Filipinos and karaoke go together like peanut butter and jelly, like peas and carrots, like green mangoes and bagoong. Karaoke is essential to every Filipino party and every late night Filipino beer house. We perform karaoke in the swankiest KTV room to the local roadside hole in the wall. Filipinos even kill each other over karaoke! Though the first karaoke machine was invented by Daisuke Inoue in 1975, did you know that it was a Filipino, Roberto Del Rosario, who holds the first patent on a karaoke system he developed in 1975, the Karaoke Sing-Along System? Yes, karaoke is in the Filipino blood.
In this TFAL episode, we finally discuss karaoke, the beloved Filipino pastime. We discuss what makes a good karaoke song, what’s a good karaoke playlist, and why performance and atmosphere – whether on a night out or in the living room – is so important. We also talk about funny cultural nuances that make Filipino and Filipino American karaoke jam sessions so unique. And of course, there is actual singing involved.
Listen through the embedded player below, download directly here, or subscribe to us on iTunes here.
What’s your favorite karaoke jam? Do you have a memorable moment that involves karaoke? Drop us a line on our voicemail (805) 394-TFAL (8325) or email us at thisfilipinoamericanlife@gmail.com!
Hello, I’m Bea, a new fan/listener of this podcast. Just wanted to say that I really enjoy your episodes, I’m actually starting from the recent ones to the older episodes haha but yeah, keep up the good work 🙂 Thank you!
Vietnam and other countries have Karaoke
Your podcast episode on Filipino American karaoke culture is an absolute gem. The exploration of how karaoke is deeply ingrained in the Filipino American experience resonates with me on a personal level. The anecdotes shared by guests bring the cultural significance of karaoke to life. It’s heartwarming and relatable, creating a sense of nostalgia for anyone familiar with this vibrant aspect of Filipino culture. Fantastic episode—keep up the great work!