All roads lead to the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena on Friday at 8 p.m. for Ogie Alcasid’s 25th anniversary concert, “I Write the Songs” (SM Ticketnet). Ogie’s timeless hits could very well be the anthems of romantic Pinoys. There’s a perfect Alcasid song for every twist and turn of our love lives. After two and a half decades, Ogie’s music continues to touch us.
I feel blessed to have Ogie as a friend. I am forever grateful to him for all the impromptu “mini-concerts” he gamely performs at my parties. He has no mean bone at all. Ogie should be giving haughty celebs a crash course on humility.
Together, let’s salute the singer/songwriter for all his songs that have served as our adrenaline shots and painkillers through the years. Kudos, Ogie, for 25 awesome years of giving us the best that you’ve got. Your songs will forever be etched in our hearts!
What can the audience expect from your anniversary concert?
It is my biggest concert ever. We have 40 guests performing!
What is your most memorable concert?
My 20th anniversary is the most memorable, because that was the first time my kids came back home to watch. (Ex-wife) Michelle (van Eimeren) and (her husband) Mark (Murrow) were there, too, and Regine (Velasquez) was my guest.
What’s your song for yourself these days and why?
I wrote a new song which has become my current favorite. It’s called “The Lord is Our Savior.” I am singing it in the concert with my wife.
What song can’t you sing?
I can’t sing rock, R&B, and I can’t rap—though I will [do all this] in my concert.
Are good singers born, or are they made?
Good singers are definitely made. It takes a lifetime to master the necessary skills.
What is your most embarrassing moment on stage and how did you pull it off?
I was performing in a bar and my fly was open! I just turned around and zipped up after someone in the audience pointed it out.
What achievement are you most proud of?
I am most proud of being a father, a son and a husband.
What does it take to be a good singer and great songwriter?
You have to be willing to learn all the time and accept that there are others better than you.
What is the most important lesson that you’ve learned along the way?
God is always in control.
If you were to write a new song for Regine at this point in your life together, what would the title be?
“My Rock.”
After 25 years, what do you believe is in store for Ogie Alcasid?
There is still so much to do, to glorify God through the gifts He has given me.