What does OPM Stand for?

As a DJ, I get asked to play many different genres of music from many different countries. I get asked a lot of questions on what does OPM stand for. OPM can mean many different things. In the Philippines, OPM stands for “Original Philippine Music” or “Original Pilipino Music” or even “Original Pinoy Music”. The term “OPM” started to arise in the early 70s in the Philippines, reflecting a cultural movement to nurture local talent and create a distinct musical identity. “OPM music” was the first time when the Philippines tried to appear in worldwide music. OPM music was popularized by popular artists such as Neocolours, Eraserheads, Freddie Agulliar, VST and Company and more!

One of the prominent features of OPM is its ability to blend Western influence with native musical elements, creating a diverse and rich soundscape appreciated both locally and internationally. Besides pop and rock, OPM encompasses various genres such as ballads, folk, and even contemporary R&B, with each era bringing new evolving styles.

Modern OPM continues to evolve with artists like Moira Dela Torre, known for her soulful ballads, and Ben&Ben, who are famous for their folk-pop sound, garnering large followings both in the Philippines and abroad. The rise of digital platforms has also played a significant role in bringing OPM to a wider audience globally. The trend now involves a fusion of traditional Filipino music with contemporary genres like hip-hop, EDM, and indie, reflecting the dynamic and diverse culture of the Philippines.

You can listen to hand-selected OPM music from DJ Z on Spotify through the button located on the bottom. The term OPM is very commonly seen on my karaoke players and on my Spotify playlists. That is because I am a Filipino and I love those kinds of music and my karaoke players come straight from the Philippines! Moreover, karaoke culture is tightly interwoven with OPM, popularizing many songs throughout the years and keeping the spirit of Filipino music alive in day-to-day life, whether it's at family gatherings or special celebrations across the world.

Some of my favorite OPM music includes Juan Karlos Labajo's Buwan, IV of Spades' Mundo, Tuloy Pa Rin by Neocolours, and all of Lola Amours music especially Namimiss Ko Na.

Listen to OPM Music curated by DJ Z: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1z2r602pKaClIwtiz8IZt0?si=c8c09531c79d42d2