Regine Velasquez recently paid tribute to OPM (Original
Pilipino Music) artists to remind Filipinos that we have much to be proud of
when it comes to our musical heritage. Even the stage was transformed into a lush tropical garden and made to look like a scaled version of Luneta Park—with real
grass and trees. The organizers donated the trees to the Star
City complex when the show ended.
The six-night concert series titled Ang Ating Musika was actually a family affair. Asia's Songbird directed the show herself, with her sister Cacai Velasquez-Mitra as production designer, and Regine's brother-in-law Raul Mitra as musical director.
Regine wanted to accommodate as many OPM songs as she could during the event, which is why each performance (November 9, 10, 16, 17, 23 and 24) boasted a different repertoire. Many of her choices were the timeless compositions of George Canseco, Ryan Cayabyab, Rey Valera, Basil Valdez, and Willy Cruz.
Spotted by PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) during the November 24 show
were GMA-7's senior vice-president for
entertainment TV Wilma Galvante, Dr. Vicki Belo and her beau Dr. Hayden
Kho Jr. Ogie Alcasid was there nearly every night except for the last
performance because he had his own show that Saturday night.
It was a highly successful concert, to go by the last day. In the November 24 performance, Regine incorporated a couple of songs from the other weekend events—a fitting finale for the concert series.
The last day was also videotaped for television under the direction of Louie Ignacio. The TV special was aired last Sunday night (December 2) on the Kapuso Network.
PEP's editor-in-chief Jo-Ann Maglipon said, "It was a very emotional show, which is what I think made it very successful." She also noted the two things that contributed to the show's triumph:
"First, there is the fact that it was all OPM [Original Pilipino Music]. Regine said it so well in her spiels in Tagalog: 'Ito ang mga songs na maipagmamalaki mong sariling atin. Akala nila wala tayong kayang gawin kung hindi covers. Ni hindi ko mailagay sa iisang programa, kahit two weekends pa ‘yan, lahat ng kanta na nagawa ng mga Pinoy.'
"Because it was OPM, it resounded among the audience. When she performed Yoyoy
Villame's 'Butchikik,' the crowd became really involved. May
involvement talaga. When she goes very emotional for the romantic songs, there
would be a real hush among the audience. Although people liked it whenever she
belted, I particularly like the quiet moments within a song or for a song. She
was so good—her tonal quality and the clarity of the words were all intact.
"Secondly, Regine really made the show worth the money of the
audience. No one in his or her right mind would have gone home dissatisfied.
The Aliw Theater, which has a capacity of 3,000 people, was jampacked.
Even when the whole thing ended satisfactorily already, Regine came back for
several more pieces for the encore. During her spiel to introduce Florante's 'Handog,' Regine pointed out, 'Alam n'yo ang mga performers, kaming mga
singers, tuwing lalabas kami sa entablado, iniisip namin maaaring huli na ito.
Saka marami nang mahusay na singers na puwedeng umagaw ng trono.'
"But the crowd showed their disapproval by shouting words of encouragement for
the singer.
"The last performance of Ang Ating Musika was very moving. Regine has a
way of speaking, especially in Tagalog that it touches the core. It is very
emotional for a Pinoy to listen to her."
Asia's Songbird had three gown changes. We would have wanted more because Regine is known for having fabulous gowns but at least she was able to sing almost continuously through the program. In fact, the singer hardly left the stage that night.
The most applauded portion (among the joint performances)
would be the one with the alumnae of Pinoy Pop Superstar, the reality
singing competition that Regine hosted for its past three seasons.
Now part of the GMA Artist Center, these very promising singers are Jonalyn
Viray (Year 1 winner), Aicelle Santos (1st Runner-up Year 2), Maricris Garcia (Year 3
winner) and April delos Santos (Year 3 winner).
Regine confided to PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal), that this portion is always one of the most applauded.
Jo-Ann said, "You can recognize that these PPS singers have raw and pure talent. It's not hype, it's not media powered, it's not a manager's pull."
She added, "Martin Nievera still sings very well but he has to improve his spiels and veer them away from Pops Fernandez and from all the innuendos about the female form.
Overall, Regine's endeavor to revive Original Pilipino Music
is very much appreciated and should be applauded as a noble effort to rekindle
interest in our rich musical heritage."