Who says OPM has to be a strictly Tagalog affair?
Some of the most enduring, well-loved OPM classics were penned in English, and could very well stand up to the equally immortal standards penned by foreign composers.
Prince of Pinoy Pop Dingdong Avanzado revisits some of these memorable pop ditties in his forthcoming concert dubbed e-OPM at the Zirkoh Bar on T. Morato in Quezon City, 9 p.m. tomorrow (July 19). Sharing the spotlight is his back-up band, The Doorbells.
Politics takes a backseat for Avanzado. He was the Vice Governor of Siquijor but opted not to seek re-election last May. He now focuses his time and attention to music, and eagerly anticipates the release of his latest single and music video.
Just recently, Dingdong, together with wife Jessa Zaragoza and daughter Jayda returned from Hawaii where they mounted the first overseas leg of Jessa’s I Am Me concert series.
The couple is expected to kick off their world concert tour soon.
★★★★★
An evening of music, laughter and nostalgia
That’s how the mood will be on Aug. 27 as the OPM (Original Pilipino Music) luminaries of the 70s and 80s grace the stage of The Theatre at Solaire in an evening of enduring songs that will surely strike a chord in a concert dubbed as The OPM Legends – The Reunion concert.
Rey Valera, Rico J. Puno, Hajji Alejandro, and Marco Sison – the voices that serenaded many love-inspired, hopeless romantics from days not so long ago, and whose songs ruled the airwaves and topped the charts.
“This is one of a kind show we all want to look forward to”, exclaimed Audie Gemora, Solaire Resort and Casino’s director for Entertainment. “It’s a perfect balance of beautiful music and fun antics this bunch is widely known for. An evening of total entertainment”, he added.
Unbeknownst to those who may not have been born in that era, “Maging Sino Ka Man,” “Tayong Dalawa,” and “Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko” are just three of the popular hits by legendary singer and songwriter, Rey Valera. His strings of songs have now been musical inspirations and title to several television drama series. Marco Sison’s “My Love Will See You Through,” “Make Believe,” and “Si Aida, Si Lorna, at Si Fe” have repeatedly made their course in videoke bars and have remained a popular choice.
Before many local singing matinee idols, it was Hajji Alejandro who melted the hearts of many Filipina teenagers with his hits like “Nakapagtataka,” “Kay Ganda Ng Ating Musika,” and “Panakip Butas.” Hajji’s charm on stage earned him the title “kilabot ng mga kolehiyala” of the 70s. On the other hand, with his signature punch lines and jokes – Rico J Puno is one act you should not miss. Rico’s “Lupa,” “Macho Gwapito,” and “May Bukas Pa” are still considered a favourite these days with the latter made into a theme song of a popular local television soap opera of the same title.
“The concert will surely be a trip down memory lane that will equally appeal to all generations,” said Gemora.
Two years since its launch in 2014, The Theatre at Solaire continues to flourish in the industry that is now building a whole new level of interest especially from international producers.
“Somehow, somewhere there will always be a Filipino talent in every act – be that on stage or off stage. With the most recent Les Misérables, we have seen three Filipinas playing major roles in that sensational production. The Theatre at Solaire continues to be a catalyst in supporting our world class Filipino talents and we are serious in that way”, said Gemora.
“We have so much lined up for the Filipino audience. The Entertainment City is getting livelier and we are making sure that Solaire Resort & Casino is at the forefront of world class performances and shows”, he added.
The OPM Legends – The Reunion Concert is set on Aug. 27, Saturday at 8 p.m. at The Theatre at Solaire. Visit www.ticketworld.com.ph for tickets.
★★★★★
Music icons honor Levi Celerio in ‘ASAP’
The biggest names in the Philippine music industry once again gathered to celebrate the music of another OPM icon, Levi Celerio in ASAP yesterday.
Joining Tribute Master Ariel Rivera were Rachel Alejandro, Cris Villonco, Bituin Escalante, Isay Alvarez, Robert Sena, Chad Borja, and Eva Eugenio plus a special performance by Asia’s Queen of Songs, Pilita Corrales.
Sarah Geronimo raised the excitement with an ultimate concert treat while the ASAP Birit Queens – Morissette Amon, Klarisse de Guzman, Jona Viray, and Angeline Quinto—take on James Bond themes.
There was a sexy dance battle among Ritz Azul, Arci Munoz and Sarah Lahbati and the Kapamilya heartthrobs – Jerome Ponce, Joshua Garcia, Grae Fernandez, Brace Arquiza, John B, Joaquin Reyes, Paolo Angeles, and Ryle Santiago thrilled their fans.
McNeal “Awra” Briguela and Simon “Onyok” Pineda from FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano also invaded the ASAP stage with a performance that surprised their fans.
The show also featured the Grand Album Launch of Rayver Cruz. There was also a special acoustic treat from Iñigo Pascual, Yohan Hwang, CJ Salvador plus Sue Ramirez, Maris Racal, and Loisa Andalio.
Meanwhile, in ASAP LSS, Toni Gonzaga, Kean Cipriano, Bailey May, Ylona Garcia, Dingdong Avanzado, and Jolina Magdangal made the audience felt being in love again, and later sand their hearts out with Adele hits from ASAP Soul Sessions.
★★★★★
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