New Year countdowns around the metro

OJ MARIANO fits the bill, says the group’s leader

It’s a new beginning of sorts for The CompanY.

Going into its 30th year in the industry, the enduring vocal harmony act is saying goodbye to an old member and welcoming a new one. Starting tomorrow, singer-theater actor OJ Mariano is formally replacing Jay Marquez as the group’s resident tenor.

OJ, a finalist in the second season of the singing competition “Star in a Million,” related that he went through a series of auditions and interviews before getting the part. “I’ve been a fan of The CompanY’s since I was child; I know a lot of its songs. It’s a tremendous honor to be part it,” he told the Inquirer.

While he has spent much of his career as a soloist, singing harmony shouldn’t be much of a problem for OJ, who had prior experience in chorale singing.

Over the past two years, OJ made a name for himself in local theater via plays like “Rak of Aegis” and “The Full Monty.” With his new job, OJ said, theater would take a back seat.

Moy Ortiz, who sings bass, said he and the rest of the group—Sweet Plantado (soprano 1), Annie Quintos (soprano 2) and Cecile Bautista (alto)—had difficulty accepting Jay’s decision to quit after almost a decade.

NADINE Lustre

“We are family,” Moy said of Jay, who’s migrating to Canada. “But we are taking this as an opportunity for reinvention.”

The CompanY is a tight-knit act. Finding a new member, Moy said, was like looking for a spouse. “It’s not a one-night stand,” Moy jested. “Apart from talent, we considered the long-term plans of those who auditioned.”

It took them some time, but Moy believes they’ve found their man in OJ. “He can sing harmony and solos, and he is articulate,” Moy said. “OJ fits the bill.”

The CompanY recently released a new album, “Lighthearted OPM 2.” Tonight, they will perform as part of Solaire Resort and Casino’s New Year countdown at Eclipse Bar and Oasis Garden Café. Call Stages Productions Specialists, 8181111 loc. 253.

‘Sulong Manila 2015 Countdown’

Also tonight, the 3-D video-mapping pyro/laser lights show “Sulong Manila 2015 Countdown” will be held near the Manila Diamond Hotel on Roxas Boulevard.

Performers include James Reid, Nadine Lustre, Julian Estrada, Giselle Sanchez, Arnell Ignacio, Rivermaya, Kenyo, DJ Tom Taus, DJ Gavin Skewes, DJ Dan Torres and Damas Children’s Choir.

‘Eastwood Countdown’

Sarah Geronimo leads “Eastwood-Quezon City New Year Countdown to 2015” with a performance at Eastwood Mall Open Park, 8 p.m. Joining her are teen stars James Reid and Nadine Lustre, rock band Sandwich, pop singers Anja Aguilar and Jason Farol, rapper Shehyee and Freestyle’s Top Suzara and Jinky Vidal. Call 709-9888, 709-0888.