January 3, 2009

If you don't know the words…

Karaoke is big business in the Philippines, especially the videoke or KTV (karaoke television) type. Upscale karaoke boxes with restaurants and bars will serve you in your private room. Even the lowliest bars have karaoke—and I've discovered that coin-operated machines still exist here. Gather a large Filipino family together and, aside from tons of food, chances are good that at least one will have brought a karaoke system. The most popular nowadays is the karaoke microphone, or Magic Sing, as we call it. The microphone has a chip which contains the songs and videos, and you just connect it to a TV. The controls are on the microphone too. The less expensive alternative, especially if you already have a video player, is to buy a regular microphone and VCDs or DVDs of karaoke songs. The problem with this is you can't change the pitch or tempo, so many prefer the Magic Sing even if they have to save up for it.

video karaoke on a home TV

15 comments:

  1. EkiJanuary 3, 2009 at 9:11 PM

    Same here, Hilda! Karaoke rooms are very popular here too.

    I love your choice for the photo of the year. Not only the Church is beautiful, the way you captured it is also beautiful, and most importantly it's very dear to your heart.

    Once again,
    Happy New Year, Hilda!

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  2. escapeJanuary 3, 2009 at 10:02 PM

    im not really into singing but if the mic's infront of you and everything is looking at you saying "go! go!". you have no choice. hehehe... but it's fun. last christmas our group rented the whole karaoke box for the whole night. we ended 3am.

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  3. GeorgeJanuary 3, 2009 at 11:14 PM

    I suspect that karaoke is popular just about everywhere. I can't think of any society where people don't like to sing.

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  4. abcJanuary 3, 2009 at 11:16 PM

    Singing is good for you. For your voice, your state of mind and even your physical well-being. Nice topic.

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  5. lunarossaJanuary 3, 2009 at 11:16 PM

    Hi Hilda, I did not know that this was popular there as well. In the UK it's rather widespread in pubs but as I do not go to pubs very often I sometimes do it on the Playstation with my kids. We are totally into Abba's songs at the moment. All the best. A.

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  6. NYDJanuary 3, 2009 at 11:27 PM

    Karaoke is Da Bomb! Come on by to my neck of the woods and I'll show you some places that will make your head spin.

    Families welcome!!!

    In answer to your question: I am very large and Swift is one of the reasons why I began my adventures of the world.

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  7. JudyJanuary 4, 2009 at 12:14 AM

    Pretty neat, sounds like fun.

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  8. CeciliaGalleraniJanuary 4, 2009 at 12:49 AM

    Please, please, don't make me do it!

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  9. SarettaJanuary 4, 2009 at 4:28 AM

    Oh god...I always dreaded karaoke when I lived in Japan! I just can't carry a tune for the life of me!

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  10. marleyJanuary 4, 2009 at 5:20 AM

    In my youth we used to go to a club on a monday night that had Karaoke. It was hysterical!

    Hilda, you haven't told us your favourite song!

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  11. nobuJanuary 4, 2009 at 10:57 AM

    I hope you will have a great year.

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  12. TashJanuary 4, 2009 at 12:43 PM

    I like you presenting the many aspects of Philipine life. Karaoke is a also popular here but on a much smaller scale. I think it's fun family entertainment - keep on singing, Hilda.

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  13. gogouciJanuary 4, 2009 at 1:11 PM

    I have a few hardcore karaoke friends. I made the mistake of going to a karaoke bar with them once. Not only was I forced to display my tonal shortcomings, but I wasn't allowed to choose my own song. I was stuck singing La Bamba. Very difficult...for everyone. Thought the song would never end.

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  14. HildaJanuary 4, 2009 at 8:25 PM

    Marley:
    I don't think I have a favorite song. It's sad, I know.

    Tash:
    I'll sing. But no microphone!

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  15. Destitute RebelJanuary 4, 2009 at 10:37 PM

    Interesting, for some reason Karaoke never caught on in Pakistan I do not know a single Karaoke place all over the country even though it is a lot of fun.

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