Being an emo teenager in the Philippines during the mid-2000s was a unique experience. It was a time when the genre was at its peak, and bands like My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy, and Taking Back Sunday dominated the airwaves.
Our local scene was vibrant, and many bands emerged, creating a subculture that allowed teenagers to express themselves through music, clothing, and art. Many emo teens connect deeply with the music they listen to and find solace in lyrics that reflect their own struggles and emotions.
During its peak, attending gigs was a way of life. We do our best to save money from our daily allowance or baon so we get to see our favorite bands perform live, and it was also an opportunity to meet new people who shared our interests. Going to gigs was not just about the music; it was about the community that we belonged to.
Most gigs were held in small venues like bars around Manila’s University Belt, which made the experience even more intimate. There was no such thing as VIP seating or backstage access. Everyone was on the same level, and it was a common sight to see bands mingling with their fans after the show.
Aside from international acts, there were also many local emo bands that emerged during that time. Bands like Typecast, Chicosci, and Urbandub were at the forefront of the local scene, and they played regularly in gigs all over the country. Attending their shows was a way of supporting the local music scene, and it was also an opportunity to discover new bands and make new friends.
Being an emo in the Philippines during the 2000s was not without its challenges. The subculture was often misunderstood and ridiculed by mainstream society. Emos were often labeled as “depressed” or “emo-tional,” and there were even reports of teenagers being bullied or discriminated against because of their emo style.
In addition to this, the emo subculture was often associated with negative stereotypes, such as self-harm and suicide. This led to parents and authority figures expressing concern over the influence of emo culture on young people.
Despite the challenges, the emo subculture in the Philippines continued to thrive. It was a way for teenagers to express themselves, to find a sense of belonging, and to escape the pressures of daily life. Attending gigs was a way of being part of something bigger than ourselves, of sharing a passion for music, and of forging lifelong friendships. The emo music may be broken, but it was what every emo kid held on tight when nobody cared about what they were going through inside.
To make the long story short, going through the emo phase as a teenager in the Philippines during the 2000s was a unique and unforgettable experience. Attending gigs was a way of life, and it allowed us to connect with like-minded people, discover new music, and support the local music scene. Despite the challenges, the emo subculture in the Philippines continued to thrive, and it remains a significant part of the country’s music history.
