PAGCOR advocates Filipino talents

MANILA, Philippines - Singing is a staple in all national and regional talent searches. That’s why balladeers and belters populate the recording scene dishing out ditties laced with emotional overtones. This is what Original Pilipino Music (OPM) — regardless of genre — is all about. A song which is told straight from the heart.

Keeping OPM alive is OPM@PAGCOR 2, a nationwide singing search for the Total OPM Performer. Here, grand finalists only perform chart-topping hits and signature songs from all-original Pinoy songbook. The competition simply advocates Filipino singing talent.    

“I judged in one of the branch (semi-final) qualifiers,” offers Philippine Amusement Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) AVP for Entertainment Bong Quintana. “I think we are able to produce better contestants this year. Last year, (the batch of grand finalists) was very good. Now I can say they are more competitive. During the early (parts of) workshops, they really participated in and listened (carefully to the speakers). I’m proud to have them as grand finalists of OPM@PAGCOR 2.” The finalists, who represent Casino Filipino branches in Tagaytay, Davao, Angeles, Bacolod, Cebu and Metro Manila, are in it to win it as they come prepared with minus one arranged for them.     

Tonight at 8 at the PAGCOR Grand Theater, Airport Casino Filipino, 14 finalists will battle it out to be the next Total OPM Performer. They are Glory Laylo Salazar, Romabel Mangaring Princena, Kim Jomarie Arabejo, Alex Weill Jr., Arah May Rodriguez, Mark Ryan Tabag, Delmaica Papas, Marc Lyndon Nacua, Romeo Bacalso Jr., John Willace Tubalde, Jennifer Maravilla, Froilan Canlas, Kenny Padalla and Angela Dana Alegre.

Asked how last year’s grand winner Joyce Tañaña and other finalists are faring in the live entertainment circuit, Bong replies, “They are (very much) around. They perform in Casino Filipino branches. They also have bookings (and performances) outside (Casino Filipino).” 

This year, OPM@PAGCOR 2 has few contestants as the contest only accepted aspirants aged 18 to 30. Like in the previous year, the chosen ones have the vocal chops to entertain and awe audiences. Before they hit the stage, the finalists attended talent-and-performance workshops conducted only by the best from the music industry.

“We still have to put some added factors like (teaching them) the (right) manner of singing a song,” Bong shares. “Are you able to put across the message of your song to the audience? Do you sing as if you’re telling a story or talking to someone? They also have to learn the right attitude towards work. They are being guided by OPM and PAGCOR when it comes to their packaging and bookings.”

What’s next to the winner and finalists after the finals night?

“We are molding (the finalists) to become casino performers,” Bong answers. “(This) industry is entirely different from mainstream (recording) industry. There’s an instance wherein the singer will be performing with only two or three persons in the audience. As a performer, however, he has to give his best. In the middle of silence, there’s this ringing sound (signaling that someone hits the jackpot). The singer has to get used to it. (I’m fine with seeing our finalists) cross over to mainstream. But making the casino industry our base is what we want to keep.”

If this venture of OPM and PAGCOR comes full circle in the coming years, PAGCOR will have a roster of talents similar to that of Las Vegas. There’s another venue for Filipinos to converge and enjoy a true Filipino talent.  

“In a way, it is,” Bong concludes. “(The singing contest as an advocacy) is part of the concept. It is a way of helping talented Filipino artists to earn a little and, at the same time, to showcase their talents in our Casino Filipino branches.”