The Way of Dharma

Mention the words Philippines and musicians in the same breath, and the world reflexively thinks of jobbing balladeers and journeymen lobby trios. Like most stereotypes, these are both true and untrue. Filipino hotel entertainers proliferate across the globe, but they are merely the workaday exports of a culture that, on its home turf, plays louder, harder and in more diverse ways than just about any other. Head out most nights in Metro Manila, and you'll be spoiled for original live sound, be it R&B;, indie pop, electro-fusion or punk.

In a scene this vibrant, it's hard for...