Navigating individual and collective authenticity

THE past year has been quite a treat for Original Pinoy Music (OPM) fans, with various artists, groups, and bands gaining success. While there are too many to mention for this article's space, my three favorite acts from the past year are the reunion of Rivermaya's classic line-up, Lola Amour, and Bini.

When Rivermaya's classic lineup performed Elesi, I cheered when I heard Bamboo Mañalac and Rico Blanco's iconic harmony. Nostalgia hit hard, yet I cannot help but appreciate the much-improved musicality of the band, each member showcasing their own taste, compared to the recorded versions from Spotify.