Ogie to mark 25th year in the biz with concert, golf tourney

OGIE Alcasid UNVIERSAL RECORDS

Should I be asked to name the genuinely kind celebrities in local show biz, Ogie Alcasid would be on top of my list. Even after 25 amazing years in the biz, he has not let fame change him a bit.

Ogie is all agog preparing for his silver anniversary concert, “25: I Write the Songs” on Aug. 16 at the Mall of Asia Arena (SM Ticketnet). It also happens to be his birthday month, which he will celebrate by mounting a golf tournament on Aug. 19 at the Sta. Elena Golf & Country Club for the benefit of the Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM).

“My 25th anniversary concert will be different from all my past concerts,” he beams, “as it will feature 25 guests. If I had to pick one fave song it’s ‘Panginoon’ but my fave love song is ‘Kailangan Kita.’”

What’s his advice to aspiring singers/songwriters?

“They should realize what a wonderful gift they have received from God,” he points out. “They must nurture that gift and use it to spread God’s love.”

What’s the turning point in his career?

“I cannot pinpoint one in particular,” he muses. “Each failure and each small victory has molded me into what I am today. I continue to learn personally though. My re-energized relationship with the Lord has been the one thing that has prepared me for any challenge.”

Kudos Ogs, 25 years yet still counting the hits. You’re one artist that OPM can never exist without!

Producer Pops

Pops Fernandez is excited about the concert of BB Gandanghari and John Lapus, “Beauty and The Sweet,” which she is producing. It will be held on Aug. 2 and 3 at the Music Museum (for tickets, call 0918-5633781). “It’s a fun tandem. BB will be in his most pa-girl self doing an air dance and more while Sweet will also be highlighted with his new, funny characters,” Pipay gushes. “It’s an exchange of wit between the two talents with lots of laughter. It’s always a very positive thing to laugh. I want people to escape their worries and just be entertained by laughing the night away. Pabonggahan sa pagpapatawa ang mangyayari. It’s directed by Philip Lazaro and written by Joel Mercado.”

What kind of fulfillment does she get from producing compared to singing?

“It’s totally different,” she says. “But I love it because it’s still a chance for me to entertain people even if I’m just behind the scenes. It’s satisfying to call the shots and work as a team.”

Aside from being the Concert Queen and a producer, when will she be a lover again?

“There’s so much love in my heart so even if I have no boyfriend, my heart will never be empty,” she quips. “I guess I just have to wait a little longer though for the right one.”

Since Pops and I are like sisters, I can vouch that the guy who will give her heart its permanent home will be the luckiest guy alive. Love owes her a better fate because she has always given it her all.

TV comeback

Cesar Montano is raring to act again after going on a brief hiatus. “I’m doing a soap in GMA 7 with Lovi Poe and Solenn Heussaff. It’s about a love triangle. I miss doing ‘Singing Bee.’ I hope it can be revived.”

Isn’t he wary that being paired off with two desirable women would fan the flames again?

“At this point in my career, I’ve learned how to just shrug off all negativity that will only weigh me down,” he explains. “I’m an actor more than a celebrity. I hope people would focus on my body of work instead of the crazy rumors.”

He is equally excited about the Outstanding Manileño award, which he will be receiving soon. If I could, I would crown my BFF Buboy as Outstanding Friend, as well.

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PERSONAL: Muchisimas Gracias to my ever fab friend, Karylle, and her efficient staff at Centerstage KTV Restobar on Jupiter St. in Makati for making me and my friends feel so at home. It’s the place to be when you want to unleash the singer in you (for reservations, call 7108999).