‘Parody King’ is inspired to churn out more original songs

His artistic expressions are singing and writing, while his style is parody, as his popular videos tell. Yes, he has creatively reworked some elements of a main work like lyrics and given them a familiar yet new feel. By religiously churning out one content after another, Denin Sy enjoys a loyal following.

So far, he has about 20 parody videos, with social media platforms and a video sharing service as his modes of distribution.

“Before the COVID-19 pandemic happened, I thought of giving parody a try,” Denin walked The Philippine STAR through in a one-on-one how he had found such interest. “I like(d) the song of Sarah Geronimo, Tala, and wanted to do an acoustic rock version of it. Kahit anong gawin ko, hindi ko makuha yung lyrics, hindi ko siya ma-memorize.”

Then, the Eureka moment came. Denin considered the idea of changing the title to Talo. His version was set in the same melody, but had new lyrics and narrative.

“I related it to (going to a) casino… I thought of adding humor to it and I continued on,” said he. “I even did a music video of it.”

Like most people who were locked in their homes, particularly in the early parts of the pandemic, Denin had to find a way to keep himself sane, entertained and productive. Again, doing parody videos was the answer.

“It’s just an outlet (of creativity),” shared he. “When the pandemic started, (to) stay home (became a norm), dun ko na naisip na gumawa ng (content) every two weeks, I would release a parody (video) to be shared with everyone, para maraming maaliw.”

A tell-tale sign that the personal project became a success was when Denin began to receive messages from would-be followers, who liked and shared each video. “Nakakaaliw daw yung mga videos (they said the videos were entertaining),” recalled he. “There were those who would leave comments, saying that ‘We can’t wait for your next parody.’ With that, I was encouraged more to come up with a new parody.”

Such activity became a constant part of his new-normal life. Once he got into the groove of it, Denin carried on and let this new endeavor inspire him more. Among his parody videos that went viral were the ones that made references to Voltes V and Bioman, with titles like The Voltes V, Pinoy Lockdown Version and Dioman, whose lyrics were changed and written in Filipino, but sounded Japanese. A tribute to Pinoys’ favorite cartoon series, The Voltes V enumerates the drink and meals that Filipinos crave for at some point in their life.

“When they read the lyrics, (that’s the only time my followers) will realize they are in Tagalog (not in Japanese),” said he, whose works, replete with wit and humor, have messages subscribers can ponder upon. Take the case of Dioman, which reminds people not to dare leave their homes because of the coronavirus. Another TikTok, TikTok Lang, a parody of Ikot-Ikot Lang, tells how the young ones have embraced this new platform and danced to popular tunes during these trying times.

With that, he is called the “Parody King,” who also met a group of painters and collaborated with them by using his song Tara Na Tahan Na, with a music video, to acknowledge the sacrifices made by the frontliners.

Aside from being a content creator, Denin is an architect, whose career started in 2004. He took the board exam in 2006.

“Halos tuloy-tuloy lang yung pag-pa-practice ko ng architecture,” shared he, “it’s very tedious but fulfilling kasi kung ano yung ginagawa mo nakikita mo na itinatayo, tapos lalo na kapag may mga testimonials ka na ‘Happy ako sa ginawa mo sa bahay ko’ (You get to witness your work as it is being built from scratch and feel happy when receiving encouraging testimonials and positive feedback from clients).”

Life, however, is not a bed of roses. Sometimes, it gives one lemons. Denin had a rough time when he decided to become a contractor, and sought solace in music.

“In 2019, parang nakita ko yung sarili ko na kailangan ko yung music and (that same year), I returned to it, (tinignan ko) yung mga kanta ko sa baul,” said he. “I asked my friends, like what they thought about them and which one was OK, I started performing, yun parang gumaganda na yung view ko sa life… I felt happy.” Prior to it, Denin had an album titled Deninman Songs distributed under Synergy Music and Star Records.

With that disposition in life, Denin slowly recovered from that woe and got projects again through the recommendations of classmates.

“From 2019 to 2021, I had original songs. I’m very happy with the outcome even if (they were done) independently. Now, I have done five new songs… and I’ve met (people from) Glass Onion Entertainment. I’m very happy na parang maampon (to be a part) of the entertainment group.”

With this partnership, Denin has released the tune, Pasensya Ka Na God Bless. Its lyrics and video speak about a guy who tries to win his girlfriend back after he has taken her for granted. Denin’s voice sits on the catchy, pop-rock melody of the song, a follow-up to the slow rock, Sabi Mo Usap Lang. Pasensya Ka Na God Bless was inspired by the viral video called Pasensya Ka Na Ha God bless.

“When I do parody, my main goal is to entertain the netizens,” he looked backed on. “Hindi ko siya inisip na ito na ang magiging career ko, that I’m a parodist. (My parody videos can be looked at) as an album and a gift to netizens and frontliners. I think I have more or less 20 parody videos.”

Asked how architecture has complemented his interest in music, Denin said, “(The former) can also be seen as a process of putting things together. That’s where I’ve got the discipline (to learn) how to piece something together, dati kasi hindi tayo gumagawa ng kanta, pero nakakagawa na tayo ng kanta, hindi tayo nakakagawa ng music video dati, ngayon tayo na ang (gumagawa) ng storya.” And that has led him to realize that he wants to create his own songs this time around. “I’m thankful because not everybody gets to release a song and blessed that I have a circle of friends who are willing to help, para ma-i-put out sa market yung song, yung music video.”

If there’s one thing people can learn from Denin’s creative journey, it will be this: “When you’re passionate about something and you think you can complement it with your profession, (do it,) it’s a very fulfilling thing to do.”

Then, the “Parody King” is now ready to create more catchy, original songs.

(Please check out Denin Sy via Facebook @DENINSYOFFICIAL, YouTube @DENINSY, TikTok @DENINSYand INSTAGRAM @DENINSYOFFICIAL.)