In good CompanY

FROM left: Sweet Plantado, OJ Mariano, Cecile Bautista, Moy Ortiz and Annie Quintos

The CompanY’s “Muntik na Kitang Minahal” and “Tulad Mo” are two of my heart’s official anthems. For every stage of love, there’s a song from the quintet composed of Sweet Plantado, Annie Quintos, Cecile Bautista, OJ Mariano and Moy Ortiz.

After 54 industry awards and 24 hit albums, The CompanY is celebrating 30 years in the industry with a concert on June 13,8 p.m., The Theatre at Solaire. The CompanY will share the stage with guests Ryan Cayabyab, Regine Velasquez, Jon Santos, Christian Bautista, Aicelle Santos, Franco Laurel, Bituin Escalante, Whiplash, Manoeuvres, Myke Solomon and G-Force. (For tickets, call 8919999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.)

The CompanY’s soothing sound is the best antidote to a broken heart. Thank you to the country’s premier vocal ensemble for their music which has kept every Pinoy company through every heartbeat and heartache.

Here’s my tête-à-tête with Moy:

Among all of The CompanY’s songs, which is the most significant?

“Everlasting Love,” our first single from our debut album “’Yon Na!” (Ivory Records, 1991). It was a total game-changer for us. We had been struggling for years so when our song became a hit, it marked a new chapter for us. We will always be grateful to Luigi De Dios and Rina Caniza (who wrote it with me).

What’s the secret of The CompanY’s staying power?

It isn’t a secret. Hard work, constant learning and trust in God. Of course, it also helps to maintain good relations with our colleagues.

How do you handle artistic differences?

We have to defend our ideas in front of the group.

What was the turning point in The CompanY’s career?

There were many. When “Everlasting Love” became a hit; when we broke the sophomore jinx with two hits, “Muntik na Kitang Minamal” and “Now That I Have You,” from our second album (“Sixby6,” Ivory, 1992); and when we got to meet and sing with The Manhattan Transfer at the Araneta Coliseum in 1992.

Tell us about “Muntik na Kitang Minahal.”

Written by Babsie Molina and Edith Gallardo, the song was never intended for us. They wanted to pitch it to Megastar Sharon Cuneta, but I convinced them to give it to us instead. It became our first movie theme song (for a Seiko production that starred Claudine Barretto and now-Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno).

Are good singers born, not made?

I believe both. Some people are born with beautiful voices. Some people learn to be good singers through hard work, constant practice and “education.” At the end of the day, the most important thing is to make the audience feel something.

How would you assess the state of OPM (Original Pilipino Music)?

Struggling! CD sales are at an all-time low, locally and globally. The system cannot support new and original works. Still, the efforts of PhilPop, Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-Aawit and Filscap are highly appreciated because they continue to encourage the creation of new music, regardless of the outcome.

What do you think of singing contests on TV and YouTube sensations?

Any medium that allows you to bring your music to a wider audience is welcome. Eventually, one’s work will find its audience.

After 30 years, what’s next for The CompanY?

It is our dream to go on international tours and to record abroad. We just have to continue to produce and create work with integrity and strive for excellence, while entertaining and remaining accessible to our audience.

Kudos!

ABS-CBN has been ranked the third best mid-cap company in the Philippines in the latest survey of FinanceAsia, one of the region’s most respected finance magazines. It is the only media company on this year’s list in the middle capitalization category. “This recognition is a strong vote of confidence for the network and a good indicator that we are on the right track,” said Charo Santos-Concio, ABS-CBN president and CEO. This is FinanceAsia’s 15th year to conduct the survey. Kudos Kapamilya!

Personal

Damo guid na salamat to my cool Ilonggo amigo, Allan Tajanlangit, for being a friend above and beyond the call of duty.