Despite the tremendous success of P-pop this year (evidenced by thousands of Pinoys attending events like the 2022 PPop Con and the Tugatog Filipino Music Festival) this genre of music and its artists have always been met with harsh criticism. What’s even worse is that these insults are quick to come from the mouths of fellow Filipinos. GMA News journalist Shai Lagarde recently called out one such insult on social media and honestly, everyone needs to hear what she said.

Shai Lagarde calls out P-pop haters

If you’ve given P-pop a fair chance before making judgments and it’s not for you, that’s OK. But comments like these show why it’s hard for our artists to break through: not for lack of talent or something different to offer, but thanks to Pinoys who are ashamed of their own kind pic.twitter.com/QWLdjuxZF5

— Shai Lagarde (@shailagarde) November 30, 2022

Lagarde posted a screenshot of what appears to be a social media post that read: “Mga mukhang mangyan na pinilit imaging K-pop. Kesyo P-pop daw sila. Trying hard jusko.”

The insulting comment on P-pop left the journalist dismayed. “If you’ve given P-pop a fair chance before making judgments and it’s not for you, that’s OK. But comments like these show why it’s hard for our artists to break through: not for lack of talent or something different to offer, but thanks to Pinoys who are ashamed of their own kind,” said Lagarde on Twitter.

What is insulting about these comments?

I’ve seen terms like “mangyan” or “badjao” or “tricycle driver” or “magsasaka” being used by commenters as a way to put down P-pop groups. Ano po ang nakakainsulto sa mga katutubo at sa mararangal na manggagawa?

— Shai Lagarde (@shailagarde) November 30, 2022

Lagarde went on to say that she never understood why haters use certain terms to put down P-pop groups.

“I’ve seen terms like ‘mangyan’ or ‘badjao’ or ‘tricycle driver’ or ‘magsasaka’ being used by commenters as a way to put down P-pop groups. Ano po ang nakakainsulto sa mga katutubo at sa mararangal na manggagawa?” she asked.

Pinoys on social media that agree with Lagarde pointed out that these haters are forgetting one thing: They’re Filipinos too and that means whatever insult they hurl at Pinoys hurts them too.

“Keyboard warriors who comment like this think that by looking down on co-Filipinos, they’re better than everyone. Forgetting, that THEY ARE ALSO FILIPINOS & that whatever supposed insult they throw at PPop or fellow Filipinos, in general, is also a reflection of themselves,” read one comment.

“Pinoys are ashamed of their own kind”

Blame it on the crab mentality that has crippled Filipinos for generations. The mindset that if I can’t have it, you can’t have it too. If normal people can’t make it big, let alone become well-loved icons internationally, it shouldn’t be possible for others, right? But P-pop has taken that challenge and slapped their haters across the face with their success. Acts like SB19 — who are currently on their first world tour, mind you — have blown up to become Billboard regulars despite haters downplaying their achievements.

These haters are also forgetting that no one owns popular music — any artist can do it. South Korean groups don’t have a monopoly on talent. Pinoy groups might admittedly get inspiration from them, but they’ve also made the songs, lyrics, and dance moves their own. Look at the six-member group ALAMAT whose recently released first mini album Pasulong holds references to Pinoy culture and even uses traditional instruments.

Beauty standards

Maybe it’s not the crab mentality. Maybe it’s the local beauty standards that say to be a successful Filipino, you have to have the face for it. And by face, they mean you must be poreless, white as snow, and with a sharp nose. We’re used to our media being dominated by personalities who are only half-Filipino — just look at our Miss Universe candidates. Pinoys complain about the lack of pure-blooded Filipinos born and raised in the Philippines, but when they’re presented with acts that fit that description, they brush them off for not meeting their Eurocentric standards. Make up your mind, people!

Support local and mean it too

P-pop is slowly making its impact not only in the Philippines but internationally too. These are the kids who worked hard to reach their dreams and they’re on track. If you haven’t listened to P-pop yet, give it a go first before judging. Listen to groups like SB19, BINI, and BGYO. These groups and more have the chance to take the Philippines to international stages.

And when P-pop rises, the sheer display of raw talent will let everyone know Filipinos are world-class artists. But these groups can’t do it alone. They have to have the support of fellow Pinoys who genuinely believe they can make it.

If you’ve got nothing good to say, don’t rain on others’ parade

But we get it. You hate P-pop with a passion and you loathe how they seem to pop up on your newsfeed more recently. Here’s a solution: Look the other way. Let people enjoy things! Life is short and the economy is in a downward spiral. Everyone knows we need a break and if others find happiness in supporting their favorite P-pop groups, let them have fun.

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