Nonoy Zuñiga to release album of songs in different PH dialects
Seasoned balladeer Nonoy Zuñiga is out to win the entire Philippines all over again — literally and linguistically.
Seasoned balladeer Nonoy Zuñiga is out to win the entire Philippines all over again — literally and linguistically.
His coming album is a collection of Original Pinoy Music (OPM) in different dialects from Philippine provinces.
He has already launched one track, the Cebuano song “Pero Atik Ra” in collaboration with Cebuana singer Jolianne Salvado. Another on the way called “Waray Waray” is produced by Paulo Zarate.
In an interview, he shared he hopes to release eight to 10 songs in different dialects, as Chavacano, Bicolano, Ilocano, and Kapampangan, to name a few.
“I want to do something different,” he said when asked about the concept.
His objective is to give young people the opportunity to listen to old songs by reviving them. Also, he wants to show
case talented composers from different regions and offer their works to a wider audience.
“Ito (‘Waray Waray’) medyo rock
’yung dating,” he cited. “We really tried our best to make it as appealing as possible. It has a new sound that will be appreciated across all ages.”
Nonoy revealed this project is close to his heart as his parents hailed from provinces – his mom is Waray, his father is Bicolano.
Gen X + Y?
Given the chance to collaborate with younger singers, who would it be?
Nonoy’s choices are Morissette Amon and KZ Tandingan.
“They both have different styles and they are good,” he said.
He thinks Morissette is “more like Barbra Streisand” while KZ is “maad-lib.”
“Gusto ko ’yung style niya – weird, luka-luka, pero magaling,” he said of the latter.
Asked who he thinks is following in his footsteps in the music scene, the icon said there’s none like himself.
“The music today is very different; more R&B, hiphop, rap,” he pointed out. “But I guess it’s Christian Bautista in his generation of singers during which balladeers were still on-demand. ”
He likes Daryl Ong as R&B singer. “He’s one of my favorite singers now, he’s very natural.”
‘The last tour’
On the other hand, aside from being busy on doing his upcoming album, Nonoy is also taking his time preparing for his last concert tour with The Hitmakers composed of Hajji Alejandro, Rey Valera, Marco Sison, and the late Rico J. Puno.
He shared they’re set to roam around 10 states abroad this coming August and September.
Though Rico has passed away late last year, Nonoy noted his spirit will be with them during their concert.
He said as to pay respect and tribute to the latter, they will be singing his songs.
Personal
In terms of his personal life, Nonoy finally broke his silence about the rumors surrounding his married life.
“I have to put this on record
na lang – hiwalay na ako since 2016,” he revealed, referring his split with wife of 32 years, Grace Maroket. The two have five children.
Asked if he is looking for new love, Nonoy said: “Hindi, okay na.”
On a lighter note, Nonoy is just proud that all of his kids inherited his talents. But according to him, his fourth son, who lives in Vegas, is the only one practicing it professionally. He said Ziggy is a lead guitarist in a rock band abroad.
“Okay siya, talong-talo niya ako,” the proud dad said.