Ogie celebrates 30th milestone with ‘OA’ concert
OPM hitmaker Ogie Alcasid marks his 30th anniversary in the industry with his concert dubbed “OA: Ogie Alcasid 30th Anniversary with the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra”— happening on August 24 (Friday) at the Araneta Coliseum.
“We will have a big fiesta atmosphere during the opening number, with 80 to 100 people [performing] on stage,” shared the ultimate singer-songwriter. “We want to celebrate everything that’s Filipino.”
At the recent press conference for his concert, Ogie revealed that whenever he sings any of his compositions, it reminds him of the events in the past that inspired him to write it.
“It reminds of what happened and the person behind the song. All my songs are not invented. They happened and all have a special place in my heart,” said Ogie.
Ogie recalled writing a song for wife Regine Velasquez titled “I Have to Say Goodbye.”
“Regine was, I believe, only 17 years old at that time. I was just a songwriter. I submitted the song to Primeline of Ronnie Henares. I asked if I can go to the recording to talk to Regine and explain to her the song.”
“Eh ‘yung kantang iyon, I wrote it for a friend who friendzoned me. Akala ko meron kami pero waley so
I was hurt. Anyway, artista ‘yun but I will never say kung sino siya. So I told Regine, I want you to interpret it this way. Sobrang nasaktan kasi walang gusto sa ‘yo yung lalaki. So Regine started recording. Bigla na lang pumasok ‘yung artistang ginawan ko ng kanta. Eh tawag niya sa akin Ogie Bear. She said, ‘Ogie Bear, what are you doing here?’ I said, ‘Oh nire-record ni Regine yung kanta ko.’ Naku but you will never know who she is,” said Ogie when pressed to reveal the girl’s identity.
The singer also revealed that he is writing a musical based on his hit songs. “We have to write a story first and then choose which songs will fit. Ongoing ang pagsusulat ko sa musical. I am very excited with that project. I cannot talk much about it yet kasi we are still writing and brainstorming about it,” said Ogie.
It’s been his dream to write a musical and in fact, he had been approached many times in the past. “Mayroon daw silang kwento pero wala pa rin natutuloy. And it was this one na talagang persistent and wanted us to meet so the project will push through. I am very excited to try something new,” he said.
After 30 years in the business, how important it is for him to find something new to do?
“If you have been in this business for so long, you don’t realize how soon time flies. But I think I have managed to stay relevant, not because pinilit ko, but it’s a blessing from God. I was put in the proper place. I am learning new things and I am willing to learn. I’ve never stopped being a student.”
Ogie is set to give an all-out performance as he sings to music to be played by no less than the ABSCBN Philharmonic Orchestra, the ensemble he first collaborated with in 2017 for his OPM tribute album “Nakakalokal.”
Joining the “Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids” judge in this musical milestone are Vice Ganda and his wife Regine.
Also in the OPM icon’s much-awaited show are Rey Valera, Michael V, Janno Gibbs, Yeng Constantino, Moira dela Torre, Leila Alcasid, Sarah Alcasid, Nate Alcasid, Ban Sot Mee, and the Hotlegs.
It will be directed by Paolo Valenciano, under the music direction of the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra conductor and musical director Gerard Salonga.
The “OA” concert is staged by Star Events, ABSCBN Events, and the A-Team. It is co-presented by PLDT Home and Belo Medical Group together with minor sponsors Transmodal International Inc., EO Executive Optical, and Jollibee.
Tickets are available at ticketnet.com.ph and are priced at P5,075 (VVIP with free “Nakakalokal” album), P3,710 (VIP), P3,180 (patron A), P2,650 (patron B), P1,590 (lower box), P745 (upper Box), and P425 (general admission). Call 911-5555 for ticket inquiries.
Don’t miss Ogie’s 30th anniversary show “OA” on August 24 at 8 p.m. For more details, visit starmusic. ph, like Star Music on facebook.com/starmusicph and follow it on Twitter and Instagram @ StarMusicPH.
***
Carla Abellana, Solenn Heussaff, Mike “Pekto” Nacua, and Kelvin Miranda are the guests in “Bubble Gang” tonight.
Among the featured segments are Nakawan sa Office gags, U Got Mail, Sniper, Kappy Ending, Maling Ehemplo, Patikim ni Kim, Lasing Na Tatay, Ndi Marunong Pumila, McDo commercial spoof, Hapitot, Basa Basa Pik, Atlit, Tekki Quotes, at Sundo’t Balita.