Local content creators share love advice, thoughts on how Pinoys navigate love through Spotify
Filipinos are always known for being romantic, and one of the greatest tools in their love arsenal is music.
Whether they're showing affection to their partners, pining for somebody who doesn't reciprocate the feeling, trying to deal with a breakup's aftermath, or just having happy thoughts about their crushes, all it takes is one song.
That's why streaming giant Spotify has launched its "Parinig Mo with Spotify" campaign in time for love month.
Parinig Mo with Spotify introduces Pag-ibig Hub in the platform, as well as fresh slate of not only music but also podcast playlists addressing Pinoys' love-hate relationship with romance.
Starting Feb. 9, over 50 fresh podcast episodes are already up, including those from the likes of Ang Walang Kwentang Podcast, skypodcast, Hugot Marcelo, and Payaman Insider.
During the media event attended by PhilSTAR L!fe last Feb. 9, Spotify's Head of Studios for Southeast Asia Carl Zuzarte said that the streaming platform has been constantly working to create the "audio-jowa" Pinoys need as "expressing and embracing love in all forms" has been an "intrinsic part of the Filipino identity."
This was affirmed by some of Spotify's top content creators for 2022, who shared their thoughts at the event's roundtable discussion. The panel consisted of Spotify's 2022 Top Streaming Domestic Artist Zack Tabudlo; Ang Walang Kwentang Podcast co-creators Antonette Jadaone and JP Habac; and psychologist Riyan Portuguez a.k.a. Your Millennial Psychologist who hosts the Kapwa Club podcast.
Voice-over talent Inka Magnaye, who also hosts Sleeping Pill with Inka, moderated the discussion.
Portuguez stressed on the importance of music as a "universal language," noting it's the "language of our emotions."
"There are music that we don't understand the lyrics, but we know that it's something sad, happy, perky," she said. "It can actually alter our mood and influence our behavior."
Those who also want to try their luck at finding someone, Portuguez said, should go for those with the same music taste, noting the classic adage that familiarity breeds liking.
"It builds that attraction and possibility of creating that deep connection," she noted. "But if they don't have the same music taste, it's ok. There are other factors aside from music, too."
Tabudlo, meanwhile, said that as a songwriter, there's a certain kind of vulnerability when he opens his world to listeners through music. His songs often explore themes of romantic love and heartache.
"When people dive into my songs, there's this deep connection. That they know what I was going through, and I believe that's a powerful thing," he said.
The 21-year-old musician also noted that reading song lyrics alone is already powerful enough, as it can greatly stir emotions.
For Jadaone and Habac, podcasts especially about love thrive because it's a simulation of a barkada talking about your love problems on-air.
“We feel energized knowing that we have a platform to share content that Filipinos love," Jadaone said.
"Spotify’s podcast features such as video, Q&A, and polls have also enabled us to connect deeper with our fans,” Habac added.
Asked for love advice, here's what they have to say:
Tabudlo
Be yourself at the end of the day. If they accept it and give more love you than you did, then you hit the jackpot. If not, well just move on. There's a person for you.
Portuguez
You have to embrace the gray areas in your life, and part of that is loving. Most of the time, we're not ready to try, but if we open ourselves to these experiences, we should learn from them.
At the same time, you have to practice self-love, know your worth, make sure that you have enough social and emotional support, and become authentic with yourself.
Jadaone and Habac
If you get hurt, write about them. Pagkakitaan niyo na lang.
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From Feb. 11 to 14, users who haven't tried Spotify Premium yet may avail of the subscription for a discounted P149 for four months.
