By NESTOR CUARTERO
JUST A THOUGHT: “No one has ever become poor by giving.” – Anne Frank
OA MUSICAL: As if his work on TV, recording, movies and concerts aren’t enough to snatch him away from himself and his family, Ogie Alcasid announces that he’s also currently in pre-production for a musical play based on his songs.
That seems to
be the trend these days, following the international hits created by the two Mamma Mia films, based on the music of the Swedish group ABBA.
Locally, the most successful theatrical piece that cashed in on hit songs has been Rak of Aegis, revived and revived again by PETA.
30 YEARS: Meanwhile, Ogie’s putting the musical play at the back burner, focused as he is on his biggest event yet, “OA: Ogie Alcasid 30th Anniversary with the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra,” happening on Aug. 24 (Friday) at Araneta Coliseum.
“We will have a big fiesta atmosphere during the opening number, with 80 to 100 people on stage,” says the singer-songwriter. “We want to celebrate everything that’s Filipino.”
Ogie will be backed by ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra, the same ensemble he collaborated with for his 2017 OPM tribute album “Nakakalokal.”
Guesting are Vice Ganda, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Rey Valera, Michael V, Janno Gibbs, Yeng Constantino, Moira dela Torre, Leila Alcasid, Sarah Alcasid, Nate Alcasid, Ban Sot Mee, and the Hotlegs.
Director is Paolo Valenciano, music direction by Gerard Salonga.
NANDITO SIYA: Ogie entered the industry in 1988 as a recording artist, an instant hit maker. His first, self-titled album reached gold status while his debut single “Nandito Ako” emerged as one of the biggest hits that year.
Asked what he thinks made him durable, Ogie thanked TV, next to music, for having sustained his career.
“I was always on TV. It got me connected to my audience.’’
Becoming a comedian was an accident, he says. He credits Michael V, his longtime collaborator on “Bubble Gang,” for rousing that side to his otherwise cool and collected persona.
“OA” concert is staged by Star Events, ABS-CBN Events, and A-Team.
