Palo Alto, California – It’s all in the genes. It has been long established that the genetic makeup in people determines not only the color of their skin, eyes and hair but also their susceptibility to certain diseases and conditions.

Now researchers at the Department of Genetics of Stanford University School of Medicine have uncovered the gene responsible for making Filipinos such good singers and musicians. It’s called PH-13, found only among Filipinos.

Researchers studied over 2,000 individuals, 500 of whom were of Filipino heritage with the rest equally divided among Whites, Blacks and Native Americans. All respondents were pre-screened and auditioned for their musical ability.

At the conclusion of the six-month study which involved blood tests, MRIs of the vocal chords and eardrums, as well as invasive procedures to obtain genetic samples, the researchers announced the discovery of the gene responsible for musical talent.  While a few African Americans exhibited an almost undetectable level of the music gene, 100% of the Filipinos in the study tested positive for PH-13.

“We have finally found the answer to the nagging question on why Filipinos are always winning in music competitions,” the researchers said.

Could this also be the reason why almost all Filipino households have a karaoke machine?