Isang Fiesta, Isang Playlist
Those days are gone when fiestas only rang with the brassy sounds of brass bands and traditional folk tunes blaring from a karaoke machine. Nowadays, fiestas in the barangay are just as likely to feature the newest Spotify chart hits, popular TikTok dance tracks, and trending OPM videos on YouTube. From the pabonggahan ng float to late-night disco sa kalsada, music has never been more digital—and more diverse—than ever. With technology, the Playlist ng Bayan is now a vibrant blend of the new and old, both echoing the community’s distinct culture of the people.
Then vs Now: Tunog ng Nakaraan, Tugtog ng Kasalukuyan
Back then, fiesta music revolved around live marching bands, harana-type serenades, or the ever-reliable karaoke staple songs—think “Bakit Pa?” by Jessa Zaragoza or anything by Aegis. These songs are still nostalgic favorites, but now they have to compete with a new generation of musical influencers.
Enter the TikTok anthems, Spotify party playlists, and YouTube music videos—today’s go-to sources for hyping up any event. From the latest P-Pop album, a DJ remix of the kundiman, or even international hits such as “Cupid (Twin Version)” by FIFTY FIFTY, fiesta music has globalized but maintained its local twist.
How Tech Sets the Tone: Fiesta Meets Digital Vibes
With Bluetooth speakers taking over karaoke sets and playlist curation over cassette mixtapes, tech has made it easier to control the party mood. Event organizers or even ordinary kabarangays can now turn into DJs with their smartphones. Platforms such as Spotify and YouTube allow you to create playlists according to the mood of street dancing, drinking, gaming, or even religious parades.
But it’s not just the apps—it’s also the hardware.
Speakers nowadays are smart and social. Some portable Bluetooth speakers, such as the JBL PartyBox or the Sony X-series, have Party Connect or Wireless Party Chain features. That means that several speakers can sync and boom the same rhythm, turning a small barangay into an actual music festival. Built-in LED lights, bass boost, even mic/guitar input—these are the new masa sound systems.
Tradition Meets Modernity: Soundtracking Identity
While the sound is different, the essence of the fiesta does not change—joyful, collective, and Filipino in spirit. Many barangays today blend ethnic percussion groups or cultural dance routines with contemporary remixes, resulting in an audio-visual mashup that is a celebration of heritage and development.
Picture a street dance that begins with tinikling rhythms and seamlessly leads to a full-fledged EDM drop—gulat ang crowd, sabay sayaw lahat. That is the magic of contemporary fiestas: they don’t destroy tradition, they remix it.
Fiesta Feels, Modern Beats
Music has always been the pulse of Filipino fiestas—and now it’s louder, more accessible, and more in tune with the digital age. Whether it’s a barangay celebration or a city bash, today’s Playlist ng Bayan is a mix of heritage and hype. So, next time you attend a fiesta, bring your best dance moves, your loudest speakers, and your go-to playlist—because this party doesn’t just honor tradition, it dances with the times.
Words by Phia Manuell Layoso
Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE Volume 25 No. 9 Issue.