Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez ‘excited’ about the state of OPM: ‘It’s thriving’
Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez during the 10th Wish Music Awards. Images: X/@wish1075
Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez are happy about the current state of Original Pilipino Music (OPM), saying they’re excited about the new generation of artists, musicians, songwriters and producers carving their own paths.
During an interview with INQUIRER.net on the sidelines of the 10th Wish Music Awards, Alcasid and Velasquez said they’re inspired by young musicians, artists and producers who are contributing to the rise of the local music industry.
“I’m inspired. It’s so inspiring to see many young musicians, singer-songwriters, recording artists, performers and all the fans. Sabi ko sa speech ko, panaginip namin [lumaki ang OPM] and now it’s a reality,” he said. “Matutulog ako nang may ngiti sa labi, hindi dahil sa award ko, pero dahil sa [state ng] OPM industry. It really is something to be excited about.”
(I’m inspired. It’s so inspiring to see many young musicians, singer-songwriters, recording artists, performers and all the fans. Like what I said in my speech, it’s our dream [for OPM to thrive] and now it’s a reality. I can sleep with a smile on my face, not because of my award but because of the state of the OPM industry. It really is something to be excited about.)
‘IT’S THRIVING’
WATCH: Ogie Alcasid says OPM is “thriving,” when asked to describe the state of the local music industry.
The singer-songwriter received the Icon of Music Excellence plum at the 10th Wish Music Awards on Sunday, Jan. 19. | @HMallorcaINQ
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During the awards ceremony, Alcasid brought home the KDR Icon of Music Excellence plum for his contributions to local music. He was also serenaded by rising singer-songwriter Rob Deniel with a medley of his hit songs before receiving his award.
“This is our world. Let’s welcome everybody, lahat ng lahi, lahat ng lenggwahe. Enjoyin ang music natin… it’s thriving. It’s exciting. Iba’t ibang personalities, iba’t ibang diskarte. Naaaliw ako sa kanila. Nakakatuwa,” he said.
Meanwhile, Velasquez echoed her husband’s remarks, saying OPM is “thriving” due to the efforts of the new generation of “songwriters, singers, singer-songwriters and the interpreters of these songs.”
“They’re giving new life to OPM which is wonderful. I really think they’re doing such a good job and I pray that they continue to do it. Kasi kumbaga, kami, nandito pa kami pero pinasa na namin ang baton sa kanila (We’re still here but we already passed the baton to them). They’re the ones continuing the legacy,” Velasquez said.
Alcasid is one of the most celebrated singer-songwriters in the country, and is best known for his hit songs “Hanggang Ngayon,” “Ikaw Lamang,” “Dito sa Puso Ko,” “Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang,” and “Ikaw Sana,” to name a few.
On the other hand, Velasquez is dubbed “Asia’s Songbird” for her distinct tone, high-pitched voice, and ability to breathe new life into songs without losing her style. Some of her hit songs include “Dadalhin,” “Araw-Gabi,” and “Pangarap Ko ang Ibigin Ka.”
