HWANG. Tops significant talent tilt.
THE MONTH of April had a number of highlights, but the most significant in our view was the very successful conclusion of the “I Love OPM” talent tilt, which was won by Korean Yohan Hwang.
We consider the singing competition a key consciousness-raising event, because it went directly against the grain of our “colonial mentality.”
Here, finally, was a show that extolled original Filipino pop songs in a most striking and convincing way—by featuring foreigners who loved them so much that they favored them over the usual “imported” pop songs.
We hope that their love and fervor rubbed off on the Filipinos viewing the show! It really is high time for us to love our very own.
We trust that ABS-CBN will keep the tilt’s persuasive and enlightening momentum on an upswing by coming up soonest with its second season, because there are many more OPM-loving foreigners out there who can show us Pinoys the better way to go!
As for the first-season winner, Yohan, we hope that ABS-CBN and Star Records will continue to build him up, so that he can have a local and regional performing career, and thus continue to spread the good word.
Also noteworthy and significant last month was the “Himig Handog” tilt for new OPM songs, which was won by Davey Langit’s “Dalawang Letra.”
Again, we trust that the songwriting tilt’s gains will continue to bear good, consciousness-raising fruit throughout the year by keeping its best entries in the public eye and ear.
All too often, good moves don’t build up in positive effect and impact due to lack of follow-through.
But, we hope that lessons have been learned from past experiences, so these new OPM-enhancing moves will finally result in Pinoys loving their very own songs and singers over imported faves.
May-born artists feted
On our birthday month of May, we wish the most and the best for our cocelebrants, who are an exceptionally gifted and giving group—starting with Ryan Cayabyab, Tirso Cruz III, Monique Wilson and Alita Divino on May 4; Robert Arevalo on May 6; Chiqui Roa-Puno on May 7—and that’s just for starters!
Later this month, other exceptional artists born in May will be feted by their loving relatives and friends—like Charice on May 10, Judy Ann Santos on May 11, Cherie Gil and Dennis Trillo on May 12, Paolo Avelino on May 13, Shamcey Supsup on May 16—etc.
What makes the May-born unique and distinct? Horoscopes are full of conjectures on that score—but, speaking from experience, we have met and befriended many May-born people who are in the arts and in the medical and public service fields.
Another interesting tidbit: People born in May have similar “cow eyes”—meaning their orbs and gaze are strikingly pronounced and “deep.”
We learned this many years ago when Elvira Manahan threw a birthday party for us on “Two for the Road,” and invited other May-born celebrities (like Ryan, Baby Barredo, Gerry Katigbak, Hammy Sotto, Tillie Moreno, etc.).
As our cocelebrants gathered, it was Elvira herself who noted with excitement, “Hey, your eyes look alike—you all look like cows!”
—A good laugh was had by all, of course—with the “herd” of cows and bulls chummily laughing (—and mooing) loudest of all! —Happy birthday to us!