It’s no secret that Filipinos love to sing, but add a karaoke machine that shows videos and assigns scores at the end of the song and you’re set for a rollercoaster of a time. Videoke is everywhere, even in the furthest corners of far-flung provinces.
While videoke can be fun, there are a few unspoken rules for performing your favorite song number, regardless of venue. These rules are not meant to hinder, but they are meant to make videoke enjoyable and safe for everyone.
Keep these rules in mind especially when you attend your next Christmas party in the Philippines, where videoke may be on the menu. It’s all part of the merriment during The Longest Christmas Ever: Why Filipinos Celebrate Christmas The Way They Do.
Rules of Videoke Etiquette
The following rules of videoke serve as basic etiquette, but they are also meant to give people confidence in stepping up to the mic and requesting their favorite song. Take these rules wherever you go so you can ensure a good performance every time, even when your turn is over.
1. Avoid “My Way” at All Costs
This goes without saying, even if the so-called “My Way Killings” of the 2000s have faded into memory. At best, people who take on the Frank Sinatra classic may be booed out of their turn if they mess up the song and sing off-key. At worst, they may get into fights with people who feel like they should be the ones singing the song.
Other theories behind the “My Way Killings” include violent reactions to the self-reliant themes of the song’s lyrics, and a tense atmosphere made worse by excess alcohol consumption. Even if the stakes are low, be careful.
2. Know Your Audience
The “My Way Killings” also emphasizes the need to read the room before singing. There are certain songs that will always feel out of place at, say, a family celebration or an office Christmas party, where your intentions can easily be misconstrued.
Save the gut-wrenching breakup anthems and steamy R&B numbers for another time, preferably with an intimate audience that knows you well.
3. Lead With an Upbeat Song
There’s a reason why a proper Filipino videoke party often starts with ABBA’s “Dancing Queen”: it’s a song that’s light and catchy enough to encourage dancing for all ages. An upbeat number like “Dancing Queen” sets the mood for the rest of the night by making people feel good about being part of the party.
Other opening-number favorites include the harmonious “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen and the hope-filled “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey. Recent favorites in the Original Pilipino Music category are “Tala” by Sarah Geronimo and “Pantropiko” by BINI, which are sometimes accompanied by Tiktok-popular dance steps.
During the holiday season, Christmas carols are always added to the roster of videoke requests. This comes as no surprise, since caroling is one of the 10 Beloved Filipino Christmas Traditions.
4. Know Your Range
How many videoke parties have you attended that have been ruined by someone who fails to hit the high notes? Despite what social media tells you, not every Filipino is within the same vocal range as Beyonce or Celine Dion. And even if the videoke machine comes with a setting where you can change the song’s key, it’s no guarantee.
Sometimes it’s just best to stick to a song that doesn’t require you to strain your vocal cords too hard. That way, you reduce your chances of being embarrassed in public.
5. Give Others A Chance
Rude behaviors such as booing, not waiting for your turn, or dominating the microphone for long stretches of time are also not tolerated in the videoke space. With the sheer number of people eagerly awaiting their turn to sing, consideration is the name of the game.
Instead, have some patience and encouragement for your fellow singers. Always respect the order in which each song is requested, and cheer for others when they do step up to the mic. Clapping and singing along is also encouraged as long as your intentions are genuine.
6. Learn When to Put Down the Mic
Another downer at videoke are singers who use their time on the microphone to talk instead of sing. Long speeches, off-topic comments, and even conversations are discouraged during a videoke performance, especially for the person handling the live microphone.
The more you stick to singing, the easier it is for your fellow videoke enthusiasts (and the neighbors who get to hear you) to enjoy the night. It also increases the likelihood of getting a high score from the videoke machine.
7. Respect Local Noise Ordinances
There have been many attempts to restrict videoke at the national level, owing to the disruptions they cause to residential areas. Some provinces and local government units have also imposed noise curfews to avoid videoke-related disturbances.
Noise ordinances are often enforced on a case-by-case basis, however, so it’s best to read up or ask around before unleashing your next vocal performance. But keep in mind that major urban centers in the Philippines may have more relaxed rules on videoke than the provinces. After all, singing at a videoke or karaoke bar is part of the Things To Do and Places To See In Manila.
Sing Your Heart Out with Confidence
Ultimately, videoke is meant to be fun for everyone. And while some rules can be broken, these unspoken rules are important for encouraging singers to enjoy themselves on the mic. They’re also meant to protect videoke singers from embarrassment, humiliation, and anything that would make them feel unsafe.
Keep these rules in mind, and you’re guaranteed to have a delightful and comfortable time at videoke wherever you go.
Read more articles about Lifestyle.
–
Featured Image by Discover the Philippines
