Even the NY Times critic of the show took note of how Charice was able to take the song to new heights that have not been heard from the original and considered her performance the highlight of the show. Even her interpretation of the Star spangled banner with that final riff at the end of the song really brought the house down, brought a tear to a MLB player and goosebumps to the Dodger manager. Yes, she may be a copycat but her talent and musicality are undeniable.
As analogy, Yo Yo Ma and Yan Yan are two classical Asian musicians that have crossed over to the mainstream worldwide not because of original compositions but their undeniable talent on how they play their instruments and how they interpret the music.
Now I know you disagree with me and the millions of people in the Philippines and around the world that are taken by Charice’ singing talent. That is your choice and you have all the right to tell the world about it. But you have no right to insult us about our own personal choice. That we need to be enlightened and to be critical thinkers. As I said, you can not rationalize what you’re feeling. Try rationalizing when you first fall in love. You can’t reason with your feelings no matter how much you try.
You have brought forth a wave of angry posts to your blog because you are forcing people to rationalize what they are feeling about Charice and Arnel. This is just like telling someone that the person they love is a tramp and does not deserve their love and affection. Of course, they become defensive.
Jstuffed, you are the one that needs to free your mind. You can still tell your message while being respectful of other people’s choices and feelings. It is my hope that you use your talents for something more constructive and helpful to your country.
lagderf
Spare me your pity. I don’t need it. If many people are angry with me, so be it. I don’t care if they lash out because I failed to persuade them. In case you haven’t noticed, the title of this blog is PHILIPPINES SUCK. Haven’t you noticed that one of my blog entries is titled FILIPINOS ARE IGNORANT FOOLS? My blog entries are designed to get some emotions out of people while trying to persuade them to change. I like my provocative way of getting my message across.
As for Charice, her talent may allow her to have some sort of staying power. Good for her if she can pull it off. At this point in time, there’s nothing about her that will persuade me to buy a legal copy of her music. A catchy single might persuade me to rethink my position.
Good point about the danger of forcing others to rationalize what they feel. Thanks for your two cents.
If others want to read more about the way to persuade someone (while disagreeing with “shock” tactics to persuade Filipinos), I recommend reading this.
The Filipino ethic of delicadeza, their equivalent of saving face, encourages people to raise unpleasant topics indirectly, or, better still, not to raise them at all.-James Fallows
JSTUFF, YOUR MOM IS LOOKING FOR YOU ALREADY.YOU NEED TO TAKE YOUR PSYCH MEDS NOW.YOU KNOW YOU GET MANIC AND START YUPPING NONSENSE WHEN YOU SKIP YOUR LITHIUM.GO,GO.KA FREDDIE TOOK HIS DOSE AND HIS QUIET WATCHING GMA.GMA MUST HAVE PROMISED YOU TO BE IN EAT BULAGA RIGHT? AS THE WEIRDEST OF THE WEIRDOS.
Cebu
Only the ignorant people attack the critic personally. Go ahead and disregard my criticism. It’s sad that you will continue to support musicians who have little to no originality. Stop assuming I watch GMA or any other channel. It’s irrelevant to the issue at hand.
[…] have to give credit to this blog entry named “Filipinos Spit On Themselves By Supporting Arnel Pineda and Charice Pempengco”. That blog entry is quite persuasive in arguing that Arnel and Charice are copycats. In addition, […]
I love Charice and Arnel, it so amazing to have an International Filipino Singers.. this blog is one of many example of Insecurities and Crab Mentality..
One word I can say to the owner of this nonsense blog is “INSECURE” coz his idol was never recognized abroad “FREDDIE AGUILAR” the real monkey!
What a surprise, the same old “insecure and crab mentality” are wheeled in once again. Come back next time with better arguments.
Look up more info about Freddie Aguilar as well.
annyong haseyo~!
just dropping by…
the latest trend in the Philippines and as well in other countries today is korean pop…
Filipinos today are now learning how to speak korean as they were influenced by Korea’s Pop Music Artists such as Wonder Girls, Super Junior, Big Bang, 2ne1 and etc..
Sandara Park, former abscbn talent, is a member of 2ne1..
Their songs and videos are being played in the radio and in mtv and myx…
Almost everyone in the Philippines knows how to dance “Nobody” by the Wondergirls…
And last year… A Filipino guy was stabbed to death because he didnt know the song “Nobody” by the Wonder Girls… (see news)
so you rather believe that Filipinos should spit on themselves by supporting Arnel and Charice? rather than by supporting korean pop music?
Here is an american guy singing “Hanggang” He learned the song because he is a big fan of Charice…
(he is also learning how to speak Filipino as a result)
Here is a korean boy singing our PHILIPPINE NATIONAL ANTHEM because of Charice
There are other videos of Charice Fans across the world that are influenced with Filipino Music because of Charice…
Take Note.. They are singing in Tagalog… an alien language to them…
I also heard one of the song writers of Josh Groban collaborated with Charice… Klaus something.. He and Charice collaborated with a song called “Thank You” for Charice’s debut album… from what I heard Charice wrote the rap parts of the song in Tagalog… I wish they would release this a single though… but I think this would be released as her 2nd single after Pyramid based on the song writer/producer’s twitter account..
So I believe your mimicry argument is nothing compared with all the arguments I posted haha :p
annyong heegaseyo jstuff29 sunbae hahaha
I see your point about those who are influenced by Charice. Others are being influenced by a copycat of Whitney and Celine. That doesn’t make Charice any less of a mimic, but a mimic who can influence others.
Filipinos being into the products of the K-wave is a symptom of a weak Filipino culture due to either colonial mentality or centuries of living under colonial rule. It’s a topic that is very deep and broad that even if I write a single blog entry on it, I can’t do it justice. Hey, check this one out, (it only focuses on Fil-Ams, but I hope others get the main idea). Notice how everything “imported” is valued over anything local (IE made in the Philippines). That’s another symptom of what I brought up.
In any case, the Koreans should be acknowledged for continuing to make their own music, film, and TV programs that are localized to their taste and language. The Asian benchmark of course is Japan where all over the world, there are very enthusiastic fans of films, games, and etc made from there. Compare and contrast that to Philippine media where variety shows try to be the
brown(Oops, half white-half Filipino!) mimics of the US entertainment. Even when those noon time shows tour the US, they still do covers. I hope you get my point that mimicry does not pay off in the long run.In “Tropic Thunder”, one character says that one should not go full retard. I’m afraid the Philippines went full retard in emulating the US not just in entertainment.
In addition I forgot to add this. Some have argued that a few decades ago, Korea used to copy Japanese entertainment trends. Now, the US is remaking Korean films! Korean films can be pretty good at times and in some rare cases superior to many films in the planet.
To lagderf:
Wow! No pity is needed, although I do appreciate how I can finally read something coherent that’s not padded by a wall of insults. 🙂
“I actually agree with you about Charice and Arnel as copycat singers with no originality.”
That’s all I was looking forward to hearing from at least 1 fan really. I’m starting to sound like a broken record when I say that I don’t care what kind of music you like. That’s as vain as me trying to get you to like the color purple just cause I like the color purple. And you’re right, it’s not something that you can rationalize. I’ve never said she’s a bad singer and that no one has a right to like her, that’s not what I’ve been trying to refute. Just praise her for what she is, “copycat singers with no originality”.
And to take your example, I can also understand why you would be offended if I called your S.O. a tramp. But look, I wouldn’t care if you like the trampy type, “it’s not something that you can rationalize”. Just acknowledge that she’s a tramp, and admit that you like her cause she’s a tramp. The only reason why you would be defensive if people called your S.O. a tramp or Charice and Arnel as copycats would be if you’re ashamed of it. Now if you really don’t think she isn’t a tramp, I’d expect you to give me a valid definition of a tramp and literally point out that she doesn’t have those qualities. Just as much as I have expected you to state what’s so Filipino about what Charice and Arnel have done that makes you call them an international star which you have always avoided so far. And that’s not something you CAN’T rationalize.
And since you’ve actually brought up what you actually like about her music abilities, I’ll also put in my little 2 cents. The girl can pull off what Celine and Whitney couldn’t do I admit. But I have become disenchanted with her as quickly as a Filipino would if she was a Chinese girl. “Look at the Chinese girl who can sing like Celine and Whitney. Moving on.” When I try to listen to my mom’s cd, I don’t feel it heartwarming and genuine. She can showoff how she can do it “better” than Whitney, but if that’s all she can pull off than I remain unimpressed.
And I still stand my ground that 90% of her Filipino fans wouldn’t care if she was of another race, and which is why I’m never going to be convinced that her international “success” will be due to genuine talent or Filipinos giving her tally points. I guess a racist wouldn’t be able to rationalize why it is that they don’t like a certain group, but it doesn’t mean they can’t admit they’re biased (for shallow reasons).
“And I still stand my ground that 90% of her Filipino fans wouldn’t care if she was of another race,”
I’ll give Filipinos more credit. My estimate is between 70 to 75% especially if that other singer (let’s assume she’s Asian) gets some attention from American media. Filipinos especially those in the Philippines can be so easily impressed by Americans.
Those who wrote FIlipino about originalilty and Identity, what have you done to the philippines?? How much yuu contribute to our country and to your society of being identity??..being originality? ano resulta sa pagka makaabayan nyo!!! sa kankongan kayo pupulotin!! WAKE UP!! this is already year 2010.
We professional abroad have the talent to speak english and flexibilty to adopt our professional expertise. Thats why Filipinos skilled and professionals now are competent all over the world. Thank to my talent that I earn milions!!. I am proud of Charice and Arnel.. their talent are a new Filipino hero as examples.
Go back to this crab mentality, stupidity issue thinking they have best mental capacity, I will only belive you if you can earn millions like us..
Huwag nyo hilain ang mga Pinoy pababa.. kayo ang nag pabaksak sa enonomy natin dahil sa mentility nyo na baloktot..!!!.
Ubob
Stop for a moment bragging to people that you’re earning millions and think. That’s right, think. That’s how I help Filipinos. I write provocative blog entries to engage my fellow Filipinos. Hopefully, their views are broadened as a result.
If Lucio Tan and Henry Sy came out to state that Filipinos are useless English spokening (sic) monkeys, you would believe them over a guy (who doesn’t earn millions) who has a keener intellect? Get a fucking grip! Don’t you realize that the practices of some of those business elites are the ones keeping the country down?
I want you to consider to not so loudly and proclaim not so frequently that Filipinos have a good command of English (usually meaning American English). Overzealous proclamations of that makes it seem that the speaker/writer is an Asian Uncle Tom.
I also recommend you stop drinking the Kool Aid served by GMA. The “heroes” label given to OFWs is nonsense. Do you recognize that you’re just an easily manipulated person to the business and political elites? The remittances you send merely perpetuate the stranglehold the business elites enjoy over the politicians, the economy, and the country as a whole. If remittances were not so big, there would have immense pressure from the majority of people targeted at the political and business elites. I know remittances serve the families of OFWs, but consider the alternative. The French had Bastille. It’s time for the Philippines to put real pressure on those who have the most to lose.
[…] Filipinos spit on themselves by supporting Arnel Pineda and … […]
it’s crazy how music careers are becoming stage of political agendas.
the merit of charice is that filipinos start to see it from the other side, because until now,
** hollywood has been a political tool all the time, though not just one-dimensional, but nonetheless generally americanizing,
** and the manila networks have been always tools to the political and economic elites, but directed to domestic audience.
suddenly, the outside world is looking in through the window, and into the filipino microcosm.
and so, charice and arnel are used as proxies to go into the next round, with all these old conflicts.
but where is the innovation by those who do this?
charice is making serious money already, more than most OFWs, and investing into domestic real estate. when people discuss her filipino-ness, isn’t this even more important than the songs?
if she _is_ in this singing business, do people accept it at all? because almost no one is writing their own songs, exactly because of the business model behind that type of career. this does not depend at all on the country.
so, plz folks note that I am caucasian. I am very much interested in positive relations to asia and into a stable and prospering country of yours that can hold some geostrategic position.
and I am interested in the opportunity of europeans to learn some benefits of asian culture, like in the past we did with hollywood/US, and this time it might happen in a more genuine way, when asian artists become popular here.
plz note that blogs like this are being read with wide eyes, by non-asians.
it is difficult to understand what at all charice can do, except getting global attention?
it is we, the listeners, who will act, because we are a mass.
the conclusion is, that any improvement would require more than one girl. though, from all the mentioned artists, she is the only one who is so much filipino in the western perception, that finally some attention occurs. because no one ever will care about where scherzinger or apl came from, when this has been just anecdotal all the time.
and yes, it would be good if she sings a song written by a filipino, perhaps even her own one.
but what buttons do you press to get this done? who else would be capable? we don’t know, just give them time.
how can this critical blog at all do anything in the matter of global top-3 song royalties one day should go to the philippines? when the rant even calls to NOT support charice.
now who else should be supported??
and how at all can this help with the problems of society? at least, charice is visible and inspiring discussion.
in the west, music is not as much a planned economy than in asia. it depends on availability of many talents, so a few of them can fulfill the plans. there are some undeniable market forces.
I say this because GMA7 and ABS-CBN seem not too interested in market economy at all. they have their regular advertizers and sponsors, and they make program in the interest of these, to spin opinions of their listeners, and also note, some educational factor is even more positive and more successful than with western TV. when they pretend some populism, it is just playing emperor’s new clothes to the voters. they think they have a say, but it’s not that much.
so, when ABS jump on charice after she earned some merits, it’s a useful plan.
again, it is very hard to understand what all that mix-up between an artistic argument about originality, and the political argument about working for foreign master for low wage, can do for us. because one is a matter of personal taste, plus a matter of royalties in a rigid ubiquitous system, and the other is a matter of national progress and critical minds in an emerging democracy.
who at all – what power – is targeted with the argument that now it is time for a filipino composition to go top of billboard?
I believe they are just not trying hard enough.
so, discouraging charice, who in the end CAN sell such a song, when it is given to her, does not do anything.
I have a suggestion that is more precise.
put pressure on GMA7, to send some of their singers on a global artistic mission towards non-filipinos! some of their artists are just excellent. (logically the younger ones)
tell GMA they should have their in-house composers write songs for international target. like hollywood and disney are doing.
and then – check the reaction. you will learn a huge lesson (e.g. why they stop too early, and remain in mediocrity, while available talent would yield much more).
but act, and digest experiences.
here lies the ball to kick. if you want to improve, then take the risk, and give it that kick!
neovxr
Interesting points and thanks for making them. My response to your points
– Charice invests in her homeland, but that’s a mere sideshow compared to songs. How can she sell albums if all she does is cover old songs?
– You mention that those with capital and resources should take risks. Charice’s time touring with David Foster shows the opposite of risk taking. He couldn’t even devote time and resources getting Charice an original song.
– Charice’s circumstance is a case where you and other non Americans will witness how US entertainment has
wrecked havocinfluenced one Asian country in a very negative way. (Hint: it’s the utter copycat nature). Notice how Hollywood and US music is everywhere, and the US market is not welcoming non American works for the most part. It’s better to look at (specifically)India, Japan, and South Korea on how their native entertainment products can present viable alternatives to US exports– Can you elaborate about no one noticing the backgrounds of Nicole and Apl? I don’t get it. If they’re just anecdotal facts, won’t be the same apply to Charice (assuming she can pull off a “neutral” act)?
– Excellent points about the agendas of Hollywood and the (Manila centric) Philippine entertainment industries.
– I agree that an improvement regarding how Filipinos value original music and films will have to come from a more enlightened Filipino thinking for themselves. It will take time.. It will be a good day when Filipinos appreciate their own works rather than coming up brown copies of American output.
Kate doesn’t know what the hell she is talking about!! Charice will never be original because of her style of singing, which of course is a copycat of many other singers!!
I like this blog! Thank you jstuff29!!
Thanks Luke!
charice and arnel are just clones of whitney and steve
good luck to our modern generations
buti n lang di ako pure pinoy haha
Congratulations jstuff 29.
Yours is the best troller’s blog so far.
I read all the arguments and your responses. I tried to ignore your blog but admittedly, after it occupied my thoughts for several nights, I am compelled to foolishly bare my soul to all bloggers and trollers in the internet. After all, a healthy discussion on any subject has always two sides. If parties agree all the time, then there is no need for the existence of one or the other. I chose to co-exist even with detractors.
I might even acknowledge that you are smart enough to have chosen one of the best subjects for trolling. Mere mention of the name of Arnel Pineda, who is undeniably the hottest and most bankable international Filipino rockstar at the moment, and Charice who is the world’s current wonder child in pop music, guarantees thousands of hits for bloggers and fans alike.
You’ve got to be brave to put yourself in this situation. I could see that you are now in the eye of a brewing storm. Just be thankful that you can shield yourself with the anonymity of the internet. You can safely ward off physical attacks and fatal blows from those you have offended.
I presume that you very well know that other bloggers and specially trollers know that the issue you have presented is not the focus of your very unkindly-worded blog. Do not take us for fools to focus on your issues of ethnicity, and musical originality. If I need to know about this subject matter, I would rather listen to genuine music aficionados, and to true Filipino nationalists. Therefore, do not even attempt to call my attention to these issues which to me are not really your real concern in your blog.
Evidently, you succeeded in getting the attention of newbies who easily fall prey to troller’s blogs. But most amazing of all, you have ignited the passion of a large group of serious bloggers. You have earned the ire of a global community of music lovers who, I would say, are in the middle of this whirlwind romance with these two most current international music celebrity idols from the Philippines.
Since you have taken the liberty to lecture us with your concept of musicality and originality and that you have scolded us and attempted to punish us by saying we should spit on ourselves for supporting these two beloved Filipino performing artists, I am claiming the same liberty for myself. In the same manner that I respected your opinion, I expect you to respect mine. I also would like you to listen to me with your heart and forget about being too cerebral. You said you want to teach people to think. Now I am teaching you to feel.
And unlike you, I do not want to be harsh or abrasive. With all sincerity, I invite you to a most beautiful experience which I shall call a collective love affair with a most wonderful music man. At this point in my life, I would rather focus on what is uplifting to the soul. I would like to see the beautiful side of life. Just for this one moment, free yourself from being too analytical and argumentative. Like people in love, simply enjoy the affair of the heart and let go of any inhibitions. Like young lovers, whose eyes are only for each other, focus yourself only on the universal language of music. Let the wings of pure music take you to high places only the spirit can reach. Join in and feel the bliss of a honeymoon in this love affair with the golden voice of Arnel Pineda. Be in the moment of such an experience that comes only a few times in our lifetime.
Before I go any further, however, let us put your other issues at rest because I do not want you to bug me again about them. I must mention here, that I have always been lukewarm to Filipino performing artists. I listen to them occasionally, but I never got enamored or got blown-away. You claim that Filipinos support Arnel Pineda because of one single factor and that is he is of the same ethnicity as his supporters, and not because of his superior musicality. Conversely, I believe it is his being a great rock music artist that supporters like me admire him more as a Filipino. I could recall that the very first words that came out of my mouth when I heard him sing at the Oprah show was “His voice is incredible! And what a performer!” My very next words were, “So he was that Filipino guy that have been headlining those entertainment news (for the past two years!)”
You must also know that Arnel Pineda is a songwriter himself. He penned original songs that became hit in the Philippines and elsewhere in Asia. He has two OPM albums to his name and is the original vocals of ten songs in the Revelation album of Journey.
Thus, in the case of Arnel Pineda, the above facts should put your issue of musical originality and ethnicity at rest.
Going back to the collective love affair with a music man, I must admit I am in this honeymoon stage with my admiration for Arnel Pineda. I am in love with his music. His voice lifts my soul to the highest heavens. And I am not allowing anyone to put an end to this honeymoon so soon and therefore deprive me of the joy of loving his music. So as a warning, do not even attempt to divert my attention to other artists or talk me out of this with useless arguments.
But do not get me wrong that my music choice is too narrow, because I love music of all genres. I have great respect for composers, songwriters and musical performing artists, famous or little-known, classical or contemporary. But let me just focus on contemporary music, which is our issue at hand. Like you, I was an avid American Idol follower. For many years, I rooted for many contenders . Again, like you, I continued to passionately support and follow their careers until one day, in October 2009, I accidentally laid my eyes on Arnel Pineda on the Oprah show. I must confess that soon after, I dropped all other singers from my world of contemporary music and only had eyes and ears for Arnel Pineda.
I was never a Journey fan and heard very little about Steve Perry although I love classic and slow rock music. I could sing-along with “Open Arms” and “Don’t Stop Believin”, and “Foolish Heart” but paid very little attention to the artist. But when I heard Arnel Pineda sing the classic Journey songs, I was totally blown away. More so when I surfed the internet and watched him sing both cover and original songs.
The world concert tours with Journey and other appearances in countless performances in the US and the Philippines for the past two years, were testimonies to Arnel Pineda as a powerhouse ultimate performer. Watching these repeatedly on DVD and videos posted on the internet leave me in complete awe and admiration every single time. In fact, I am now looking forward to seeing him perform live in one of his future rock concerts with Journey.
I could go on and on and tell you details of my love affair with his music. I find so much joy spending night after night or even day in and day out listening to nothing but Arnel Pineda’s music. But no matter how I tell you in words, I could never give you the same experience of equilibrium and bliss brought on by his voice. You’ve got to open your heart and soul to his music to understand why Neal Schon and millions of his followers are so enamored with Arnel Pineda’s golden voice which I believe is a rare find in the world of rock music. Throw caution to the wind and simply listen to him sing. There’s neither need to analyze voice range and vocal techniques, nor argue endlessly about non-essential issues like ethnicity and musical originality.
In keeping with your topic, I only focused on the music of Arnel Pineda, never mentioning his great persona. But that is another matter and would require another lengthy and interesting subject of a blog. But let me just give you a brief account. Arnel Pineda was embraced by the world as an international rockstar. He had the opportunity to move to the US and enjoy his newfound wealth with his family in the land of opportunity. But he chose to stay in the Philippines and serve poor Filipino families especially the needy children of Manila. Why am I telling you this? Because I want you to give him the respect that is due to him and that you should never again tell his fellow Filipinos to not support him. Otherwise I would think that you are indeed too elitist and anti-poor.
I also want you to listen to a friendly admonition. Could you please loosen-up, let your hair down, and simply listen to the music? Better still, bang your head, rock hard, sing-along with all your heart, and live a happy and youthful life!
Pat
I disagree with you. The Philippines Suck is not a troll’s blog. It’s unfortunate that you mistakenly see ill intentions to my thought provoking post. When you write about “serious” bloggers and preferring “genuine” nationalists and music aficionados, you reveal your reluctance to ideas and opinions you don’t agree with. In any case, I’ll respect your opinions.
Fine, you’re a passionate fan of Arnel. You may think he is a “great rock artist”, but notice the (lackluster) application of his skills. He is just singing the same old stuff already made popular by Steve Perry. “Great” people manage to leave their own unique contributions. I’m not even going to hammer the point about originality since it’s obvious that covering the same ground is not original. Note that I already covered his contributions to Zoo.
You mentioned that you were not a fan of Journey until you heard Arnel and the band at Oprah’s show. In some ways, the proves my point about new Journey fans. They’ve only become fans because of him. I’m not going to dismiss the qualities of Arnel. He may or may not be that talented, but that’s beside the point. You and the new fans wouldn’t be supporting Journey if not for Arnel.
I have to respectfully decline the offer to let my hair down. Journey is not my type of rock. Steve Perry and Arnel Pineda might have unique powerful voices, but the band’s music is not my thing.
As far as Charice, she is not child anymore. She is also not “the world’s current wonder child in pop music”.
I’m neither elitist nor anti poor when I convince Filipinos that they are spitting themselves when supporting Arnel and Charice. I just have very strong opinions.
Perfect response! Brought tears to my eyes, too.
YOU NEED HELP, BUDDY
NOBODY LOVES YOU ANYMORE!
CRAVING ATTENTION?
YOU’RE A MISERABLE SOB!!
daxman
Slinging mud at me won’t help Charice and Arnel. It only makes their fans appear infantile and thin skinned.
call them whatever you want, criticize them all you want, bottomlinine is….. they make a lot of money to support their families, and live the life they always dreamed of.
Malayah
What do their earnings have to with my points? Could they use their earnings to buy themselves originality and artistic integrity?
I feel upside down on the issue. jstuff29, you have some pretty impressive arguments…but I’m not completely convinced yet. Those two are just starting out. Journey has been around for 30-some years. Does Arnel Pineda really have the command to create his own song and force it on the band without seeming, you know, ungrateful and big-headed? Is Charice Pempengco in any position to do what you ask of her without endangering her career? Both are just small-fries compared to all those big names you mentioned…They won’t go far if they lost support.
By the way, I hate your title 🙂 It definitely is attention-grabbing. Too harsh, in my opinion, though…
MRF
I’m glad you see some of the points I’m making. Attention grabbing is a mild description of my attempt to get others to think a little differently.
Arnel and Charice might not have the clout to demand certain things, but both the musician (and representatives) could find some common ground with the other side (whether Journey, David Foster, and etc) to not go the aping route completely. Mimicry is just one lazy route.
nose bleed!!!!! hahahha
Byron
That’s a first. Whatever floats your boat.
[…] this foolish person came out of nowhere to dismiss my views outright and claim that if she wanted to learn about […]
Wow. I wish i could be as critical as those who wrote this blog and those who commented. I agree that your title is harsh (exremely harsh for me) but it’s very, very catchy. You have stated your point clearly but I do believe that those who defended Arnel and Charice are not just fans because of their race. They did recognize the talent these two possess. Yes, there are a lot of Filipinos who just became fans because they were of the same ethnicity, the talent just came in second. Like Charice for example, the good looking guy was voted by the same Filipino viewers who are now supporting her (even if Charice was a better singer) and so her network wasn’t that supportive of her before but now they’re suddenly all over her. It’s a sad reality that some seemingly powerful people would take advantage of them to make more money ‘with little puhanan’ hindering her from letting the world know who Charice really is as a singer and what more she has to offer. I think Kate is right, let’s wait for her all original album. Maybe, we can know and hear who the real Charice really is as a singer (besides she’s still young and there is a lot of room for improvement). I do agree with Tita Pat that Arnel has a golden voice but this is not enough for me to become a fan (I’m also not a Charice fan either). I love and appreciate music especially OPM with makabayan themes (makes me cry sometimes) but it takes a lot for me to be a fan. As far as I know there is only one musician I idolize the most. Freddie Mercury (despite and inspite of who he was and where he came from). Died when I was in grade school but immortalized in the music he has created with his band.
To each his own.
Sweet Serenity
Good point about pointing out the more genuine followers of Charice and Arnel out of their questionable “fanbase”. I have no doubt the few of them would still be fans of those two even if the American support didn’t materialize.
There’s no way of avoiding the unfortunate fact that (two) networks in the country have a disproportionate influence on films, music, and TV among the masses. Hopefully, the country will follow the footsteps of other countries where network TV is much diminished due to videogames, broadband, and other entertainment choices. Okay, we’re getting closer with the help of Manong Dibidi. 😉
its the most stupid comment i ever heard! arnel and charice are just starting to showcase their talent in the int’l scene. we should give them a break. we should remember that both of them were just discovered in th youtube and, if your new in the business u dont just make demands. it will take sometime for them to display or showcase their own original songs. so we must support them.
To say that arnel and charice are just starting out is completely false! Arnel already had his own band for several years and Charice has been doing cover songs for over 4 years now! Until now, they still haven’t show any originality nor any real talent as music artists. How can you support them when internationally Filipinos are constantly mocked for being copycats??
Are they really just starting out? Do some more research. Arnel has been around the block and has something to show for it. Go out there and find out how many albums Charice has done.
EVERYBODY starts out with other people’s songs –
you name it – Marian Carey, Michael Jackson, American Idol singers, etc.
They have to start out that way – showing the world they can sing the popular songs of the world.
what an idiot you are.
“EVERYBODY”? Here’s an idea, use the internet to learn something.
Tomcat
So in your opinion they have the purest of talent and skill, but look at how they’re applied. Charice and Arnel’s talents and skills are applied to COPY and APE others. That’s the equivalent of using a drill to open a can when there’s a can opener around.
It’s not even about singing American songs, it’s about a musician having a song of his/her OWN whether the musician wrote it or another person did. And what’s with the line about Charice and Arnel loving their native tongue? Where in my blog entry did I bring up that topic?
So how am I misguided and jealous? I’d appreciate the feedback. To be honest, your points are misguided and your point about not caring about originality and identity should be reconsidered to say the least.
jstuff29
To me it doesn’t matter how they are applied. If I like their voices or how they perform, that does it for me. Success and recognition in this business is measured by appreciation of others. I am proud that 2 Filipinos are being recognised internationally in what they do, regardless whether it is original or not.
So what do you say about Michael Buble and the like? He didn’t write his own songs in the beginning, were originally sung by others, they were not his OWN and mostly original American songs. But I also like him as a singer whether he sings/writes his own songs or not. I think you are getting a bit confused and too loose about your definition of what a true Filipino is. Look, when you are born a Filipino, you never lose it, whether you go overseas or apply learnings or professions that are not Filipino by nature. About loving the native tongue, I thought one of your arguments is what Rizal said, have you forgotten?
Misguided just because you are jealous. Leave the 2 alone. Make your own mark. Why would I care about Arnel’s originality and identity when all I care is that he is now so famous and recognised all over the world. Ha Ha Ha. Am I misguided because I appreciate and support them? No way, leave us alone with our own appreciation of the 2.
Tomcat
Actually, that Rizal line is directed at the foolish uncritical fans of Charice and Arnel (perhaps you are one of them!). It’s not meant to be directed at the two copycats.
Why am I jealous? Just because I have a higher standard than you? Could the reason that you want to be left alone is because my criticism brings out the painful truth that you’re not ready to deal with?
Is Arnel really that famous and recognized? I’m afraid radio stations outside the Philippines don’t share your opinion. Journey music still played is the one with STEVE PERRY as the frontman.
I actually agree when you wrote that one doesn’t suddenly become non Filipino. My grievance is more about ethnic Filipinos who become LITTLE BROWN AMERICANS when it’s convenient for them.
whew! tagalogin ko ha kasi baka malito kayo pag nag english ako… ang totoo nyan di ko na binasa lahat ng comment kasi ubod ng haba… ahehehe!
una nong nagbukas ang page… wow!!! as in napaWOW ako… alam nyo kung bakit??? kasi po ang nakalagay PHILIPPINE SUCKS!!! oppsss it hurts… kasi talagang MAHAL ko ang bansa natin…
pangalawa… lahat ng nagpopost dito ay may punto… pero yon nga lang cguro dahil inde ko ugali ang mamintas kaya para sa akin ay medyo inde ko sinasang-ayonan masyado yong mga commento patungkol kay CHARICE at kay ARNEL… kung meron man kayong reklamo o hinde nagustohan sa takbo ng carera nila ngayon o sa stilo nila siguro sa halip na punahin ay mas makakabuti kung magpost parin o gumawa ng blog na magagandang suggestions na sa tingin nyo ay makakatulong sa kapwa natin… kasi po mga kababayan ano man ang tinatahak nila ngayon aminin man natin o hinde dapat ay ipagmalaki parin natin sila kasi PILIPINO sila… ika nga, bakit hinde tingnan ang magandang punto… inde kaya isa sa mga dahilan kung bakit di umaasenso ang bansa natin dahil mga kapwa lang din natin ang naninira… sa halip na magkumparahan kung sino ang magaling o sino ang may originality bakit kaya hindi nalang tayo maging masaya para sa lahat at suportahan ang isa’t-isa… ang punto lang naman kasi minsan, lahat gusto sila lang magaling hindi nila matanggap na may iba pa na mas magaling… sa halip na ikasaya at ipagmalaki ang kapwa PILIPINO ay hinahatak pang pababa…
KA FREDDIE, CHARICE & ARNEL… silang lahat dapat ipagmalaki natin, kasi iilan sila sa mga talented PILIPINO… wala naman pong masama kung ipangalandakan nyo ang opinyon nyo tungkol sa isang tao o bagay ang punto ko lang laging may magandang paraan para magpahayag ng opinyon o commento…
so pano mga kababayan… suportahan ang isa’t-isa at magtulongan at wag maghatakan pababa… kung may magtagumpay dapat na ikasaya at ipagmalaki…
maraming salamat at ingat lagi 🙂
Peachy
If you truly love the country, you would have better standards in anything related to the country. Using critical thinking could help in facilitating debate and challenging others to have better standards.
Being happy just because they’re successful AND Filipino don’t cut it. Of course there are fans, but as you said, there ought to be room for debate. As far as one ought to go about pointing out criticism, well let’s just say, I rock the boat to facilitate discussion.
I think you are depressed. Take some Ativan to calm you down, para kang tralala.
Amelia way to go missing the forest for the trees. Instead of calming me down, why can’t you use your brain. Is it too hard for you to do that one?
Ive tryed to watch her show, I cant get past the first ten minuets.the words “dumbing down of America comes to mind” I stoped watching AI because of her.
I am emphatically bookmarking this web site and sharing it with my friends. You will be getting plenty of visitors to your blog from me!
You say Filipinos wouldn’t listen to Charice if she weren’t Filipino. Don’t Filipinos also love the non-Filipinos like Whitney and Celine Dion? You say Oprah and Ellen wouldn’t care about her if she weren’t Asian. But they’re just as fascinated with Bianca Ryan aren’t they?
And for god’s sake, stop stereotyping and generalizing Filipinos. The only one pushing colonial mentality here is you. I wouldn’t watch boxing if it weren’t for pacman, eh? What the heck, I’ve never watched a boxing match in my life!
You talk about Asian culture, yet you yourself go completely against it. Asians are culturally polite yet your blog is completely rude. Look in the mirror and try to inspire change in yourself instead of others. Pick the log out your own eye before you obsess over the needle in somebody else’s.
As for Filipino culture, being a melting pot *IS* part of Filipino culture. You sound just as bad as Americans who think you can’t be American if you speak Spanish, don’t wear blue jeans or aren’t Christian.
Kim,
I never argued that Oprha and Ellen wouldn’t care about Charice if she weren’t Asian. I still believe that Filipinos won’t be paying attention to Charice and Journey if both Charice and Journey’s frontman are Thai. Due to the colonial mentality of Filipinos, they would only pay attention to them if make it big in the US.
Congratulations, you don’t fit the stereotype of the ugly Filipino I’ve generalized on this blog. Politeness is overrated. I use this blog to jolt the audience to contemplate matters. Notice how I don’t impose my views on what Filipinos should be let alone who they should support regarding music or sports.
Hello. Great job, if I wasn’t so busy with my school work I read your total site. Thanks!
Charice is Banig part 2
Where is Josephine Banig now?
Nobody took notice of Arnel when he was just a local entertainer. Then journey took him and suddenly he’s da bomb!
Kudos to APL, rico blanco, eraserheads, yeng constantino and other pinoy artist who don’t have to copy foreign artists.
Zombie
Yup, Arnel is now the BOMB in the eyes of a KSP Filipino! Where were they when Arnel was a journeyman (no pun intended) musician in Hong Kong or the Philippines?
Kudos indeed to every Filipino musician who doesn’t feel the need to be a complete copycat of foreign artists!
island and kate,
i must say i’m really impressed with your comments. very well said.
the only thing i can say is it’s really pointless to argue with people with a fixed mind set. no matter what argument you will say, you can never change his point of views. it’s really annoying.
Ram
Go ahead, drink the kool aid. It will make those people with opinions you don’t like disappear.
No you shut your mouth. Close this blog now. Why would I get lessons to you about nationality and originality when I can better get them to a more reliable and respected source as one poster mentioned eary. BTW, that same poster has very valid and good points but you chose to ignore those views instead resort back to your old arguments. This is a vicious circle!
I’d say stop responding now and don’t feed this troll.
I got tired reading halfway.
As a Filipino Canadian, I found your blog insulting by saying, ‘Filipino spit into themselves by supporting Charice and Arnel’
I am a Filipino and I support Charice and Arnel. I don’t support them because of their ethnicity. I like Charice’s kind of music rather than the song Arnel sings with Journey, so I buy her songs because I like it. I support her not because she’s Filipino. I like her song the way I like Rihanna, and Beyonce and Celine, Jordan Spark, I even like Kanye West songs, despite his controversy. I enjoy music.
Music should have no boundary. A lot of people like me loves to listen to song that we like, not for their originality or creativity but because we like how it sounds to our ear or the song have a meaning to us or we like the lyrics
I don’t know whether to say now that Charice is unlucky to be Filipino…at least maybe if she wasn’t then, all this ethnicity stuff or originality wouldn’t exist.. I wonder how people will react if she has been born in the US, if she would have been accused of being a copy cat.
Also, Canadians are Americans have totally different way of thinking, for me when someone say those American/Canadian that’s like saying Filipino/American or Filipino/Canadian have the same way of thinking. That’s another insult to someone who’s American or Canadian…two different kind of people you’re talking about.
What’s happening with the Filipino Pride when it comes to Charice is no different than the Canadian pride I felt or the millions of Canadian felt when Canada won the Gold medals in men/woman’s hockey during the Olympics or when our Canadian figure skater won bronze etc … it’s not my accomplishment but hey they’re Canadians and damn we are all proud..to the point that our parliament prorogue just so they could watch the Olympics. Pride of ones country is not just in the Philippines it’s everywhere.
Even Canadians who doesn’t watch hockey find themselves watching it. Canada is diverse, it’s multicultural and it brought Unity, people forget their other half at that moment. Here in Canada for that time We are all Canadians, not filipino, not chinese, not mexican etc … but Canadians.
I think for charice, she brings out the other half of my culture not enough, but at least she shows good character of someone being a Filipino, we don’t show our culture enough, we are too divided hey even our culture is divided, from being cebuano to visayan to ilocano and mindanao etc. We have the tendency to pull each other down each of our culture from different province tend to pull each other down, this is not just about Charice’s fan or Arnel calling other crabs, because as a whole, just look at our country, What are country is right now, is the manifestation of all of us Filipino.
Growing up in Canada,most of us starts to take the identity of the country we are in and we lose ours for some, they try so hard to lose their identity as a filipino sometimes, it’s still nakakahiya to watch Charice specially when she speaks English, but we have to give her credit for trying, and she is learning. Some of us were like her when we first came to Canada and it wasn’t easy. No matter how good we think we speak English, we still have the accent that is unique to our language.
For other filipino, it’s about protecting one’s own. That is not something unique to a filipino.
And for you to say that we spit to ourselves because we support Charice and then say that you’re applying Critical thinking? When you apply critical thinking thinking it’s not just about confidence and creativity or inquisitiveness, it is also about flexibility, intellectual integrity, intuition contextual perspective,open mindedness, and being able to reflect . For some of the people who are bias, it’s hard to apply critical thinking without having open-mindedness, or intellectual humility.
Critical thinking is not closing your mind into other ideas, or even judging another person.
Joshua
Why are you offended when the criticism at hand doesn’t apply to your case as you mentioned?
I agree that music should have no boundaries like film, literature, and other things. Music preference might be subjective, but there should be room to give appropriate credit to those that have originality.
There’s a fallacy when you make your point about Filipino Pride/ Charice and Canada/Winter Olympics. The latter is about athletes representing their country in a sporting event and Canadians cheering for their representatives. What Charice is doing is a private venture. Filipinos are not under any obligation to support her. Likewise, Canadians are not under any obligation to support Celine Dion or Michael Buble. Your comparison might have more apt if you made a case that droves of people there wearing maple leaf sweaters are passionately supporting Buble or Dion just because they share the same nationality.
Re: critical thinking
My approach is very abrasive. It either makes the target think or be forced into think over things. In your case, my criticism doesn’t apply to you, but you were jolted into thinking about what I’ve brought up. My abrasive approach is one way to lure others (especially the close minded and biased) into applying critical thinking to the subjects I’ve brought up.
I like to add, there is nothing wrong with voicing one’s opinion but if you are truly applying critical thinking, you could have done a better job in this blog w/out having to insult one’s race, despite the fact that you are filipino.
Oh and if you really think about it, even if you didn’t say filipino. You’re implying that anyone who support charice and arnel are spitting on themselves.
You quoted ‘ang taong hindi magmahal sa sariling wika ay higit pa ang amoy sa malansang isda’
You said that your blog is titled “Filipino’s are ignorant Fools’
you try so hard to persuade filipino’s way of thinking when ikaw mismo, hindi mo sariling wika ang ginagamit mong salita. By not writing in our own language and using English instead ikaw mismo walang pagmamahal sa sarili mong wika.
This blog is for change, kung tagalog ang sulat mo at hindi nila maintindihan, then, that’s the time for you say ‘those filipino are ignorant fools.
You’re using Charice to show how Philippines sucks, i think you’re using her in the wrong context…Charice shows us how our situation back home is in terrible condition, when children are the one raising their families. Children are working to support their parents.Show us what is wrong with that picture instead….What did the government do for them, you want change…YOU ARE SO CAPABLE OF DOING THAT you’re a smart ass, there’s more problem in than country and arnel and charice is the least of those problems
Joshua
Tama ka. Ang hindi ko paggamit ng Tagalog ay isang pagkukulang ng blog ko. Pero hindi ko naman naipuna na ako ay walang pagkukulang.
Can’t you see that I have criticisms directed at Charice and Arnel and some more directed towards Filipino society in general? What you label as “using” Charice is a way to extend the criticism to one country in general.
ganito lng yon
CHARICE sings = you know na pinay
Arnel Sings = kilala mo rin na pinoy
I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU = hindi si whitney houston ang original kumanta pero siya ang kinilalang kumanta.
pag sinabihan mo si charice ng negatives = magrereflect un sa pagiging pinoy natin
If I go by what your wrote, “pag sinabihan mo si GMA or the Ampatuans ng negatives = magrereflect (negatively) un sa pagiging pinoy natin”. Can you see the flaw of your point?
iho hindi ka ba tinatamaan rin ng title mo sa blog mo
Filipinos spit on themselves by supporting Arnel Pineda and Chanrice Pempengco.
Filipino ka ba? e d pinagsasabihan mo rin sarili mo
Bakit ako tatamaan kung hindi naman ako ay isang Filipino na hindi marunong gumamit ng utak? Tanong ko sa iyo, ikaw ba ay tinamaan?
Well, hatred towards these two rising stars. Facts: These two rising stars obviously wow the whole world, and people were empressed not because they mimic songs from other artist. They become popular because of their talent. Their talent is up to far here in USA/hollywood
Millions of people mimic songs of other artist every day, but have no talent to offer.
The “facts” that you’ve presented are flawed. Journey is a has been band who is now plying their trade in the uber lucrative State Fair circuit. Charice has yet to to have a single not buoyed by Oprah’s clout.
Ignoratio elenchi!
I posted to tell the author that he does not help promote our culture through this. I am hoping he will just delete this crap. Nakakasakit na kasi ang mga pinagsasabi bilang pilipino. Kung walang halaga sayo ang pagkapilipino dahil feeling mo e wala kang nationality. Sarilinin mo nalang dahil hindi lang sina charice o arnel ang nadadamay mo kundi kaming mga nagmamahal pa rin sa aming pagkapilipino. Sana magbago ka paunti unti kahit ayaw mo. Alam ko naman na matigas ang ulo mo. Sa iba dyan, wag nyo nalang patulan… baka papansin lang lols.
To Kate: I like your comments. Funny!!!
Alfred
Why should I delete what I wrote and keep my opinions to myself? If you truly put some weight to being a Filipino, you would encourage debate and the existence of diverse opinions about the country. Turning a blind eye on the flaws of Filipino culture isn’t helpful in the long run.
I have to take issue with your assessment that what I wrote is “hurtful” to others and has an impact on Filipinos as a whole. Those who truly “love” the country shouldn’t be “hurt” by what I wrote. The reason? It probably doesn’t apply to their lives or they’re not the kind of pathetic fan that I write about. Learn to differentiate between criticism of some Filipinos and widespread condemnation of that same demographic.
@jstuff29 then you are saying that WHITNEY HOUSTON is also a copycat… her song I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU is not her originally it was rearrange by david foster..
looks like you dont know more about in music industry.
come one all new artist they do mimic to get noticed why charice & arnel is a big issue to you? you are a big jealous gay..
music is not mean you make your own song or you sing your own song.. ITS HOW YOU CAN SING AND EXPRESS or DELIVER THE SONG WELL.
You ought to learn how to look at the bigger picture and read what has been posted. As a whole, Whitney is not a copycat due to the number of original songs she has.
So, I’m a “big jealous gay” because I don’t fall in line and jump in the bandwagon? Can you come up with a better way to debate other than attacking the messenger?
As musicians, Arnel and Charice might meet the criteria you’ve presented. Judged as artists, Charice and Arnel fall short.
@jstuff29 i guess you want to show the world what is your nationality all about
Where do you fit in? Are you part of the bandwagon of morons that refuse to apply critical thinking in their lives?
In your initial post you go on about how Arnel and Charice are only good at mimicry and lack real talent.
You also state that “by having no songs of their own, Arnel and Charice show to the world how worthless they are. One message that is also communicated to the public is how unimportant the two are to their managements and labels.”
I’m happy to tell you that current events prove that you’re dead wrong! There’s major promotion underway for Charice’s US debut album May 11th, an album with all new songs written for her and even the possible inclusion of a Tagalog part written by herself. You’re certainly free to dislike the music of Charice, but it is obvious that key players in the music business believe in her talent whether you like it or not.
With regards to the cultural identity and national pride issue, I find your criticism of Charice unfair.
I’m a non-Filipino Norwegian in my twenties, and had only limited knowledge of the Philippines prior to my discovery of Charice through YT. Mainly due to Charice I’m currently trying to learn Tagalog. I’ve come to know of several beautiful filipino songs through performances by Charice, and I’ve become increasingly interested in the political, societal and cultural complexities of the Phillipines.
You critisize Charice for disregarding her roots and Filipino identity. If there’s one thing I’ve been frustrated about, it’s the way in which many of her countrymen have critisized her for going back home to the Phillipines too often, and addressing Fillipinos in the audience and mentioning her love for her home country too frequently. Well, it’s certainly not easy to please everyone!
If Charice was a young Norwegian singer, who had worked hard her entire young life, and got a breakthrough in the International music business singing contemporary songs in English, how would I react? Well, I would not think any less of her because she didn’t sing in Norwegian. I would in fact be proud of her as a Norwegian, because she would make fans associate Norway with something positive, and because I feel a positive connection to my fellow countrymen and their achievements (what I like to think of as positive nationalism). Finally, as a fellow human being, I would be happy for her success. This last point is the most important one, and with your harsh attacks on a young girl, I’m sorry to say that you seem to display a lack of such empathy. People, even celebrities, have feelings. Let’s not forget that, and try to avoid cruelty.
Hey I suggest you write a blog entitled “KOBE sucks”, “Lebron better than Kobe”. That would generate thousand of hits. Get it?
Puede kayang tagalugin mo na lang itong sinulat mo, kaibigan? Kasi katawa-tawa itong blog mo, sa pamagat pa lang, “Philippines Suck” pa-burgis ka na eh. Atsaka, mabuti pa nga na subukan mong mag-tagalog dito sa blog mo kasi sa wikang inggles halatang-halata na hindi ka pa pulido at sanay mag-sulat sa wikang inggles. Bagitong-bagito pa ang pagsulat mo. Kung baga kulang pa sa hinog yung kakayanan mo. I assume that you would even be worse off writing in Pilipino. You sound very bitter here and lack a sense of who you really are. Even you are guilty of what you deem inglorious. You really are full of pretentions.
Dear Sir,
Imho, you’re getting it all wrong about your essay here. I truly believe in Charice talent. So many people think the child is simply amazing! I recall seeing her on TV for the first time, and i was entranced by the virtuosity of the child at such a tender age. And to think that my staple kind of music are those of miles davies wes montgomery billie ella david sanborn mozart rachmaninoff brubeck sting the police, keith jarret, mainstream jazz etc. (also Carol Banawa)
I say you’re not getting it because she’s all about music that inspires. Why do you mix your convoluted politics in there. It’s all about art, the artiste, the beautiful music. Just relax, my boy, it’s a once in a lifetime experience and let’s all just be happy for Charice. And pray (to ourselves) that she be guided properly, be safe from harm’s way all the time.
let me get this straight, keep in mind. I’m a Filipino, your comparing Miles davis an original composer of jazz music that means he’s an artist! (he wrote and performed music that he composed himself) with charice?????? what kind of drugs are you on! your a moron! charice is a karoke singer and that’s it!
are people even reading this article? He is saying the filipinos don’t even to produce an original work of thier own. For example, do you think Arnel Pineda would ever walk up to Neal Schon one day and say “I wrote a song can we try it?” god forbid that ever happens. Neal would be in trouble. because it would mean he would have to deal with an artistic force. and why would Neal want that? By the way I’m a filipino myself and I agree with him! Filipinos could better themselves, produce original work. They have the ability to, but they don’t. who knows why! I would like to see that happen one day. wouldn’t it be great if a filipino produced an original hit tune of there own and it became a hit! or even if it did not become a hit at least they tryed! that would be great! It would mean filipinos do have something to contribute to the world that is there own and original!
Guess you missed the memo that Neal ENCOURAGED Arnel to write for the new album… Tsk tsk tsk.
Charice made it to #8 at Billboard 200. Any comment about that? And Journey will be releasing their new album soon with Arnel as the lead singer. Any comment about that?
We’ll see tomorrow. I have a feeling that Charice won’t be charting this week.
As for Arnel, he’s still not involved in the creative process. He just simply sings what Neal and company want him to sing.
you are right! and a genius! exactly my point, let me know if he ever does compose an original composition I promise I’ll call him an artist when he does.
Your tommorow is gone and the week is almost over and Charice is #28 on Billboard 200 and #93 on Billboard Hot 100. I have the feeling that your wish of her not charting is not going to happen. My feeling is that she will continue to chart again next month. Any comment Omar Caldero?
That rubbish song of hers is now gone on the Hot 100 after only two weeks. Her album will also be out of the Billboard 200 very soon. Unfortunately for Charice, her new songs are boring and make her come off as a Jordin Sparks clone.
isn’t he always the lead singer? Did he compose the song? if he did not, where’s the artistry? I mean really, imitates steve perry. basically arnel pineda is a very expensive karoke singer at best he’s a singing impressionist who only does steve perry. so, to sum it up, as a singing impressionist, or karoke singer he has talent but he’s nothing more. unless he wrote the song.
Arnel’s contributions to Journey’s Eclipse:
Would you like me to link to every other song he’s written as well? Because I can… and will. 😉
This article about Arnel, who is a phenomenal vocalist, is an absolute disgrace to the Filipinos by bashing Arnel just because he sings for Journey and has “no input” in the creative process of any new Journey material, which I don’t believe. Filipinos should support and be proud of Arnel because he represents the vast talent and drive Filipinos have in the entertainment market. The fact that Arnel sings better than Steve P. is amazing and he still sounds like Arnel, with a hint of Steve P. I know because I’ve listened to Journey all my life. You shouldn’t bash your fellow countrymen for getting a break in this world when it’s legit. Arnel is awesome…period…and Filipinos should be saying, “Yeah world, that’s what we can do!!” I sang in a band for 24 years and my jaw dropped when I heard Arnel sing for my most favorite band ever. . FYI, I am American and talent is talent no matter where you come from. Be proud of Arnel, I am, disrespecting his talent is very distasteful. God gave him a gift and you should be happy for him.
Whoever wrote this scum of a “blog post” is a dumb cynic.
First of all, it is wishful thinking of you for both singers to be “original” in their performances. Actually, define original, will you, so we can deduce based on your already myopic parameters.
Both artists, and Filipinos in general are not the “typical” image of what we see in American show business staple. They are both SHORT, diminutive or petite if you are one of the dumb PCs, they clearly are “ETHNIC” looking brown minorities.
They have to surpass every single hurdle just to be recognized. And now you want to shock the White majority by further changing their style? One step at a time, dummy. Two native Asian artists have penetrated the market, be happy! It’s not like they swindled their way to the top like that scum Hawaiian Filipino who killed a Canadian guy, or the serial killer Andrew Cunanan.
For Charice, she cannot for the life of her, control 100% of her production if she sounded like a Jordin Sparks clone, when she is still struggling financially. She doesn’t have enough finances to produce her own and be choosy with her musical arrangement. Did you miss Symbiosis in 3rd grade Life Science?
I guess the “Philippines Sucks” because as my friend has put it, “CRAB MENTALITY” still DOES EXIST amongst you people! You are the very definition of your own blog lol. You are a crab, drag your own people down 🙂
jstuff29,
If Rizal was alive today, he will not only be spitting but be pissing – at YOU!
[Excuse the harsh language. But just like you, I’m using them to drive a point]
Your convuluted arguments have nothing to do with critical thinking but INSULAR thinking at best. It reminds me of the now infamous lines: “If you are not with us, you are against us.” Sounds familiar? It is born out of misplaced nationalism and debilitating pride. It’s the kind of thinking that destroys instead of build. Creates walls instead bridges. Stifles astistry and creativity instead of encouraging them. It’s the kind of dangerous thinking that breeds hatred, wars, and oppresive regimes.
Over a hundred years ago two Filipinos Juan Luna and Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo made sensations of themselves -just as Charice and Arnel are doing today. They won the two highest awards in painting at the Art Exposition in Madrid. Rizal reveled and basked upon hearing the news. In a toast he praised his two compatriots to the highest heavens with the now immortal words:
“Genius has no country. It blossoms everywhere. Genius is like the light, the air. It is the heritage of all.”
Rizal was ecstatic and proud just as many of the Filipinos today with Charice and Arnel. If Rizal was to apply your insular and insecure way of thinking, he would have said: Hey dudes, that’s nice but what’s up with mimicry I see in your paintings? They look like a cross between a Rembrandt and a Rubens. Shame on you worthless copy-cats! Wala kayong mga kwenta, mga salimpusa at uto-uto lang kayo ng sining banyaga. But you see, Rizal was alot smarter. He sees the bigger picture, the greater whole. He didn’t see them only as distinguished Filipino artists but creative geniuses that belong to the world.
When I first heard Charice sing, I was dumbfounded. I was lost for words. Then Rizal’s words came echoing back in my mind: “Genius has no country, it blossoms everywhere…” What genius! I said.
I am proud to be a Filipino. Not because of Charice, Arnel, Pacquiao or anyone else. I’m simply proud because that’s were my heritage is. I love Filipino music. I grew up in a home were Filipino art and music was appreciated, along with the world’s greats. My father who is an artist-painter was heavily influenced by Fernando Amorsolo and Larry Alcala. For music, he made me appreciate Ruben Tagalog, Florante, Freddie Aguilar, ASIN and many others. But in his day job, he worked for a renowned theatre company in Manila that caters Broadway/English plays and musicals. It is a job he loved and where he excelled. He worked with some of the very best theatre artists, where the likes of Lea Salonga, Monique Wilson and many others came from. He didn’t see any conflicts between his being a Filipino artist and the craft and artistry that he enjoys, and yet foreign to him.
I wish Charice and Arnel the very best in their careers. I am happy proud for them. They deserve all the rewards, honors and recognition that come to them. I would be thrilled if one day they branch out into OPM music but if not, I’ll be just as happy.
That’s all I have to say. Nothing personal, ika nga ni Pacquiao. So peace.
Travis and AC,
You two just made me proud that I am a supporter of Arnel and Charice. I applaude you both for bringing in important points in responding to this narrow-minded and stupid idea of enticing bloggers to use their critical thinking in responding to an statement that is not only abbrasive
and distasteful but disgustingly laughable! What a way to get an attention. This is just like shouting “FIRE” in a movie theater and joyfully watching poor movie-goers run towards the exit door ( if you know what I mean)!
what a stupid comment…are you claiming to be a true Filipino by giving those kind of comments to other Filipinos who performed well in the US???? is that what u call nationalism???? Kawawa ka naman…am babaw mo….
nice piece you have there. enough with the cries of haters saying it’s crab mentality. that’s BS. I just hate people forcing other people to “love” or appreciate their idol. We don’t like Charice. We don’t like copycats. Deal with it. Stop blabbing that we are crabs pulling Filipino artists down. We don’t give a damn about them being popular. Charice can produce chart hitting singles for all I care, I just hate her and I don’t need any reason to justify why. ‘
and please, can we stop the “kacheapan”. We always go ga-ga when we see Filipinos hitting the international scene. Tayo lang ata ang ganon sa buong mundo. We are so fed up with this colonial mentality shit that we are so eager to please these foreigners whatever it takes.
She’s internationally popular. So what?
Hatred is the anger of the weak.
Look Lefty you can like her if you want. But we don’t have to.
Kung sikat ka, madaming epal. ganun lang. bato-bato sa langit ang tamaan wag magalit. 🙂
who ever wrote this article suck!!! your a louser man! what is wrong with you!?
fan’s love them and what they do!
get your ass up and find something better to do!
crying bitch!!!
This article is a bunch of crap.
It appears that perhaps jealousy is the motivation.. Its so much easier to bring down then to edify. How about praise for someone who had nothing and used every resource to get further ahead then just about anyone else has in her country.. Instead you criticize her… Shame on you! Why can’t you just acknowledge talent instead of making it a political issue of Western Culture and how broad it has extended into your country.. As if that is Charice’s fault. Just acknowledge she has an amazing talent.. By the way couldn’t you make that argument for anyone that doesn’t sing their own songs but uses a songwriter… Regardless of their country of origin…. Its still not their original song… What a waste of an article…
The writer of this article is a real winner.. He tries to just bring hatred…Just go to his so-called site… It says something like the phillipines sucks… How can you even take someone like that seriously… I feel sorry for you… What a sad existence it must be for you. Good luck….What a lovely person you are….. The one thing I can say is that I can wake up every morning and look in the mirror and be glad that I am not you!
if I were the Philippines, I only have 1 thing to say:
Haters make me famous.
=]
I DONT KNOW BUT THE THING IS MANY PPL DONT LIKE CHARICE AND ARNEL …
EVEN FILIPINOS…
THATS THE TRUTH
You really made the most stupid comment here moron.
I get the point. A Filipino artist working in the US doesn’t have to adapt to the entire American culture.
There’s a term called cultural preservation. A lot of people do it. Asians all over the world still live Asian lifestyles and preserve their heritage.
Charice, dear, I liked you when you were just a simple, humble kid. I can remember watching that video where you wore a simple white dress and you had your hair straight with a head band. I loved that girl.
But now, maybe you’re just going through a phase. Maybe you’ll realize it a little later when you grow older.
To the writer of this article, Charice has a potential. Let’s admit that. And let’s not make conclusions yet.
I kinda agree with you right now though Charice already has original singles. 🙂 If she continues pretending like an American, I’m so totally gonna disclaim her! haha!
I agree that Charice has potential. The issue is how it is harnessed and refined.
“Philippines sucks” he says. This guy should be hanged. He’s a pinhead and should leave the Philippines if he lives there and go to China or Iran . The title alone turned me off – didn’t even read his article.
I’m glad that people in charge of the Philippine judiciary are not like you. Oh wait……
Your post deserves to be put on the list of why Philippines sucks.
I AGREE WITH THOSE WHO SAY CHARICE AND MANNY PACQUIAO ARE OVER-RATED. Filipino media is for the ignorant. It’s all yellow journalism. Jstuff, you are just being honest. There should be more people who tell things as they are. Call a spade a spade. I don’t know why this country deteriorated so much. I don’t see much hope in it. If you are not a Filipino, consider yourself lucky. I am sad for that country, many Filipinos are too ignorant to see the lies of the media. They just eat what is fed them. They don’t discriminate at all anymore.
Thanks. Pinoy din ako, pero lumipat na sa ibang bansa. The country does appear hopeless, I’m afraid to admit
Eureka! You figured it out.
You had to write a blog post about it, heck, you made an entire blog about why the Philipppines sucks but that single comment revealed the real reason.
The Philippines sucks because men like you, the educated, the learned, the ‘intelligent’ have lost hope.
You’re part of the list why the Philippines sucks.
You’re assuming I’ve lost hope. If you had better reading comprehension, you would know that’s not the case at all.
You are arrogant. I don’t need to explain it to you. You know it.
LOL. The dumb Filipino in a nutshell: can’t be bothered to explain him/herself while participating in name calling.
“The Philippines sucks because men like you, the educated, the learned, the ‘intelligent’ have lost hope.”
Er, no Matilda, sorry. The Philippines sucks because four hundred families basically own the entire fucking country and the remaining 99.99% are living on either the equivalent of less than $2 or $3 a day, living on the equivalent of less than $1/day or would be fortunate to have even $1 to spend on any given day and spend their time picking through garbage dumps for plastic to recycle to earn enough to MAYBE be able to buy a meal to keep starvation at bay.
An exploitative economic model, let’s call it “capitalism”, is the problem that is at the heart of why the Philippines is like it is. Capitalism is SLAVERY. Matilda the sooner you realize that the better off you’ll be and the sooner you can start advocating for a radical break with current notions of bourgeois property relations, in other words the sooner you can start being part of the solution instead of being an ostrich with her head stuck in the sand who is part of the problem.
After Pacquiao conquered the world’s best boxers in 7 weight division titles you believed he is overrated? Give me a break. You are what I call stupid and ignorant. Also, he, being a boxer, has nothing to do with lies you claim Philippine media brings to the Filipino people. You really suck.
Nakalulungkot isiping ang panulat na ito ay nakapagbuyo ng ilang damdamin at naging sanhi ng pagtatalo sa lahing Pilipino.
Sa aking palagay, ang lahat ay may karapatang sambitin ang kaniyang kuro-kuro. Ngunit ang pagsasapubliko nito ay isang pamantayan ng paghihimagsik laban sa isang madilim na bahagi ng nakaraan ng isang tao, o maaari rin namang kakulangan sa kaalaman ng tunay ng diwa ng pagiging isang Pilipino.
Nais ko lamang gamiting batayan ang ilang bagay:
Una, ang paggamit ng wikang banyaga sa panulat na ito ay isang pangitaing ang gumawa nito ay hindi isinasapuso ang sarili nating wika. (At kung ang panagot niya ay “upang maintindihan ng mga nakararami”, ang masasabi ko lamang ay, gayon din ang mga Pilipinong sumisikat sa ibang bansa, gamit ang piyesa ng iba. Hindi naman siguro maaaring awitin ang “Pista sa Nayon” o “Kung Mawawala Ka” o “Sa Lumang Simbahan” sa harap ng banyagang manonood di ga? Mismong tayong mga Pilipino ay gumagamit ng wikang banyaga sa pang-araw araw na buhay.
Pangalawa, kahit sino man sa atin ay walang karapatang humusga sa isang tao sapagkat lahat tayo ay nakapaloob sa iisang bubong ng Diyos, ang Siyang tanging may karapatang humusga sa ating lahat. Bago natin tingnan ang dumi sa mata ng ibang tao, tingnan muna natin ang ating mga sarili.
Pangatlo, ang kasikatan ng mga nabanggit na taong ito ay niyakap ng ibang bansa dahil nakita ng mga banyaga ang potensyal at kahusayan ng mga taong ito sa larangan ng musika at sining. Ito ang kanilang napiling larangan. Hindi ga’t dapat ay ating suportahan? Hindi naman nila nalilimot sabihing sila ay Pilipino, di ga?
At ang panghuli, bakit? Ano ga ang ginawa ng Pilipino sa iyo at puro pamumula ang iyong binabanggit? Dala ba ito ng sama ng loob laban sa gobyerno? Sa pulitiko? Sa maling sistema? Bakit ito ibinabaling sa ibang taong walang ibang nais kundi ang tuparin nila ang kanilang pangarap? Ikaw ga’y di natupad ang sarili mong mithiin?
Nakalulungkot isipin at tanggapin na ang mga Pilipino ay hindi nagkakaisa hindi lamang sa aspetong ito, maging sa marami pang mga bagay.
Sana nama’y huwag mo na dustahin ang mga Pilipino..
Charise sucks plain and simple!!!
….survey & score baord…
just counted d reply VS ur blog
>>>like….1%
>>>dont like…99%
ur 1% will b vanished if u dont stop…
I like it. I guess that makes it 2% huh?
And I say I like it. Would that mean the percentage goes back to 1 %? Your math sucks. You figure.
Hi jstuff,
I’ve read your article and I must say that while your points are valid they are lost in your follow through. You have the freedom of having pride in your country or not but I just feel that you’re “attacking” those who do because of the things you try to argue. You said in one comment that you wanted to change the average Filipino to becoming “better” or what other variation, but ask yourself: will this tone really encourage the average, deep-rooted Filipino to change his view on his culture and not feel belittled?
As for Arnel and Charice being puppets of mimicry, why don’t you look at the big artists that you gave us for comparison? Celine Dion sang “The Power of Love” from Air Supply–is that not mimicry? Whitney sang Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You”–is that not mimicry? Come on, I get what you’re trying to convey but could you at least make it sound like your not looking down on your own culture while at the same time inevitably sounding like you glorify the American culture? A little counterintuitive I see it.
I don’t want to start a debate here like the others did, but I just wanted to let you know how I felt about the subject. I agree that we shouldn’t make our country revolve around a boxer and two singers, but can’t we at least appreciate them for what they’ve contributed to the Philippines? I’m a fan of Aguilar, Aegis, Eraserheads, Rivermaya, Parokya ni Edgar, Basil Valdez, and Ogie Alcasid, anything else, you name it I’m a fan, but even if Charice’s talents weren’t cultivated in the Philippines it shouldn’t be a ‘be all end all’ situation. Isn’t Arnel participating on the next Journey album? Some commandos had pointed out that he didn’t for the Revelations cd because the songs were all written prior to his submission into the band.
That said, and I’m sorry for the ramble, the more important matters here are really the corruption in our country and the equally corrupt people handling it. Ethnic showcasing in the music biz is but a tiny factor in the bigger play of things as to the condition of Philippines.
Thanks for your time.
Oh god, did I just write commando? I meant commentor. Lousy iPhone keypad 😛
@resilient: Totally with you brotha…
An artist usually has his/her own idol to aspire to… They copy certain mainstream styles but when it all comes down to it. Every artist sings/dances differently to the tune despite the lyrical similarity.
Another example would be, Michael Jackson… Guess who has copied him? (Justin Timberlake is just one example) Usually the MAINSTREAM is tapped for marketable purposes. You can’t expect NEW IDEAS to just POP out in the blue. Most often than not things evolve.
I can respect your opinion when it comes to Philippine media being so mimic of US media. And I understand that you hate the COLONIAL mentality. But I tell you, what is truly destructive is not the fact that Filipinos have a western mindset… It’s the fact that WE DRAG Fellow Filipinos down with our Crab Mentality. It’s amazing how a fellow Filipino stabs another’s back….. No wonder our women willingly open up they legs to foreigners. We just don’t seem to have national unity at all. Amazing why we became a country.
Charice= no grammy!! How sad is that?! She can’t even get recognition for her fake talent!!! Hahahaha
this is an example of a filipino with crab with long legs in his moronic brain….hehehehehehe…
pilipino din ako pero sang ayon ako sa lahat ng nakasulat sa mga blog ng taong ito. nakakahiya maging pilipino sa totoo lang. madami kasing bobo sa lahi natin. isama mo pa ang bobong pamahalaan, ang mga kurakot, at ang pinakabwisit sa lahat yung mga ipinapalabas sa tv na puro kamangmangan (willie revillame, vice ganda, tangina nyo at sa mga taong kumikilos para ilaganap ang kabaduyan nyo sa masa).
hindi excuse ang “crab mentality”, dapat nga nagpapasalamat pa tayo sa nagsulat ng blog na ito kasi matapang siya para punahin lahat ng mali sa lahi natin. tama na ang pagiging balat sibuyas at makitid na pag iisip ng mga pilipino at ang wala sa lugar na “pinoy pride”, putangina mapapamura ka talaga e.
Filipinos just suck.
Their ignorant, hypocritical, and are the dumbest fucks.
I’m glad I’m only part Filipino.
All Anti Anti Filipinos can blow it up yours.
Your point is noted.
But I think you fail to realize that all other cultures besides Filipino’s tend to support their own. Why can’t you as a Filipino (if you are one?) support your own?
Looks to me like the problem is not with Filipino’s being proud that others like us can make it big, but the fact that you won’t support your own.
I can understand if you were Simon, but you’re not!
Black, White, Mexican, Asian pride it’s all the same. What you fail to see is being proud of where you came from and what others are doing for themselves.
I don’t see a lot of Chinese songs making it to the Top 40 in the market and wouldn’t expect it. I don’t see any African tribal drums up there also.
They are artists and are performing for the music industry, I guess you wouldn’t actually notice them if they were not in the market huh?
Instead of bashing out about originality, why don’t you take long look in the mirror and tell me if you’re dressed in a baro’t saya or are you just not original too?
* And it’s Charice… not Chanrice
Well said, Aguiluz, kjaz29, etc.
The nastiest remarks come from people who think they are way too cool to be Filipinos.
The bad news is, who’s gonna adopt you? Baka bumuka ang lupa na tinatayuan niyo, lamunin kayo at isusuka din.
If your goal is to awaken deep patriotic sentiments in defense of Filipinos, then you have a sick way of doing it coz look–most of the negative comments here are from suckers themselves.
Be careful…this blog is turning out to be like tindahan sa kanto, tambayan ng walang magawang mga tsismoso. No offense to kanto boys, sorry po baka mas malala pa pala tong blog na to.
And please don’t quote Rizal. What he said about turning your back on your own language is way more related to us writing in English than to some Filipinos who are proud of Charice and Arnel. Ang layo pare….
To jstuff29 ……………….. pls dont used ARNEL AND CHARICE …to make u famous …i still pray for you to get rid ur personal gained para mapansin ….
Danger is that when one is accused of copying others, that prevents them from the freedom of choosing their own interests. It is a form of cultural prison. I see it in the US. Some people are afraid to learn about other cultures. And if they do that does not mean they do not like their own. Arnel likes rock. Just happens he likes one found in US. So what? Charice works for Foster, who has people from many countries doing songs he writes as he is a good song writer. Pinoys should be allowed to choose whatever they like without being hammered for it. We never know intention, and of course, sometimes it is just money. But sometimes it isn’t and we do not know.
Now it would be nice if more Americans learn about the Philippines, but we know many do not look anywhere outside the borders – even Canada
Charice the artist has a stable job, she’s working hard, she’s got money, houses, cars, etc. she’s constantly on the move, she’s got her own charities she’s involved in and she’s honestly trying to earn her keep. what about you? what have you done lately?
This guy is just a total faggot
For those who complain about Charice and Arnel, grab a life. It must be true what they say about jealousy being a nitpicker’s best friend lol. I am a yank who admires both Charice and Arnel and you idiots are from their country and you act like this. Btw: I have heard your other female singers and they all suck. Trust me if they came to the USA, they would be booed, if not laughed at ! The problem I notice with some Filipinos is that they actually think their stars are that good lol. Trust me they are not. Charice, is the one star that actually has talent and instead of supporting her you morons dog her. IDIOTS !
What about Lea Salonga… ?
I’m filipino and I agree with you about the lack of originality, I don’t even listen to these guys, although I do follow pacquiao, but do you really have nothing else to do? I don’t go around posting about how americans should stop killing thousands of innocent people in the middle eazst for oil. What the fuck did we do to make you want to be so rude to a whole race? Seriusly like americans are such great people, you guys lock out people that can’t afford a passport? Who the fuck do you guys think you are? After you stole a huge fucking pieces of lands from a whole bunch of people and killing them to a point where they almost got wiped out, according to this post the only thing we did wrong was to not have originality, as if americans are flawless. Bro I could keep listing all the things america has done, that are morally incorrect. I’ve lived here all my life but I’ve never met anybody that is such a big fucking hypocrite compared to you.
lol..sounds like this guy is jealous of the Philipino culture.. I bet you only speak one language too
What the fuck u thinkin disrespecting filipinos. You have no right to say that they cant make any original songs at least they can sing. they got the voice and what you got is nothing but a guy sitting in a chair on his computer talking SH!t about other races. You say that filipinos arent original but look at ap de app in the black eyes peas hes half filipino and he is already famous. Filipinos made throught alot of tought times and they even helped in WW2 against the Japanese. Dont you go critizing of thier songs because i doubt that you cant even make a songs. What you think they are, JUStin Beiber, Selena Gomez, Micheal Jackson, katy Perry, Eminem. Get this stright they are not. i bet that these celeberties had to start somewhere off at and the first songs that they have wrote might not have even been originals.
I bet this guy here wears barong tagalog wherever he goes.
I’m a fiilipino and I hate that charice she really sucks …everyone can do shouting in singing! Hope she’s screwed
Gusto ko yung sinabi nya kay Apl.nakakatulong rin nmn tong Blog na to pra makita natin yun iba nting pagkakamali.. =) Proud akong Filipino pero may points tlaga yung mga iba nyang post or article ee.. ^^v
Look here miss/mister, your arguments clearly shows your idiocy. How much irrational can you get?? Bitter ka dong/day?? Why do you put so much hate and criticism on your fellow Filipinos’ success?? And about the Filipino language with all the Rizal shit, are kidding me?? Why would Charice and Arnel sing in tagalog to a multiracial audience? If you say that there are a lot of Filipino singers out there who can sing karaoke with excellence that are on par or even better than Arnel and Charice then why don’t you coerce them to sing in Tagalog and stick to Tagalog songs. The problem here is not colonial mentality, its crab mentality. And as long as people like you who have sadistic tendencies to wish for the downfall of his/her countrymen who are doing their best and their hardest to achieve success in life and who relentlessly and obsessively criticizes and find faults on others, the Philippines will never progress. Can you just be happy that they are doing well in the international stage?? If you dislike how many Filipinos take pride in the achievements of the two singers, then talk about that instead of writing crap about people who haven’t done anything to you. I don’t buy your arguments ‘coz their foolish and your pathetic; using your freedom of speech in foul blogging. This is exactly the reason why Cybercrime law is badly needed in a country full of all-knowing, high and mighty crabs!!!
well, whoever wrote this blog is a Douche bag….Arnel and Charice are singers performers, they will sing any songs, English, Tagalog, Spanish, japanese, Well, tell me do you think Charice will get noticed if she perform tagalog songs on YT? do you think Ellen and Oprah will be amazed with “dahil sa Iyo”? Thank you Whitney Houston…
Also, do you think Neal Schon will be please with Arnel song..”tara na tara na?
nope, it was the Journey songs that blew him away., these guys are not changing their skin color, tagalog is still the first language, rice is still the main staple not mashed potato…and thier name is still the same, not American name,, so ano ang pinag puputak mo?
Guess what? hindi mo mararating ang mga narating ng dalawa,, nalibot halos ni Arnel ang mundo,, si Charice ma dami ring narating, so ang masasabe ko sa iyo, ikaw ang mas sobra sa malansang isda, balisasa….wala ka lang ma isulat kaya na ninira ka ng ibang tao sa sobra inggit mo..
this really a piece of crap, nakakahiya sa ibang bansa,, nababasa nila ito.. you are such a disgrace to our race,,,, kaya tuloy tayo minamata ng ibang lahi, dahil kayo mismo ang sumisira sa sarili nating pag katao.. na kakahiya ka.. mali…. dapat ipag malaki mo sila dahil kapwa filipino mo..karangalan nila karangalan mo rin.. ang kahihiyan nila sapok din sa iyo…kaso ikaw pa mismo na kapwa filipino ang sisira sa lahi natin…nakakahiya ka..
Heya just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know a few of the images aren’t loading correctly. I’m not
sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different internet browsers and both show the same results.
AH, yes. Another white man who thinks he’s superior.
Move along, cracker.
Ha ha ha