I Love OPM gets another repeat

MANILA, Philippines — From what started as an intimate showcase held at the Marrakech plenary and plaza of Hacienda Isabella, I Love OPM seems to have become a musical event, mounted in a bigger venue and watched by many.

Headlined by Original Pilipino Music (OPM) icon and Pop Diva Kuh Ledesma, it had a successful repeat at the Music Museum last November. Given the timeless beauty and relevance of OPM, it will be mounted again on Jan. 12 at the same place, and of course, with the same reasons of paying tribute to Filipino music creativity and regaling audiences.

This time around, Kuh shares the center stage with fellow artists Rey Valera, Marco Sison, Rachel Gerodias, and Isabella Gonzalez.

So, the repeat gets a repeat, a reprise or a part two. Whatever one may put it, that speaks a lot about what kind of entertainment it is to every music enthusiast who simply adores OPM.

Isabella delivers her own rendition of Cecil Azarcon’s song, Do You Have a Miracle for Me.

Photos by Mari Arquiza

Setting the evening’s tone and reminding all about the overall’s theme was Kuh’s rendition of Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika, as one may recall the previous presentation of I Love OPM. It’s a work by National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab with Hajji Alejandro as the original singer. The song signaled that everyone would be treated to a repertoire of OPM tunes that the listening public has loved through the years because of their well-crafted melodies and lyrics that told relatable narratives and evoked universal feelings.

Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika reminded concertgoers to always find a spot for OPM in their hearts, even if they are embracing varied forms of music from diverse sources, which also enriches their appreciation for such an art form.

It was a given that Kuh would transcend from being a performer to a storyteller in every song, particularly in her own signature hits.

The successful repeat of I Love OPM, which was held at the Music Museum last November, will be presented again on Jan. 12 at the same venue. Kuh Ledesma shares the center stage with Rey Valera, Marco Sison, Rachel Gerodias, and Isabella Gonzalez, Kuh’s daughter, as special guests.

Then came the segments that featured special guests like Mark Carpio, Janno Gibbs, Marco Sison, Kathy Mas, Isabella, and Mitch Valdes.

Mark, who is a YouTube sensation and balladeer, shared his talent by giving Odette Quesada’s Don’t Know What to Do (Don’t Know What to Say, sung by Ric Segreto) a soulful interpretation. After that, he had the chance to perform Hiling, his original composition.

From listening to the songs of icons Cayabyab-Alejandro, Ledesma, and Quesada, the audience had a sample of the Apo Hiking Society, with Janno as the singer. His tribute to the enduring music of Danny Javier, Boboy Garrovillo, and Jim Paredes was described by attendees as heartfelt.

With his knack for comedy, Janno incorporated his sense of humor in the performances and showcased the versatile artist in him.

Also seen on TV as a hurado in It’s Showtime’s Tawag ng Tanghalan, Marco got the attention of the audience and held it with the performances of his songs, My Love Will See You Through and Si Aida, Si Lorna, O Si Fe.

…Marco Sison, the voice behind such hits as My Love Will See You Through and Si Aida, Si Lorna, O Si Fe…

At the end of his segment, concertgoers wanted to hear more from him, and the generous Marco granted their request by singing another hit titled Always.

Kuh also had musical moments with Mark, Janno and Marco.

Also in the line-up of songs was Sino Ang Baliw. Instead of doing a solo act, Kuh made it a duet with soprano artist Kathy Mas.

According to Kuh’s team, the tune “speaks of hypocrisy, how society often stigmatizes those facing mental health challenges, and becoming indifferent to the needs of others.”

….and Janno Gibbs, who pays tribute to the Apo Hiking Society music.

Isabella, on the other hand, delivered her own rendition of Cecil Azarcon’s song, Do You Have a Miracle for Me.

The audience appreciated her powerful performance, which commanded attention and communicated the emotions embedded in the words and music of the song.

I Love OPM, which ran for three hours and, with a packed house, was also graced by Mitch. She did perform songs and, in between, deliver comedic sketches that elicited thunderous laughter. What the audience could also remember about the show was Mitch’s duet with Kuh. They sang Minsan ang Minahal ay Ako, from the musical Katy. The song could be interpreted as a romantic statement to a loved one or a grateful message from a star to his or her fans.

I Love OPM was a successful endeavor in thanking audiences who have remained loyal to its classic and contemporary works. The show did reaffirm that OPM is here to stay.

For details, call 0960-8850288 or 09202868895.