Throwback days with Ogie Alcasid

THE OLD gang (from left): Janno Gibbs, Regine Velasquez, Ogie Alcasid and Jaya

Ogie Alcasid will inspire us to relive the good old days with his latest concert “TBT (Total Balik Tugtugan)” at Solaire Grand Ballroom on Nov. 29 at 8 p.m. (For tickets, call tel. no. 8888888, TicketWorld and Solaire Concierge.)

Ogie’s special guests include wife Regine Velasquez and his buddies Jojo Alejar, Roderick Paulate, Janno Gibbs, Manilyn Reynes and Dingdong Avanzado.

Watching Ogie onstage is something his fans will never get tired of. He has a knack for making each song seem like it’s meant for you alone. His sincerity shines through.

When I count my blessings, I find Ogie way on top of my list. I cannot thank him enough for his genuine kindness.

Tell us about your talent agency and your protégés.

ATeam (Alcasid Talent Entertainment Artist Management) will be introduced to the press on Nov. 17. We mostly handle singer-songwriters who need a break.

Q-York, Lara Maigue and Davey Langit were finalists in the Philpop music songwriting contest. Their videos and albums are currently being developed. I am very proud of them.

If you could go back in time, what would you change?

I should have watched all the Tears for Fears concerts here in Manila. I missed all of them.

What’s something you did that you wouldn’t have done?

I would not have allowed myself to get so unhealthy and fat during the 1990s. Now, I’m just pleasingly plump.

Tell us about Nate’s latest antics.

He reads books with me. He is a Tagalog speaker and his latest English expression is “Amazing!” He believes his Tita Marian Rivera is his girlfriend.

What was it like watching your ex-wife Michelle (van Eimeren) and your wife Regine together in “Sarap Diva”?

Seriously, I was moved by it. They are beautiful, humble, loving and giving people. God is really good.

What’s your advice to former partners on how they can remain friends?

Pray about it.

What are your and Regine’s cheap thrills?

She likes to watch me do my ballet and jazz routines. I will do anything for pancit.

How is the Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-Aawit (OPM)?

When we started, no one paid any attention to us. But now, sponsors have started to believe in our advocacy.

How is OPM improving?

The organization is gaining ground, especially when it comes to reaching out to the younger crowd. We have another Pinoy Music Fair on Dec. 6 at BGC called “Palakasin ang OPM” and it will be directed by Paolo Valenciano.

What did you advise your daughters about boys?

I told them that boys like me are not as smart as girls like them. I told them to pray for their partners.

What gets your creative juices flowing?

Creativity comes when I enjoy what I am doing.

What’s the hardest part of being you?

Being a father and a husband. I am too critical of myself.

What makes you fall in love with Regine more and more?

My wife is kind, forgiving, God-fearing and beautiful.

What is your guilty pleasure?

I love pancit.

Silver Jaya

Jaya celebrates 25 years of music with a grand concert on Nov. 10 at the Solaire Grand Ballroom. (Tickets at SM Tickets, TicketWorld and Showbiz Mansion, 8088450.)

Viva la vida Jaya!