GENERATIONS OF PPOP (PART 1)

We are all being honest here, folks: Our generation system is not well-structured. Because of so many conflicts and discriminations going on in the PPOP scene, and  to the trends in the Philippine music scene, we cannot easily track down the lineage of generation in PPOP. However, we can track them by the years that have their own trends, fashion, music, and situation that PPop has. 

FIRST GENERATION known as the "Novelty Era". This spanned from 1998 to 2009. But before we start of it, let's check the criteria on how we track the first PPop group to appear on the listeners:

 · The global music trend is at par for the Philippines

 · A group/individual that can sing or dance 

 · Performers are youth, majority of its members are not reaching more than 22

 · Audience are targeted for the Filipinos, especially for youth 

 · A song that was created by a Filipino, in regards to the language or dialect used (Art. 1, Sec. 3 of SB 961/OPM Development Act)

 · A song that was hit to the mainstream, either in a short period or sleeper hit

Of the 6 of them, they must check all of the criterias to qualify for it. After the observations of it, the first generation of PPOP started in 1998 through the girl group Fruitcake. The triplet (consisting of Anne, Rhea, and Jel) was known on their smash hit "Whoops Kiri" that released in 1998, and became viral in 2014 from the version of comedian Vice Ganda. 

Other groups made success during this era such as Jeremiah (Nanghihinayang), Viva Hot Babes (Bulaklak), Masculados (Jumbo Hotdog), Mocha Girls, and many others. The most popular group on the 1st Generation is the Sexbomb Girls (Spaghetti Song, Di Ko Na Mapipigilan), which became a force on a PPop scene, and probably on the Asian music scene, that peaked from early to mid 2000s.

The 1st Generation of PPop became low in latter years, due to the preference of what's popular in the music scene in the country, which is Pinoy rock and bal

S.W.O.T ANALYSIS 2022 (PART 2)

In the continuation of "S.W.O.T. Analysis 2022", we will tackle the other 2, in which to be discussed and analyzed on what is the current state of PPOP right now.

OPPORTUNITIES: ENGLISH-SPEAKING COUNTRY

- Philippines is the 2nd highest in Asia (only behind Singapore), and 18th in the world in terms of English proficiency. And we have a good shot at it to attract more foreigners to engage in this kind of PPop culture, due to English being the lingua franca in the international community.

OPPORTUNITIES: TOURISM INVESTMENT IN RECENT YEARS

Is PPOP related to tourism investment? The answer is YES of course!

One example of big tourism investments related to PPOP this 2022 is PPOPCON, Tugatog, and the recently successful Popstival. Those huge events had an impact on the event's total revenue, which also led to a growth in the economy.

OPPORTUNITIES: EVEN SMALL-SCALE AGENCIES OFFER

Not unlike the earlier generations of PPOP that most groups are handled only by established agencies and record labels, today even small-scale agencies can invest and form a PPOP group already. In fact, more and more agencies are starting to find promising talents in forming a PPOP group.

One proof of its success is the rise of Online PPOP Groups (OPG) that was started in 2020, due to strict protocols brought by COVID-19. And even now, many PPOP fans started to notice.

OPPORTUNITIES: DIVERSE MUSIC

If you think that PPOP is only copying other genres, then you are wrong! PPop has its diversity that has been formulated for more than a decade.

Many groups conceptualized on their own. Some of them are inspired from JPop, some of them are from KPop, some of them are Western pop, and some of them are inspired by Filipino sound. But, when the intention is for Filos, that's when PPop enters.

THREATS: CHANGES OF TRENDS AND PREFERENCES IN MUSIC

Now let's enter on the threats, and that is the changes of trends and preference. Even though PPop is rising, there also have a possibility to fade once again, because the people is still the one what music will prefer in the next couple of years. And not unlike decades ago, the pace of the music genre to mainstream is going fast.

THREATS: SHORTENING THE PERIOD OF TRAINING MAY COMPROMISE

Many companies are practicing to speed up the training period before going to debut, which isn't good and it may compromise. It is because to screen each of the trainees on its capabilities, and their character while challenges come. It is a bit risky, but it is the best way for the maturity of a group to form.

THREATS: MASS STREAMING/BUYING

It is ok for agencies and fandoms for mass buying, such as view or stream boosting, and albums for better outcome in promotions. But after all, can mass buying reflect the organic success of the PPop groups? 

It is beneficial for the groups about mass streaming/buying from fandoms to have success in terms of numbers received. The concern is the transparency of success. One example of it is how many fans there are when a group/artist performs at a concert or event.

The current state of PPOP is now improving, and doing more than ever. Yet, there are some problems that must be fixed and improved for betterment.

PPOP is happening, PPOP is rising!

S.W.O.T ANALYSIS 2022 (PART 1)

In this article, we will discuss the PPOP version of "S.W.O.T. Analysis" which derived as "Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats"

Usually, the S.W.O.T. Analysis is a guide to the goals and its framework to the organization. But this time, we will analyze the S.W.O.T. Analysis based on what is really happening in 2022 in the perspective of P-Pop. 

STRENGTHS: DANCE AND SINGING PEOPLE

- No lie here! Filipinos are very good in singing. Almost every corner in the country has a place for karaoke. Most of them can sing, while some of them bravely sing (even though they have a "sintunado" voice). The proof that Philippines are singing nation is that we won a large number of singing competitions, locally and internationally, and caught the attention even the well-known personalities globally. 

- Filipinos are not just good at singing, but also at dancing. Dancing is also a habit that many Filipinos excelled in, and won many international dancing competitions. These two proves that we have so much potential on what it needs to be for being a PPop idol.

STRENGTHS: STREAMING-DRIVEN NATION

- Music streaming services such as Youtube, Spotify, Apple Music, and many more, became a big thing for Filipinos in recent years. According to Statista, the country's revenue for music streaming is around US$106 million in 2022, more than double in 2017 (worth US$53 million)

- In the world of streaming, PPop was one of its strengths to gain the attention of the artists. Since fans also heavily rely on streaming, the PPop is one of the growing genres in the Philippines, and also overseas.

STRENGTHS: THE AUDIENCE REACH

- Even though PPop existed as early as the end of 20th century, the 2020s decade reached a great number of audience reach, something that never happened before. Unlike previous generations, more and more fans outside the country are starting to show support for PPop, which is also a big thing in the "PPop Rise" movement.

WEAKNESSES: BUDGET AND PLANNING FROM AGENCIES

- We are now about to see the weaknesses, or what needs to be improved for continuous growth. And one of them is the budget and planning of agencies

- Budget has no problem from big-scale agencies like ABS-CBN, ShowBT, Viva, and others. The concern for this is for the small-scale and independent agencies, because the main factor of the budget is the sustainability to stay a group for years to come, and having a budget is also a must for releasing and promoting new songs or albums.

- Planning is also a bit of a concern for some agencies. The planning means that there must be a framework for systematic planning that can take for years, or even decades. According to "inc.com", planning creates focus that we aren't distracted in heading directions and improves day-to-day decision making skills for the agency.

WEAKNESSES: NO MUSIC SHOW DEDICATED FOR P-POP YET

- As of this writing, no television station or production company has the plan to create music shows dedicated to PPop groups. Although there are variety shows that regularly guests PPop groups and artists, having a music show for PPop is a different one. Because it will give the full support for fan bases on their favorite groups. 

- For the writer's perspective, maybe this couldn't be the right time (at least for 2022), because the total of Live PPOP Groups is still small.

WEAKNESSES: NO MUSIC CERTIFICATION FOR STREAMING 

- The Philippine Association of Record Industry (PARI) is responsible for releasing music certifications on albums and singles in the country. As of now, the association hasn't released a certification for streaming, which the PPOP community fanbases is strong for.

- In a world where streaming is a must for the music enthusiasts, many countries (like US, UK, and Japan) are starting to release certifications, either dedicated only to streaming counts or combined to the physical and digital sales for total.

- In the country where streaming platforms are on-demand, the association should consider creating a certification for this, not just for PPOP fans, but for Pinoy music lovers in general.

PPOP is happening, PPOP is rising!

BINI DESERVES MORE PROMOTION, SB19 DESERVES MORE SECURITY

BINI and SB19 have been a topic in the recent weeks, not just on their latest singles and promotional activities, but also in the problems dealing in order to stay longer and not to disband those two great groups.

BINI released 8 singles, and a sophomore album this 2022. For a PPop fan and BLOOMS, this must be a heavy promotion for the "Nations Girl Group" of PPOP to promote and reach more audiences to listen to their songs. Also, BINI had a breakthrough year, because of their hit single "Na Na Na" which was viral as a challenge on the social media app, TikTok. 

But, it is not the case for the management. According to some BLOOMS, the management fails to do the task when it comes to promotion, such as delayed time of releasing songs and music videos. 

The management are not appreciatively keeping on what BINI had done to promote those wonderful songs in the recent months, that some days are needed to sacrifice their time and energy, so that they are doing their best when the new song is coming.

We, as BLOOMS and PPOP fans, are hoping for justice and respect for their hard work so that their efforts won't be short-handed to the listeners and be appreciated for what they have done.

In the other, SB19 also faced many criticisms and allegations from bashers for this year. The bashers, also known as "mahaligno", maliciously post about them, from failed moments with harsh captions to grooming issues, that can potentially trigger not just on A'Tin, but also on the SB19 themselves.

On October 3, Monday, the official Twitter account posted that anyone can tag the official social media accounts of them about those maliciously and illegal posts, so they can take appropriate actions.

This also a sign that SB19 and the ShowBT Entertainment are gnashing their teeth to the mahalignos, that they are done from silence. This is the right decision, since SB19 is the PPOP's most popular group, that many bashers have come to drag the group's reputation.

Their action from the management proves that they are protecting the idol's mental health and privacy, which prevent a possible member's departure.

PPOP is happening, PPOP is rising!

PPOP IN CHEERDANCE COMPETITIONS?

 

Since PPOP is rising, more and more people recognize that the genre is starting to be normalized when performing in competitions. Including the cheerdance. 

It started the buzz when a post from UE (University of the East) Pep Squad posted a photo with a question mark. And many A'Tin started to think that the song "What?" by SB19 will be used in the upcoming edition of UAAP Cheerdance Competition on December 10. Some of them started to think that maybe PPOP will be the theme for future cheerdance competitions. 

Other schools are not choosing their song yet, either are schools affiliated to UAAP, NCAA, or others. But it is also not surprising if others will follow what UE Pep Squad did.

Since the music in cheerdance has a lot of variety, from energetic to upbeat sound, songs in PPOP nowadays are already hands-on to that. There are many songs that can be so loud like in the party, some of those are in a light yet positive mood, and some of it can be anthemic.

Here are some of the suggestions that can also use in cheerdance competitions:

What (SB19)

Go Up (SB19)

Bazinga (SB19)

Bulan (FELIP)

Da Coconut Nut (BINI)

Born to Win (BINI)

The Light (BGYO)

Tumitigil Ang Mundo (BGYO)

River (MNL48)

WIN (PHP)

kasmala (Alamat)

ABKD (Alamat)

Defy (G22)

FIYAAH (VXON)

Shout Out (1stOne)

La Luna (LUNA)

Bling Bling (DIONE)

Kaya (KAIA)

The recognition of PPOP songs in cheerdance competitions is now possible this year. And the crucial factor of it is when schools in UAAP and NCAA put PPOP songs on it, because of its best talents you can find in country's cheerdancing, and its national potential reach through social media and television. 

This trend will solidify the "PPOP Rise" movement that has been continuously effective in recent years.

PPOP is happening, PPOP is rising!

WHY 18-24 SHOULD BE THE IDEAL AGE TO DEBUT IN PPOP?

The path to be a PPOP idol isn't quite easy, and even fans know that. There are a lot of sacrifices to take to endure in the training that could take from long months to even years. This requires physical strength, sacrifice to their family for a while, and most importantly, mental stability.

Sadly, not all PPOP idols can handle, even when the group already debuted. Mental stability is one important aspect of maintaining long careers in any idol groups. 

Maturity is being fully developed, from developing talent to molding a good character. Is also not to be fully appeared overnight, and the key of it is patience, commitment, and discipline. One aspect of maturity as trainees is communication to the coaches, managers, and even co-trainees, because that will be the basis from coaches if the trainee is worthy to be part of the group.

Since most of the management agencies preffered to find young aspirants, having a dream to be a PPOP idol while still young has the best chance to get a shot. Even though PPOP idols are also managing their tasks between college life and performer, at least there is enough decision-making on how to handle it.

If it's younger than 18 the time it debut, it's fine, though it may struggle in academic performance. If it's over 24 to debut, the chances to become PPOP idol would be slimmer, specially in mid-20s starting to become serious in physical and mental aspect, and even planning to enter in the relationship. 

Training methods nowadays are rigorous and might not adapt physically. But from time to time, it will physically develop and adapt to these standards. More than choreographies, exercise and technique is the better key to keep physically develop

The reason for debuting at the ideal age is because the career will develop for a long: physically, mentally, and socially. At that ideal age, this is the perfect period of being matured, mentally stable, physically developed, and best shot for career opportunities. Also, this could also be the best way to have a long-lasting career for a PPOP group.

PPOP is happening, PPOP is rising!

#PPOPrise

#ThePPOPTimes

Hestia Cover Debut

OPG Hestia is set to have thier cover debut this January 8,2023.They are going to cover Bling Bling by Dione.

" finally coming, here we come our first cover, ang tagal namin pinag hirapan at sana magustohan nyo Fly-ia!!"

#Hestia_Girls #Hestia_Ann #Hestia_Keila #Hestia_Marie #Hestia_Azi #Hestia_Hera

STAR HUNT ACADEMY: A PERFECT EXAMPLE OF PPOP IDOL DEVELOPMENT

Why "Star Hunt" had the perfect example when it comes to development in PPOP industry?

1. NATIONWIDE SEARCH

The "Star Hunt Academy" started off on its nationwide search called "Star Hunt" way back 2018, that was held on various places in the Philippines, and even worldwide. The "Star Hunt" is a "one-stop-shop" nationwide-search from ABS-CBN that can offer you to be part of various TV shows from the said network (Ex. "The Voice", "PBB", and "I Can See Your Voice") 

Having this kind of audition search on a nationwide-basis is a great choice of choosing the "best-of-the-best" auditioners and became PPOP idols one day. It is also a great opportunity to audition for those who are far away. 

2. HIGH-PROFILE COACHES

When Star Hunt Academy started around August 2019, there were great coaches who are mentoring to the trainees.In fact, 19 trainees at that start of training. Here are some of the coaches that had:

  · Mickey Perz (well-known dancer, and mainstay of ABS-CBN for long time)

  · Kitchy Molina (veteran music professor, and vocal coach in Pinoy Dream Academy in 2006, where Yeng Constantino won the show)

  · Doctor MU (Korean mentor, known for mentoring Stray Kids Changbin)

3. HURDLES DURING THE PERIOD

 

In span of more than a year, just look at what happened on that period.

  · March 2020 - COVID-19 lockdown and limited movements on all sectors.

  · May 2020 - Shutdown of ABS-CBN free to air network as an order from National Telecommunications Commission(NTC) Due to its Franchise Expiration

  · July 2020 - The ABS-CBN's sister channels went back, however, it went closed few days later as an order from NTC came for clarification.

Not to mention also that trainees are fighting the home sickness while they are in lockdown, and some of them are came back from their hometown for urgency, that led to the quarantine period to the trainees.

4. DIREK'S COMMITMENT

Despite the hurdles came in just a short amount of time, there's one thing that made SHA Trainees successful: The commitment of Direk Lauren Dyogi.

The head of Star Magic has been very committed to the people whose have potential to become successful singer, dancer, or actor one day. And one of it is the development of SHA Trainees for more than a year, which the products became BGYO (male PPOP group) and BINI (female PPOP group).

PPOP is happening, PPOP is rising!

#PPOPrise

#theppoptimes