Scintillating showcase for ‘life-honed’ musical talent and nostalgia–plus

REUNION show is a major casting coup.

It’s great to hear that many of our OPM singing legends recently came out of semiretirement to perform together again in a big “reunion of the oldies but still goodies” concert series (more shows on Sept. 26 in Baguio and Sept. 28 in Cebu).

We’ve always loved mature performances, so it’s wonderful to hear that many other music fans have not forgotten to give them the importance and love they deserve. All too often, some of our best talents are shunted off to the sidelines in favor of younger and lesser lights, and that’s such a pity—and a waste!

Well, for at least one night last week, things were set right as veteran singing stars who got their start with the Circus and New Minstrels groups in the ’70s got center-stage treatment again.

The reunited musical alumni included Basil Valdez, Jacqui Magno, Hajji Alejandro, Tillie Moreno, Pat Castillo, Louie Reyes, Ding Mercado, Joey Albert, Chad Borja, Ray-An Fuentes and Eugene Villaluz.

—What a cornucopia of talent, a veritable embarrassment of musical riches! Five of those names would already draw an (oldtimer) audience, so the reunion show’s baker’s dozen of singing stars was decidedly a major casting coup!

Careers

“Blame” Viva’s Vic del Rosario for thinking up such a “comprehensive” musical treat. No surprise there because, since his Vicor days, Vic has been boosting the careers of many exceptional performers, some of whom, like the “Reunion” show’s stars, continue to perform here or abroad to this day.

Aside from their unique singing voices, what personal traits and performing strengths have served these iconic singers well through the years and decades?

Valdez remains popular, even with younger music fans, due to his uniquely “insightful” interpretation of lyrics and melodic development.

Magno has always been known for her elegantly artistic “philosophy” of singing. Albert made a stellar name for herself as a pop soloist, and once even had a weekly musical showcase on TV.

Similarly, Mercado made it as a solo star—in Hong Kong, where he even went by an alternative Chinese performing name. Alejandro became a star, not just on the live performance and recording scenes, but even in the movies.

High notes

Reyes did musical theater on the international scene. Fuentes found his new niche in music ministry in the States. Moreno was known for her belted high notes, and Borja was a dreamy crooner.

As for Castillo and Villaluz, aside from their singing prowess, their expertise as recording company executives has similarly served them exceedingly well.

The bonus is that, despite the passage of the years, all of these veteran singing stars have remained true to themselves, both as persons and as performers—and it’s this shared personal and artistic honesty that has won them attention and respect.

So, if you’re out of town, catch the next performances of the “Greatest Hits Reunion” show at the University of Baguio on Sept. 26, and the Waterfront Hotel in Cebu on Sept. 28—and treat yourself to its scintillating showcase for “life-honed” musical talent and nostalgia—plus!