To be staged on Feb. 21 at The Theatre at Solaire, the show features Jun Polistico, Leah Navarro, Sampaguita, Anthony Castelo, Gino Padilla, Mon Espia and Monet Gaskell. Also sharing the stage with them are OPM “hitmen” Richard Reynoso, Renz Verano, Rannie Raymundo and Chad Borja, with Wadab singer-songwriters Nonoy Tan and Rey Magtoto.
Depending on who you asked, the ’70s and ’80s have been described in so many ways. But for Filipino music industry insiders as well as music fans who came of age during that time, it will forever be referred to as the “Golden Age of Original Pilipino Music (OPM)” for two distinct reasons.
For one, the two succeeding decades marked the height of creativity and productivity among countless local talents, as they produced one hit after another, many of which have become Pinoy pop classics that have been played and replayed by countless music fans spanning different generations. Because of their quality to transcend time and changing tastes, many of these songs have also been tweaked and sung by contemporary artists, thus, gaining for them a wider appeal among millennials ang GenZers.
Secondly, thanks to both public and private support, including such annual efforts as the Metro Pop Music Festival, local radio airwaves were dominated by OPM hits. Suddenly, after years of being weaned on American pop hits, it was hip for Filipinos to listen to musikang sariling atin (our very own music). In terms of commerce, the era also saw the rise in sales of local records, often on par with and even eclipsing the sales of foreign records, and the birth of superstar singers and bands.
That golden era may have long since passed, but the music it has spawned continues to live on. And thanks to occasional shows such as this one, OPM will continue to stay relevant regardless of the changing seasons.
Dubbed as “OPM Stars,” the show, to be staged on Feb. 21, 8 p.m., at The Theatre at Solaire, also offers original fans a trip down memory lane, while introducing Filipino music of yesteryears and the artists who popularized them to today’s generation.
Featured artists are Jun Polistico, Leah Navarro, Sampaguita, Anthony Castelo, Gino Padilla, Mon Espia of Labuyo, Male Rigor and Monet Gaskell (formerly from VST and Company).
Also sharing the stage with them are OPM “hitmen” Richard Reynoso, Renz Verano, Rannie Raymundo and Chad Borja, with Wadab singer-songwriters Nonoy Tan and Rey Magtoto.
“OPM Stars” is presented by Zonta Club of Muntinlupa and Environs Foundation, Inc., Zonta Club of Makati Legaspi and Zonta International District 17 Area 5.
Tickets to “OPM Stars” are available in all Ticket World outlets, Solaire Box Office (8888-8888 local 60134), Zonta Club of Muntinlupa and Environs Foundation, Inc. (0916-2371852, look for Ellen Del Rosario).
