After nearly 30 years, an OPM legend returns
CELESTE LEGASPI, the Original Pilipino Music (OPM) icon, is back for a solo concert slated on Aug. 5 at the Theatre in Solaire Resort and Casino in Parañaque City.
“I wouldn’t have agreed to do this if not for my father, (National Artist for Visual Arts) Cesar Legaspi’s centennial,” Ms. Legaspi told reporters during a press conference on July 4.
She added that it’s been a long time since she last did a solo concert — the last, one she reckoned, was before the Musical Theatre Philippines’ (Musicat) production of Katy in 1988.
“I feel very excited and challenged... it’s been so long since my last concert [ but I] take comfort in the fact that my songs are excellent material,” she said.
The Filipina songstress was the voice behind hit songs of the 1970s and ’80s such as “Tuliro,” “Sabado,”
“Mamang Sorbetero,” and “Saranggola ni Pepe,” among many others. Her Aug. 5 concert, entitled simply
Celeste, also serves as a tribute to the works of her father, National Artist for Visual Arts Cesar Legaspi, with Ms. Legaspi showcasing his Gadgets series, first painted in 1947.
“My father did four Gadgets and it would be beautiful for the audience to see how the work evolved,” she said, adding they’re planning to present the works of Mr. Legaspi in a “really stunning way.”
“[The concert] will be a trip down memory lane,” she said of her set list which will not include contemporary songs.
Ms. Legaspi admitted to being “apprehensive” about doing the concert because she fears the younger audience members will not be able to recognize her songs.
Despite her apprehensions, Ms. Legaspi, who prides herself on pushing for excellence in all that she does, is looking forward to the one-night show, and so is Solaire Entertainment director, Audie Gemora.
“It makes perfect sense to bring the original diva, Celeste Legapi [to Solaire],” Mr. Gemora said in a press release, noting that crooner Basil Valdez’s successful concerts in April and May showed there is an audience for the Filipino music icons.
Ms. Legaspi will be joined by composer Ryan Cayabyab as the musical director while the Company and acapella group Baihana will be performing alongside her.
Celeste will be held on Aug. 5, 8 p.m., at the Theatre in Solaire. For tickets, visit www.ticketworld.
com or call 891-9999. —