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Beyond Rush Hour: Music Becomes Filipinos' Escape from Traffic
Why Filipinos are leading the world in music listening? Averaging an impressive 126 minutes daily, largely due to heavy traffic. This growing trend highlights the vibrant local music scene, with artists gaining popularity and making significant strides on platforms like Spotify. As commuting becomes a part of daily life, music serves as a vital escape and connection for many Filipinos. Find out here.
A recent study reveals that Filipinos listen to music for an average of 126 minutes daily, the highest in the world. This trend is attributed to long commutes and heavy traffic in the Philippines. While music serves as a vital form of expression and connection for many, over half of those working in the local music industry earn less than PHP 20,000 a month, which is just above the minimum wage in Metro Manila.
Despite their passion for music, the financial rewards for Filipino artists remain low. The country's creative industry saw a growth in value from PHP 1.61 trillion to PHP 1.72 trillion, but music's contribution is only PHP 18.1 billion, making up just 8.8% of the total. The rise of streaming platforms like Spotify has led to a significant increase in local music consumption, with Filipino artists now dominating the top charts.
In Manila, music serves as both entertainment and an emotional outlet for many Filipinos. Dr. Maria Alexandra Chua from the University of Sto. Tomas emphasizes that music allows individuals to express their feelings and share their stories. Despite this cultural significance, the earnings for those involved in creating and performing music remain low, which raises concerns about sustainability in the industry.
In Manila, music serves as both entertainment and an emotional outlet for many Filipinos. Dr. Maria Alexandra Chua from the University of Sto. Tomas emphasizes that music allows individuals to express their feelings and share their stories. Despite this cultural significance, the earnings for those involved in creating and performing music remain low, which raises concerns about sustainability in the industry.
As the demand for music continues to grow, so does the potential for local artists to gain recognition both domestically and internationally. The challenges of economic disparity and low earnings in the industry highlight the need for better support and opportunities for musicians in the Philippines.
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Ashrey Chariz Banhao
Greetings! I'm Ashrey Chariz Paguio Banhao who loves music and technology. I'm the eldest among 2 siblings. I am also fond of playing guitar and singing at karaoke. Furthermore, selenophile and nature lover—appreciating the beauty of nature.
