P-Ogie means business

OGIE ALCASID: Giving back to the industry that “has been so good to me.” INQUIRER file photo

It’s a “dirty job” but someone has to do it, singer Ogie Alcasid quipped.

Although he could’ve been talking about diaper duty after wife, Regine Velasquez, gives birth next month, he’s also referring to his “demanding” work as president of the Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-Aawit (OPM).

Call him P-Ogie, short for President Ogie.

At the launch of his fragrance line for Bench, aptly called OPM Gold and Platinum, he joked: “OPM could stand for Ogie Pogi Mabango (Ogie is handsome and smells good).”

Proceeds from sales of the cologne will go to the OPM Endowment Fund. “We’ve been helping our members with their health-care and funeral expenses,” he said. “Among OPM’s beneficiaries were Didith Reyes (for hospitalization) and Bobby Gonzales (for a pacemaker).”

With fellow OPM officers Noel Cabangon, Christian Bautista and Dingdong Avanzado, Ogie also spearheads the first “OPM Fair: Ang Himig Natin, Noon at Ngayon,” set at the Quezon Memorial Circle on Tuesday.

The day-long event not only aims to consolidate the OPM membership and popularize its mission among the masses, but also raise much-needed funds for the organization, he explained.

During the fair, the eight recipients of the first Dangal ng OPM awards will be honored: Freddie Aguilar, the Apo Hiking Society, Asin, Juan de la Cruz, Nora Aunor, Jose Mari Chan, Hotdog and Pilita Corrales.

“It’s our tribute to the pioneers,” Ogie said.

He is aware that the honor roll could spark controversy and divisiveness since some worthy artists failed to make the list.

“Selection went through a democratic process. But this is just the first year. Next year, we will include other artists. One thing I can assure the public is that everyone who’s deserving will be honored in due time.”

Although further assistance from the government would be most welcome, he said that he was more than happy for the support that OPM had received from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Senator Francis Pangilinan and QC Mayor Herbert Bautista in mounting the affair.

“They really inspired us to continue the project against all odds,” he said.

Why is he so gung-ho in reviving OPM, both the group and the music, in the face of continuous onslaught from foreign pop and rock acts?

“I just want to give back to the industry that has been so good to me, that has blessed me and my family in so many ways,” he said. “It’s a tough, thankless job. Some people may question our integrity and motives, but we are doing this because it’s the right thing to do.”

Even if it takes time away from his family, he perseveres. “Fortunately, my wife understands because she’s also a singer.”

Speaking of which, he promises to take a short paternity leave from his work as OPM president and mainstay in a slew of GMA 7 shows—“Bubble Gang,” “Party Pilipinas,” “Daldalita” and “Protégé”—when Regine gives birth to a baby boy in November.

“I will be sharing parenting duties with my wife,” he said.

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