Ogie Alcasid pays tribute to Pinoy composers, singers in  “THE GREAT FILIPINO SONG BOOK”

Ogie Alcasid is a success story in Pinoy showbiz which is like no other. His illustrious career as singer/composer/actor/producer is unparalleled in local entertainment history for these past 20 years.

As Ogie celebrates his 20th anniversary, he comes out with a unique album in which he pays tribute to Pinoy composers and singers, “The Great Filipino Song Book,” released by Universal Records.

Even if Ogie Alcasid is a well-acclaimed and multi-awarded singer/composer, it is still a tall order for him to gather 16 Filipino standards and perform all of them in one rare album.

Ogie accepted such great challenge and interpreted these 16 best-loved songs in his own, endearing way.

The CD’s carrier single is his enchanting rendition of Marvic Sotto’s “Kung Sakali” originally interpreted by Pabs Dadivas.

Soon to be a staple in several wedding ceremonies is “Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin,” Louie Ocampo/Joey Albert original, made popular by Martin Nievera.

Ogie’s version of “Kahit Na” by Willy Cruz and a Zsa Zsa Padilla hit is among the most heartwarming tracks on the album.

“Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo,” first recorded and composed by Rey Valera, features one uncredited back-up singer. Listen and it’s easy to know who she is.

“Ngayon” is just one of the many outstanding vocal performances of Basil Valdez, composed by George Canseco. Only a song artist like Ogie can record it again and hold a candle to Basil’s previous effort.

The musical outburst of the ‘70s continues on “The Great Filipino Song Book” with romantic ditties like “May Minamahal,” composed by Willy Cruz and a Haji Alejandro original blockbuster; Dero Pedero’s “Bawat Sandali,” first recorded also by the songwriter; another Willy Cruz pop classic “Doon Lang;” one of the many Nonoy Zuñiga hits; and “Nais Ko” by Maestro Ryan Cayabyab, first recorded by Basil Valdez.

The pop evergreen “Bato Sa Buhangin” by Snaffu Rigor and National Artist Ernani Cuenco (made popular by Cinderella with Yolly Samson as lead vocalist) is one number which appeals to listeners of all ages and generations.

No anthology of great songs will be complete without the pop genius Florante’s “Handog” which he himself originally recorded. It has also been in the album of many artists but we will surely enjoy Ogie’s version since this is one of his favorite songs.

Such romantic exuberance goes on with another George Canseco number, “Kailangan Kita,” first recorded by Leah Navarro. Cecille Azarcon’s “Sana Ay Ikaw Na Nga” (a Basil Valdez smash hit) will surely be a favorite to all lovestruck listeners.

Who would ever think that “Yakapin Mo Ako” (another Joey Albert hit), was written by Louie Ocampo with Director Freddie Santos.

Rey Valera’s “Malayo Pa Ang Umaga” (which he co-wrote with Angel Cruz) seems tailor-made for Ogie Alcasid.

Another pop classic (by Charo Unite and master lyricist Ernie De La Peña), “May Bukas Pa” is really difficult to record again, since it is a Rico J. Puno original hit.  And yet, Ogie achieved it with flying colors.

All the 16 songs in the album, Ogie first heard them when he was only eight to 10 years old. That time, it’s rather hard to relate to them. But later on as he himself became accomplished as a singer/composer, all these musical numbers have become theme songs of his life and lovelife; and veritable inspirations.

“But there is one song that came out when I broke up with my high school  Girlfriend,” Ogie revealed. “Until now everytime I hear ‘Yakapin Mo Ako,’ tumatagos pa rin sa puso ko.”

Ogie Alcasid will celebrate his 20th anniversary in showbiz with a major concert at the Araneta Coliseum on September 27, with Regine Velasquez, Janno Gibbs, Michael V and Jaya as guests.