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Description
Acoustic OPM (Original Pilipino Music) is a Filipino pop style defined by stripped‑down, guitar‑centered arrangements, intimate vocals, and melodically driven ballads performed in Tagalog/Filipino and English.
It leans on coffeehouse aesthetics: nylon/steel‑string acoustic guitars, light percussion (cajón, shakers), subtle bass, and occasional strings or piano. The emphasis is on storytelling and emotive delivery—often romantic, nostalgic, or quietly melancholic—while retaining radio‑friendly song forms.
The style popularized an unplugged approach to Philippine pop in the 2000s, mixing local harana/serenade sensibilities with Western soft rock, singer‑songwriter, and acoustic pop traditions. Both original songs and reimagined covers are common in the repertoire.
History
Acoustic OPM emerged from Manila’s live bar and café circuit, where singer‑songwriters and cover bands favored intimate, guitar‑led sets. Its roots connect to classic OPM balladry and harana traditions, while drawing on Western soft rock and the 1990s–2000s global "unplugged" wave.
In the early to mid‑2000s, an "acoustic wave" swept Philippine mainstream media. Radio formats and compilation albums championed mellow, guitar‑centric renditions alongside originals. This period codified the genre’s hallmarks: close‑mic vocals, warm acoustic textures, and sentimental pop writing.
As TV variety shows, mall tours, and bar residencies amplified exposure, audiences embraced the low‑volume, story‑first approach. The scene nurtured both solo artists and small combos, balancing English and Tagalog lyrics to reflect urban Filipino bilingual culture.
With the rise of streaming, Acoustic OPM thrived in playlists for study, romance, and relaxation. Artists continued releasing acoustic versions of hits, while new acts blended folk‑pop and indie sensibilities with the genre’s understated production.
Acoustic OPM remains a staple of Philippine pop culture—ubiquitous in cafés, weddings, and broadcast media—and a gateway for singer‑songwriters and worship leaders, influencing contemporary indie and praise scenes across the country.
