Ogie Alcasid, Filipino musicmaker
OGIE Alcasid will celebrate his birth anniversary with an Aeta community in Zambales province. photo credit: Geo Yusooncho
If I had to name the Top 10 genuinely nice celebs, Ogie Alcasid would definitely top the list.
His kindheartedness is not for PR’s sake. Ogs is nice even when nobody is looking.
I am eternally grateful to him for gamely holding impromptu mini-concerts in all my parties. I immensely enjoyed bonding with him in Cebu province during the launch of the OPM exhibit and in Dubai for the TV5 tour.
He turns a year nicer on Aug. 28 via a birth anniversary concert dubbed “Throwback Thursday with Mr. A” at Music Museum (8 p.m.).
It’s a nostalgic trip to the 1980s, as Ogie remembers the fun and crazy parties we all had as teenagers through his songs. Mr. A’s concert has
no less than Mr. C, Ryan Cayabyab, as musical director.
Part of the show’s proceeds will fund My OPM Playlist, the traveling exhibit launched by Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM), which Ogie heads as president.
Birth anniversary cheers to my dear friend, Ogie! I celebrate all the wonderful things you are! If he wasn’t around, OPM would’ve been long gone.
Here’s my tête-à-tête with Ogie:
What period in your life would you want to revisit and why?
Reliving my high school days would be great. They were really fun times. That was when I first fell in love.
What’s your most beautiful memory?
The days my children were born.
What’s your most painful memory?
It is always hard to say goodbye to my daughters after my regular visits with them in Australia.
What’s your most memorable concert?
It would be my 20th anniversary concert at Smart Araneta in 2008. It was the first time my daughters watched me at the Big Dome.
What’s your song for yourself these days?
It’s the new song I wrote, “The Lord Is My Savior.” It’s my current favorite.
What’s the latest on your kids?
Leila will be in college in two years and Sarah will be joining her ate next year at Chevalier High School. They are both very studious and have very good grades. They are also wonderful ates to Nate.
Nate will be 3 years old in November and is already in play school. He can now read and is starting to hum his own melodies. My children are God’s wonderful blessings.
What makes your marriage with [fellow singer] Regine Velasquez work?
Regine and I are best friends. We also have the same passion for our relationship with Jesus. The closer we get to him, the closer we are to each other.
What’s your birth anniversary gift to yourself?
I am going to Zambales province again this year to celebrate with an Aeta community. This is my third year to visit their tiny village. They are amazing and, with the help of World Vision, I get to see them every year and build a wonderful fellowship with them.
What are your plans as you turn a year wiser?
I plan to finish the Christian album that I am now working on.
What is your creative process like as a songwriter?
Writing a song is like any creative endeavor. It starts with inspiration … you just have to allow yourself to become a channel for it.
If you were not a singer/songwriter, what would you like to be?
I would want to be a basketball player or a
professional golfer. Unfortunately, I lack the talent to excel in sports.
What are the coming projects of OPM?
We have the Pinoy Music Festival on Sept. 5 at Ayala Triangle.
What can the audience expect from your concert?
I will take the audience back to the 1980s!
Are great singers born or made?
Great singers can be made. Talent alone will not suffice. He or she has to be dedicated to and focused on his or her craft. Enjoying the ride is a must, too.
How do you want to be remembered?
As a good husband and father.
