A few days ago (now a week... as I've neglected to edit this article and post it sooner), 88 Rising released a trailer of the release of their new sub-label, "Paradise Rising."
"Paradise Rising" is said to be a collaboration between the label and a major telecommunications service provider in the Philippines, Globe Telecom. The purpose of 88's new sub-label is to highlight and establish a presence for Filipino artists from the West and internationally. Filipinos are especially known for their love of music and singing, often stereotyped for their skills and their obsession with karaoke, and yet, why haven't we seen any of them break out internationally recently? There have already been a handful of artists with Filipino descent that are internationally known, such as Bruno Mars, Lea Solonga, H.E.R., and Youtube artists such as AJ Rafael and Jeremy Passion.
To commemorate the new launch of the label, Paradise Rising will release a five-track mixtape consisting of Filipino-descent artists, such as Jason Dhakal, Leila Alcasid, and Kiana V. The track will serve as an introduction to increase the visibility of these artists globally and give followers of 88 Rising something to look forward to with the creation of this new label.
88 Rising has already brought attention to Filipino artists such as Inigo Pascual and beabadobee during this past quarantine with their online concert festival series, Asia Rising Forever Festival. It was surreal having my closest friends Snapchat me the festival and talk about the two artists they've been "sleeping on," while I've been listening to them for a while in an attempt to support aspiring Filipino artists. It wasn't me listening to music that was considered, "unknown" or "obscure" anymore. It was the gratification of watching the artists I've supported finally gain a bigger fanbase for the content they created. It took me back to having watched one of my favorite artists, Keshi, grow from being on Soundcloud to being recognized internationally, and I was addicted to the feeling.
I'm unsure if I'm excited due to the idea that the Philippines is being put on the map for its talents, or the fact that I am finally seeing something positive about my culture. Growing up, I've heard so many Anti-Filipino sentiments from other East Asians and Americans, having called Filipinos, "Dirty domestic workers" and referring to their immigration to leave the poor socio-economic conditions of their home country as "an infestation." On several occasions, I'd meet other Filipinos who didn't even identify with their own ethnicity, and I, being the child of two immigrants who tried so hard to preserve the culture within their children, felt alienated. Do I identify more with my American side, as the way I've grown up living in this country, or do I turn to my Filipino roots that I grew up so close to? It always felt as if I was being pushed and pulled, and with the rise of this label, I felt as if both ends met together for a compromise.
