(I hope this is the right sub for this. If not, feel free to take this down.)

I am building a story about a multinational/Southeast Asian pop-rock band called "MAPHILINDO" (yes I’m aware of it’s political meaning but they’re not a band for political reasons) that emerges in Manila in the mid 1960s and rise to be household names in Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia in the late 70s, then enter international stage in the 80s before then retiring at the 90s. The band consists of three members; Philip as the frontman Filipino singer/main guitarist, Malik as the Malaysian bassist/back-up vocalist, and Indah as the Indonesian drummer. The band will originally form and preform mainly in Philippines for the first few years as its birthplace and central hub before eventually touring in Malaysia and Indonesia frequently as their goal is to symbolically unite and strengthen the cultural connection between the three countries through music. As you can expect, their songs will mainly about love, peace, siblinghood, and culture connection in three languages (+English for the international recognition).

A little bit background lore on the three members:

- Philip is the oldest in the band (mid 20s when they started) who lives in Manila and have been trying to figure out what he wants to do in life as a college graduate. Before he met Malik and Indah, he had met then befriended a famous Mexican musician, whom taught him the ropes of how to be a guitarist, the insights of music industry, and how to adopt charisma--other than the band originating in Manila, this is also a big reason why he's the singer and the heart of the band. The public adores him for his showmanship, persona, and singing voice.

- Malik is a young, early 20s Malaysian college student in Manila for extensive studies in business. He doesn't discuss about his background much for a good reason; he is secretly the son of a Malaysian senator and he tries hard for his true background not to get leaked into the public or let his political opinions taint the band's image and reputation. He's also the one who started the whole MAPHILINDO idea and the plan to symbolically unite Southeast Asia. Without him, the trio won't try to go far as they don't actually dream to be famous musicians.

- Indah is the youngest member being only 19 when she joined the band. Unlike Philip or Malik, she came from a humble rural town in Indonesia, she managed to get to Manila through student programs in cultural exchange. Like Malik, she's in the Philippines for extensive studies. Indah has natural talent on making rhythms and playing various instruments, but drums are her favourite. She's rather shyer and quieter than what people make her out to be, and she's the foundation of every song; the band would struggle a lot without her expertise.

So, now you know a bit of the cast members, I'd like to get a bunch of insights of what obstacles they might face as a band in the Philippines. I'm aware there's Martial Law in the 70s, and that might be the turning point where they have to navigate a lot more careful and sidelined the plan of singing in English for the next couple albums. During Martial Law, they may have to resort making more love songs or at least, songs that don't get censored but at the same time, making sure nothing of their love songs direct back to Indah and their friendships questioned further (as they're a mixed-gender trio and unwed young adults). Malik and Indah have to face constant visa problems, while Philip being the Filipino frontman singer, have to constantly deal with image management. But other than Martial Law, is there any more points in Filipino history in the 60s-onwards I should know about that would serve as a challenge to the band MAPHILINDO?

And…is this idea offensive? 😅 it’s a good time to tell me now to shut it down while it’s in its early stage. 😅🙏 thanks in advance