When you walk along small alleys in Cebu, you would always find a group of Filipinos enjoying in Videoke bars that look like wooden stores of the past decade (Videoke is short for Video Karaoke). They usually sing very loud and with full energy. When you look at them while they are singing cheerfully and singing like it is going to be their last videoke performance ever, you would automatically feel like you are in a Karaoke bar in Japan, where Karaoke really originated.

        Just as I remembered, there is a Karaoke contest in Komachi. After all, Karaoke is a Japanese culture. Right before the Karaoke contest starts, the guest gives thanks to everyone as he enters the room.

        “You sing very well”, “You are so funny”, “You really did your very best”, “You sing like a professional”… Everyone showed their talents and we really had a great time listening. I was able to listen to some popular Japanese songs and they have the best sound quality. As I have always thought, the Japanese karaoke is really great.

        In connection with this, the only Filipino woman who joined won the contest. She had really an excellent voice and talent in singing. She really sang the heart of Japan.

        The details of the next Karaoke contest are not yet fixed but for those who are into singing and who love Karaoke, try to visit. Since Komachi has the leading Karaoke maker which is the DAM, the latest Japanese songs are available. You are going to like it there.

        By the way, do you know that the word Karaoke came from the combined words Kara, which means “empty”, and Orchestra?

From May 2008 issue