The following article is a transcript of my recent Toastmasters speeches. They're not meant to be read in written form, so a lot of context may be lost in the process. Also, proofreading. LOL.
I have good news and bad news. The good news is that I'll be talking about the cultural impact of Videoke, which I'm sure Filipinos love on a genetic level and that this song will contain singing. The bad news is that I will be singing. That said, Good evening, Fellow toastmasters and guests.
We're the only country that uses the term Videoke. Did you know that? Videoke, or Karaoke as it was originally called, was first popularized in Japan, which is their biggest contribution to the world next to fuel efficient cars, instant noodles, and pokemon. Karaoke in Japanese is from is roughly translated to "Please don't sing My Way".
There's still some debate as to who invented the Karaoke, through the best way to put it is that it was invented in parallel in Japan by Daisuke Inoue in Japan and Roberto Del Rosario in the Philippines at about the same time. That's how much we love karaoke. We know it's already going to be invented, but we'll invent our own just to make sure. The invention is largely influenced by minus-one recordings that were again, popularized by Filipino performers in Japan. So if there's any country that really really wants Videoke to come into existence it's US.
I don't think there's any other culture in the world that let Karaoke sink deeper into tradition than Filipinos. For instance, we're the only country in the world where Videoke machines have wheels. We don't have to go to videoke. Videoke goes to us! In the province, one baranggay could have two machines or rent, and they'd be used for all the events of the entire village and by all events I mean ALL. parties, weddings, elections, FUNERALS, you name it, videoke will be there.
We love karaoke so much, there are provincial buses that have questionable brakes, but excellent Karaoke systems on board. That pretty much shows our priorities. Ferries have Videoke. BP Alcaraz has videoke, presumably because they want to sing the Chinese away from our territories.
It's even more evident here in Manila. Our Top 3 night outs are 1. drinking beer with friends. 2. Videoke. 3. Videoke drinking beer with friends. Why Videoke? It's a good way to celebrate. and a good way to forget your problems, unless your problem is your singing voice. In which case, it's a good way to face your problems. We love videoke because we Filipinos associate strong emotions to SOngs. If GLEE were real life, it'd be all about Filipinos. We have a song for every situation there is. Heartbroken basted? Ang putong di mabile... Meeting an Ex? Muling ibalik ang tamis ng pagibiiiiiiiig. Got friend zoned? KAIBIGAN LANG PALA.
In the short span that Videoke has been around, our culture has grown to adopt it like it's always been there for us. I'd like to think that's always the case. That when I die, as all Filipinos eventually do, I want to be up there in the heavens, facing St Peter. I want to say to him, "So, how did I do?" And I'd hear something familiar.
*CUE VIDEOKE SCORE MUSIC*
I have good news and bad news. The good news is that I'll be talking about the cultural impact of Videoke, which I'm sure Filipinos love on a genetic level and that this song will contain singing. The bad news is that I will be singing. That said, Good evening, Fellow toastmasters and guests.
We're the only country that uses the term Videoke. Did you know that? Videoke, or Karaoke as it was originally called, was first popularized in Japan, which is their biggest contribution to the world next to fuel efficient cars, instant noodles, and pokemon. Karaoke in Japanese is from is roughly translated to "Please don't sing My Way".
There's still some debate as to who invented the Karaoke, through the best way to put it is that it was invented in parallel in Japan by Daisuke Inoue in Japan and Roberto Del Rosario in the Philippines at about the same time. That's how much we love karaoke. We know it's already going to be invented, but we'll invent our own just to make sure. The invention is largely influenced by minus-one recordings that were again, popularized by Filipino performers in Japan. So if there's any country that really really wants Videoke to come into existence it's US.
I don't think there's any other culture in the world that let Karaoke sink deeper into tradition than Filipinos. For instance, we're the only country in the world where Videoke machines have wheels. We don't have to go to videoke. Videoke goes to us! In the province, one baranggay could have two machines or rent, and they'd be used for all the events of the entire village and by all events I mean ALL. parties, weddings, elections, FUNERALS, you name it, videoke will be there.
We love karaoke so much, there are provincial buses that have questionable brakes, but excellent Karaoke systems on board. That pretty much shows our priorities. Ferries have Videoke. BP Alcaraz has videoke, presumably because they want to sing the Chinese away from our territories.
It's even more evident here in Manila. Our Top 3 night outs are 1. drinking beer with friends. 2. Videoke. 3. Videoke drinking beer with friends. Why Videoke? It's a good way to celebrate. and a good way to forget your problems, unless your problem is your singing voice. In which case, it's a good way to face your problems. We love videoke because we Filipinos associate strong emotions to SOngs. If GLEE were real life, it'd be all about Filipinos. We have a song for every situation there is. Heartbroken basted? Ang putong di mabile... Meeting an Ex? Muling ibalik ang tamis ng pagibiiiiiiiig. Got friend zoned? KAIBIGAN LANG PALA.
In the short span that Videoke has been around, our culture has grown to adopt it like it's always been there for us. I'd like to think that's always the case. That when I die, as all Filipinos eventually do, I want to be up there in the heavens, facing St Peter. I want to say to him, "So, how did I do?" And I'd hear something familiar.
*CUE VIDEOKE SCORE MUSIC*
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