New Year countdown at BGC becomes venue for celebration of OPM, K-Pop artists

Gone are the days when people are expected to choose between OPM and K-Pop. As everyone embraces the diversity of music, the Philippines witnessed its first onstage collaboration between OPM legend Ely Buendia, chart-topping artists KZ Tandingan, Adie and Zack Tabudlo, and K-pop artists Wendy, Irene, and Seulgi of Red Velvet.

On December 31, these artists performed some of their hits and serenaded the fans at the biggest and most epic street party and New Year countdown in Taguig City. The monumental 2024 street party that happened on BGC’s 5th Avenue was documented through two larger-than-life 3D LED screens that gave the audience a taste of experiencing a New York Times Square New Year Countdown in the Philippines.

In a quick interview with Chi Bocobo, Chief Inspiration Officer of Taguig City, she pointed out how K-pop has significance for the Filipinos while not neglecting the worth of our own, which is the OPM.

“K-pop has a special spot in the hearts of Filipinos. You will see it in the turnout rin ngayong gabi. Inisip lang namin, why don’t we give the people something global? Saan ka makakakita ng libre, show toppers na artists, may OPM legend, then may K-pop ka pa, ayun talaga ‘yung gift, ayun ‘yung naexcite kami ibigay,” she said. 

(K-pop has a special spot in the hearts of Filipinos. You will see it in the turnout for tonight’s event. We thought, why don’t we give the people something global? Where are you going to experience a free event with show-toppers artists? There’s an OPM legend, then K-pop sensation artists; that’s the gift that we have been excited to give.)

“Hindi ko alam kung first time ‘to pero magandang makita na sa mga ganito hindi lang K-pop ang cine-celebrate natin na talent, pero ‘yung mga OPM rin. Kasi diba may negative connotation na mas binibigyang pansin ng mga Filipino ang K-pop kesa ang OPM natin,” said Isay, a netizen who traveled from Mindoro to join the BGC countdown.

(I don’t know if this is the first time, but it’s nice to see in events like this that we are not just celebrating K-pop but the OPM talents as well, because there’s a negative connotation that Filipinos are favoring K-pop more than OPM.)

Filipino performances

KZ Tandingan opened the stage with a performance of “Water,” Parokya ni Edgar medley, “Imposible,” “Tadhana,” “Labo,” and “Rolling in the Deep,” followed by Adie, who serenaded the fans with “Mahika,” “Token,” and “Hoy!” “Tahanan,” and “Paraluman,” while Zack Tabudlo performed “Nangangamba,” “Habang Buhay,” “Fallin’,” “Gusto,” and “Pano.”

Leading up to Red Velvet’s Irene, Seulgi, and Wendy jam-packed performances of their hits “Like Water” and “Why Can’t You Love Me?” (Wendy), “Naughty,” and “Monster” (Irene & Seulgi). This signifies a milestone for the three members as they promote their solo songs outside of Korea.

Meanwhile, OPM legend Ely Buendia concluded the stage by performing “Alapaap,” “Magasin,” “Ligaya,” “Pop Machine,” “Superproxy,” and “Ang Huling El Bimbo.”