What is videoke: the history of karaoke in the Philippines

Jason Dydynski -

Mabuhay! Have you ever been to a Filipino party without karaoke? If you answered yes, then it probably wasn't a Filipino party. Filipinos love karaoke (or videoke) as it is commonly called, like really LOVE karaoke. Weather you're at a graduation party, Christmas celebration, a wedding, a gathering with your nearest friends, a café, arcade or a bar you will probably somehow come in contact with karaoke.

So what is it about the singing pastime that appeals so greatly to the Filipino community? Let’s start with the basics:

What is videoke?

Simply put, videoke, the karaoke method most popular in The Philippines, is karaoke with the added feature of scoring. Like karaoke, it's a social activity where people sing along to instrumental tracks, however, videoke machines include a scoring system that rates your performance on a scale, typically out of 100. This adds a bit of friendly competition to the singing fun.

What is the difference between videoke and other types of karaoke?

Videoke is particularly popular in Southeast Asia, but you can find it in many places around the world. Both karaoke and videoke are great ways to liven up parties, gatherings, or even a casual night out with friends. In The Philippines, there are karaoke experiences that cater to all ages, including those that serve food and drinks, and feature private rooms where you can sing with your friends. There are also straightforward karaoke bars that feature machines or a live band to back up customer performances.

Noraebang

Derived from the Korean words for “song” (norae) and “room” (bang), the Korean style of karaoke differs from regular stage karaoke in that your singing experience, whether that features your family, friends, co-workers, or business associates, takes place within a private room.

Learn more about korean karaoke and noraebang here.

KTV

While commonly referred to as "karaoke" or a "karaoke box" in areas like Japan, Macau, and Hong Kong, establishments in which karaoke is performed are called KTV (an informal abbreviation of Karaoke Television, modeled after the earlier MTV "Movie TV" at the height of its popularity in Asia in the late 1980s) in China, Taiwan, Singapore, and Cambodia.

To learn more about the different types of karaoke, check out this article here.

Why karaoke is the soul of Filipino gatherings

Filipinos are known for their love of celebration, resilience, and a good time. Sure, karaoke is popular in many parts of the world, but in the Philippines, it transcends mere entertainment. It's woven into the very fabric of social life. Here's why:

Harmony Through Song – Filipino culture emphasizes community and togetherness, and karaoke embodies this perfectly. It's not just about hitting the high notes, it's about sharing a love of music and creating a joyful atmosphere together. Whether it's a family reunion or a company team-building event, a night of videoke brings people together in a way that transcends age, social status, or even singing ability.

Celebration – Filipinos also love a reason to celebrate, and karaoke is the ultimate party starter. Birthdays, holidays, graduations––you name it, there's probably a videoke machine involved. The pastime manages to inject a dose of fun and frivolity into any occasion, creating lasting memories filled with laughter and maybe a few off-key moments.

Emotional Outlet – Life isn't always easy, and Filipinos understand that. Karaoke serves as a powerful tool for emotional release. Need to belt out a breakup ballad? Go for it! Feeling on top of the world? Grab the mic and show off your rendition of a classic power anthem. Singing your heart out can be incredibly cathartic, and in Filipino culture, there's a microphone waiting for you whenever you need it.

So, the next time you hear the unmistakable strains of a videoke machine coming from a Filipino gathering, know that it's more than just singing. It's a celebration of life, a chance to connect, and a testament to the enduring Filipino spirit.

There are popular songs to sing for videoke – and then there are THE MOST popular songs to sing for videoke. These 10 tracks, in English and Tagalog, are famous in many Filipino bars and households.

1. My Way – Frank Sinatra

A controversial song to cover (more on that later), but the classic by Ol’ Blue Eyes himself is typically the first track men in The Philippines and beyond will line up to get the evening going.

Sing My Way karaoke here.

2. I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston

While Dolly’s version is more subdued, it’s Whitney who blew it out of the park on The Bodyguard soundtrack in the early 90s. Since then, it has become a bona fide staple of videoke around the globe.

Sing I Will Always Love You karaoke here.

3. My Heart Will Go On – Celine Dion

One of the biggest ballads of all time, sung by one of the greatest singers in the world. This might seem like a daunting track to tackle for videoke…and that's probably why it's so popular. Everybody loves a challenge.

Sing My Heart Will Go On karaoke here.

4. Dancing Queen – ABBA

Whether they admit to it or not, everybody loves ABBA––especially for videoke. And what’s not to love? The Swedish foursome set the tone when it comes to group vocals. And “Dancing Queen” is one of the greatest.

Sing Dancing Queen karaoke here.

5. Total Eclipse of the Heart – Bonnie Tyler

Tyler's raspy voice and sweeping vocal crescendos make this 80's track a major standout and much-beloved singalong.

Sing Total Eclipse of the Heart karaoke here.

6. Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen

One of Queen's many universally adored tracks, this one is probably the most exuberant and party-starting. From the unique harmonies to the, at times, nonsensical lyrics that everyone manages to know by heart, it's a perfect karaoke song for starting or ending the evening.

Sing Bohemian Rhapsody karaoke here.

7. Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey

A hopeful and joyous crowd-pleaser, this track is pure gold at videoke because everybody knows the words, wherever you are on the planet.

Sing Don't Stop Believin' karaoke here.

8. Tala – Sarah Geronim

This pop-infused sizzles with RnB overtones thanks to Geronimo's ethereal voice is a popular Tagalog singalong if ever there was one.

9. Halik – Aegis

A Filipino party always calls for some Aegis, and this late 90’s track is a go-to for so many different reasons.

10. Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang – Ogie Alcasid

This classic Tagalog track is a bit of a tear-jerker and is typically sung to serenade a spouse or loved one.

The “My Way” killings

Believe it or not, videoke has a bit of a dark history. The "My Way Killings" refers to a disturbing social phenomenon in the Philippines that involves a string of murders that came about specifically involving people singing the Frank Sinatra song "My Way" during videoke.

While the exact number is unclear, estimates suggest that at least a dozen killings have occurred since the late 1990s, with some reports concentrating on the period between 2002 and 2012. Some of the disputes stem from various incidents involving arguments over people singing the song poorly or off-key, while others arose from disagreements over who got to sing the song next.

There's no single explanation for this phenomenon, but some theories point to the song's popularity in Filipino karaoke bars, where a highly charged atmosphere and alcohol consumption can contribute to aggression. Others seem to think that the song's lyrics, which can be interpreted as defiant or macho, might have played a role in escalating confrontations. Either way, the incidents represent an uncharacteristically dark moment in videoke history.

There you have it! The 411 on Videoke. Looking to get started on your videoke journey? The Singa App can help – find videoke bars in your area, or host your own at-home party. To learn more, check us out here.