Pinoy music on a roll

Lovi Poe has reverted to her “old self.”

2015 has just begun and Ogie Alcasid is already on a roll. The OPM (Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-Aawit) president can’t contain his excitement about President Aquino’s Proclamation No. 933, which declares the last week of July of every year as “Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino.”

“It’s a great milestone for the OPM advocacy,” Ogie said. “Noel Cabangon has to be commended for his efforts. Thanks to our President, who supports the movement and, most of all, thank you Lord for making it happen.”

All forms of OPM (mainstream, indie or any genre) will now have a platform for the new creations to be heard and appreciated. “Expect Pinoy music to explode not only in July,” Ogie said, “but throughout 2015.”

And to start things with a bang, Ogie will top-bill a concert with the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra, “OPM Live muSIKATin” on Jan. 31, 8 p.m. at the Philippine Arena (tickets 470-2222). With musical direction by Ryan Cayabyab, the show will feature special guests Hajji Alejandro, Rey Valera, Michael V., Randy Santiago, Angeline Quinto, Lovi Poe, Solenn Heussaff, Vernie Varga, Gloc-9, Brisom and Jett Pangan.

With Ogie at the helm, OPM will never hit a sour note!

Season of Lovi

Lovi Poe will certainly soar to greater heights this 2015. If only her late great dad, Fernando Poe Jr., could see her now.

Here’s my tête-à-tête with the fab child-woman.

What would you ask your dad about show biz, love and life if he were alive now?

I’d ask how he survived in spite of the numerous vultures around; for the right words to live by (because there are so many words to live by nowadays and it’s confusing); whether to follow my mind or my heart; and lastly, I’d like to ask him if it was worth it.

At what stage is your relationship with Rocco (Nacino) these days?

Rocco and I are at a stage where everything is fun. Our relationship is filled with so much laughter. It’s pretty refreshing for me to be in this kind of relationship, which everyone approves of.

I was in a relationship before where we were truly in love but no one was willing to help us. Everyone was tearing us apart.

Now, I’m in a much more peaceful environment. That’s why whether Rocco is for a season, a reason or a lifetime, it doesn’t really matter. What’s important is that because of him, I’m back to my old self.

Toni Gonzaga set to perform in Cebu.

If you were in the place of your sister, Sen. Grace Poe, would you run for president?

I believe that there’s a right time for everything and only my sister can answer that. Whatever she decides to do, I’ll be here to fully support her.

Encore for Toni

Toni Gonzaga is all set to outdo herself in the repeat of her concert, “Celestine in Cebu,” on Jan. 16 at the Pacific Grand Ballroom of Waterfront Hotel, Lahug. Joining her are Alex Gonzaga, Xian Lim and Richard Yap (tickets, 0915-535-3873).

It coincides with the birth anniversary of her sister Alex so there will definitely be a tribute with lots of ribbing, Gonzaga-style. Since it’s Sinulog month, Toni’s flamboyant performance will make the Cebuanos have lots of fun, too.

Aside from the festive mood, romance will also be in the air. Will Toni’s longtime boyfriend, director Paul Soriano, propose to her during the concert?

Encore, Toni con todo amor!