Tunog Natin! Colors of Freedom OPM Concert

Yesterday, I was again excitedly consumed (to put it ) by another event from Avida. A FREE concert was held at the Ayala Triangle Gardens entitled, “Tunog Natin!”, which featured some of the most distinguished and promising names in the local music scene. This goes to publicly support the slowly fading Original Pinoy Music (OPM).

Performers include singer-songwriter and APO Hiking Society stalwart Jim Paredes, whose work from the 1980s include recordings and compositions that are considered OPM classics.

There’s also True Faith, whose music has grown even more unforgettable since they began in the 1990s–with their blend of New Wave, easy listening, middle of the road and pop to create an OPM sound that is truly their own.

Established performers include OPM bossa nova queen Sitti, the sweet-voiced pioneer of the OPM bossa nova sound revival in 2009.

Also featured were alternative OPM rock bands Callalily, 6cyclemind and Pedicab whose music continue to define and evolve their genre. They are joined by Princess Velasco and Sabrina, the best-selling acoustic artists today.

Up and coming OPM superstars were also in the show, including gold record artist and composer  Myrus; ground-breaking OPM boyband 1:43 (“One Forty-three”) ; multi-awarded R&B artist Arnee Hidalgo; and acoustic act Aries Sales. All of the artists in “Tunog Natin!” performed an all-OPM repertoire.

Myrus, who is also the project head of “Tunog Natin!” said the concert series seeks to revive interest and appreciation for OPM to assure the future of both the artists and Filipino music.

“No less than the future of OPM is at stake in this concert. It would be such a loss to our cultural heritage if we do not fight the trend and just allow OPM to die out. It’s also in the best interest of Filipino musicians, especially the young, up-and-coming artists, for OPM to continue—our future as musical artists depends on it,” Myrus explained.

The event presenter Avida Land is supporting the project to contribute to the preservation and development of Filipino culture—particularly Original Pilipino Music.

“OPM represents the best music that we can share with one another and offer the rest of the world. Life for a true-blue Pinoy is simply unimaginable without it. Over the years, since the 1980s, OPM has evolved with our culture and passed on to many generations. It is a source of pride as well as a source of inspiration for Filipinos. Those of us who have a passionate and abiding love for OPM are welcome to Tunog Natin!,” says Tess Tatco, marketing manager of Avida Land Corp.

Filipino audiences were urged to help bring new life to OPM and save the heritage and legacy of Filipino musicians by attending this free concert series. These concerts not only showcases the beauty and creativity of Filipino music but also preserves and promotes OPM for generations to come.

Tunog Natin was also sponsored by Ayala Land, Banapple and Freego.

—-> mabuhay OPM music! Congratulations to the organizers. And to all the bloggers I met, cheers to y’all!