Ogie Alcasid has one request for voters ahead of the next elections.
The veteran musician spearheads the concert titled LIYAB: Mga Himig ng Dakilang Pag-Ibig on September 20, 2026.
Before performing "Da Coconut Nut," Ogie tells the crowd at The Theatre at Solaire: "Sa susunod na eleksiyon, pagbutihin natin. Bumoto tayo nang tama.
"Kaya gamitin natin ang bigay ng ating Panginoon. Ito ay nasa ibabaw at ito na nga iyon. Ito ang tinatawag nating..."
Ogie then segues to singing the opening line: "Da coconut nut is a giant nut / If you eat too much, you'll get very fat."
National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab, who composed the song, is among those being honored at the concert.
The concert also pays tribute to Bien Lumbera and Nick Joaquin, both National Artists for Literature; Fernando Poe Jr., National Artist for Film; and Ricky Lee, National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts.
Ogie is part of the matinee show that also featured performances from Martin Nievera, Bituin Escalante, Jed Madela, Gigi De Lana, Sofronio Vasquez, and Arman Ferrer.
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OGIE ALCASID ON USING OPM SINGERS TO PROMOTE THE COUNTRY
After the matinee show, PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) approaches Ogie for an interview.
What do you think has room for improvement in the Philippine music industry?
"There are so many," admits the songwriter.
"I mean, it's hard to just put it in one sitting. Hindi naman kaila sa lahat na ang mga Pilipino ay mahusay sa larangan ng musika.
"Hindi lang sa pag-awit, pati sa paglikha, sa pagsayaw. Ito ay isang sining na napakahusay ng mga Pilipino. At dapat mamayagpag sa buong mundo."
Ogie believes the Philippine government can help raise Filipino singers’ profile on the world stage.
"That can only happen if for once and for all, our government realizes the importance of our culture. You know, people speak of Filipinos being mabait, being very friendly.
"At the same time, people speak of, oh, Filipinos can sing well. Filipinos can perform and can play an instrument. That's true, but we're not showcasing that enough."
He cites the Pinoy pop group SB19 as an example of a singing group that has penetrated the world stage.
"We should be in the world stage. And it's slowly happening, you know, with the likes of SB19. And I'm happy.
"But I just feel that the government should take notice and use it. And use it as a leverage for promoting our branding, which is the Philippines and our country."
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