PATTY BETITA, model/image consultant/mother: I’m such a sucker for ballads and revivals. My all-time fave music are all songs composed and sung by Ogie Alcasid. For me, he is the ultimate artist. My fave song is Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang? I also like MYMP and their music. Basta easy listening, type ko.
BABY CRUZ: My favorites are compositions of George Canseco: 1. Paano Kita Pasasalamatan – this is a heartfelt prayer set to music; 2. Salamin ng Buhay –a profound and beautiful song about the realities of life; 3. Ngayon – talks of how a well-lived life today will be the basis of a meaningful life tomorrow; 4. Immortal – this songs reminds us that heaven will never be lost for as long as there is even one person that loves sincerely. Cansesco’s compositions give us glimpses into the soul. His songs carry notes of optimism and prayer. They are inspiring and thought-provoking.
RAFFY RELOZA, child psychologist: It is quite hard to narrow down my list of favorite Filipino musicians since there are so many excellent singers and performers. Among the many I admire, a few stand out as my all- time favorites: When in a reflective mood, I tend to listen to the music of Bukas Palad, Hangad, and Himig Heswita. As for the tempo and beat, I enjoy listening to the ethnic yet Western tunes of Cynthia Alexander. Parokya ni Edgar and the Eraserheads for me bring out the fun side of the Pinoys. Lyrics-wise, Ogie Alcasid’s songs are hard to beat. Behind every hit song is its composer. I am a fan of such geniuses as Ryan Cayabyab and Louie Ocampo.
PATTY EUSTAQUIO, fashion designer, painter: My favorite Filipino music is our contemporary blend of Pinoy jazz. Of course, I’m talking particularly about Radioactive Sago Project and the new group, Nykomaca, which are on top of my Pinoy music favorites. I love how these young and brave Pinoy musicians are able to fuse the medley of music influences into a distinct Filipino sound and language that include the nuances of Filipino humor and melodrama. And then, of course, there’s the fact that ethnic Filipino music is like jazz: unstructured, free-flowing so it’s probably built into my psyche already to be inclined to it.
AMANDA CANLAS, housewife: I really like the song You by Basil Valdes. I may be tired after a long day, but hearing that song uplifts my spirit and puts me in a good mood.
CES OREÑA DRILON, news anchor: I like many – Grace Nono, Cynthia Alexander, Bayang Barrios, Mishka Adams, and Pinikpikan. These artists help us in finding and revealing the true identity of the Filipino.
LUIS MANZANO, VJ, TV host: Gary Valenciano’s Kailangan Kita. My being a hopeless romantic, this song definitely hits the spot.
ANTON GONZALEZ, businessman: I have always been a big fan of OPM. We have so many talented artists and bands. My all-time favorite is Gary V. I watch his concerts all the time, almost every single recent concert. I also like Martin Nievera, Ogie Alcasid, Zsa Zsa Padilla and Kuh Ledesma. Among the new artists, Kitchie Nadal, Parokya ni Edgar, South Border, Bamboo, and so many others who are so talented. That’s why the radio and music stores for CDs are very successful. Other than tourism and the hospitality industry, the true pride of the Filipino is in entertainment, especially OPM. Truly world-class!
ANTOINETTE LICUP, IORA co-owner/fashion stylist/writer: I like Bamboo. I think it’s great that they make their own music, instead of doing revivals. And I like his voice, melancholic and myste-rious. I also think it’s cool that they can reach the youth and still are able to jibe with the tastes of the older twentysomething set. Hmmm. Don’t know titles of songs, the recent ones, lyrics: "Pinoy ako, buong ang aking loob …" and "Ako ang sundalo mo… naghihintay sa iyo, kasi mahal kita…" I also like some of those old OPM songs, like Anak by Freddie Aguilar, definitely the kind of songs for school programs and all that… sappy songs that deal with deeper emotions. But just once in a while.
JED DARIO, URCC vice president/NBK Prof DJ: My favorite OPM are: 1. Enveloped Ideas by The Dawn; 2. Ang Himig Natin by Juan De La Cruz; 3. Kaleidescope World by Francis M.
RUPERT JACINTO, international portrait photographer: My favorite original Filipino music is Kailangan Kita, with music and lyrics by Ogie Alcasid. The composer must have been truly inspired to have written such a stirring song. I love the melody and I enjoy listening to it.