OPM classics get new life under ABS-CBN Music’s CAT Records
MANILA, Philippines — CAT Records’ new artists bring fresh voices and contemporary interpretations to timeless Filipino songs. Artists Gino Nazal, Jeri Violago, JM Yosures, SAGA, Cifra and Jun Figueroa join ABS-CBN Music executives at the official launch.
Jonathan Manalo leads ABS-CBN Music’s launch of CAT Records, a platform that aims to preserve and reimagine OPM classics for a new generation.
Lawyer Marivic Benedicto, officer-in-charge and head of Music Publishing and Services, notes how recent viral reinterpretations of long-existing songs have proved how classic compositions can serve as a gateway for rising performers.
In an effort to preserve Original Pilipino Music (OPM) gems and reintroduce them to a new generation of listeners, ABS-CBN Music officially launched CAT Records on May 21.
The new music label celebrates ABS-CBN Music’s extensive catalog of beloved songs by pairing them with a new generation of artists, producers and musicians, ensuring that classic OPM continues to resonate with audiences in an ever-changing music landscape.
During the launch event, ABS-CBN Music content and operations head Jonathan Manalo introduced the vision behind CAT Records, explaining that the label’s name is derived from the phrase “catalog music,” while also reflecting the creativity and playfulness that define its mission.
According to Jonathan, CAT Records was created to breathe new life into songs that have shaped generations of Filipino listeners.
“The ABS-CBN Music Catalog is filled with tracks that have defined generations, became the soundtrack of our lives and helped shape the landscape of OPM. But music continues to evolve, to be reimagined and to be heard by a whole new generation of listeners. That is the vision behind CAT Records,” he said.
“(It) will reintroduce these beloved and timeless songs from our rich catalog, giving them a fresh spin, new energy and a modern voice through incredible re-recordings and re-imaginations.”
The launch event featured performances from Gino Nazal, Jeri, JM, SAGA, Cifra and Jun, presenting a glimpse of the various musical arrangements, acoustic renditions, instrumental showcases and contemporary reworkings that highlighted the versatility of Filipino songwriting across different genres and styles.
During the open forum, Marivic underscored the importance of introducing classic Filipino songs to younger audiences.
She explained that many of these songs have become part of the Filipino identity and should continue to be appreciated by future generations.
“We don’t want the future generations to forget them. We really want the young people now to be familiar with all of these songs and, of course, with the way that these emotions were expressed during the time,” she added.
On the inspiration behind creating CAT Records and the process of selecting artists, Marivic revealed that the pairing process begins with identifying songs that naturally match an artist’s strengths and style.
“The way that we look for the songs is really the classic A&R process. You listen to the artist, and then you see what songs would fit them,” she explained.
She further said that the label first identifies a theme or collection, such as songs from “Himig Handog,” before determining which artists can best deliver a fresh perspective on the material.
When asked what distinguishes CAT Records from ABS-CBN Music’s existing sub-labels, Marivic noted, “We cater (to) all genres. Tapos, we are focusing on the songwriters and the songs. Not the specific genre of music.”
“Hindi kami rock lang. Hindi rin kami pop lang. We’re all across all genres,” she added.
She also revealed that discovering and developing emerging artists is a significant part of the label’s long-term strategy. According to her, viral reinterpretations have already demonstrated how older songs can introduce fresh talents to a wider audience.
For instance, artists like Cifra have gained attention through new renditions of long-existing songs, proving anew that classic compositions can serve as a gateway for rising performers.
The label plans to further support such artists by refining their recordings and helping build their careers beyond individual releases.
“That’s what we’re looking for. We’re looking for new artists na biglang nag-viral using our songs. Tapos, we’ll improve on the recording, and then we’ll market them as an artist,” Marivic said.
“It’s all about songs from the past (that) have been enjoyed by previous generations that we want to bring forward to the next generations.”
When asked why now is the right time to focus on reimagining timeless Filipino songs, Marivic shared that the initiative had long been part of the company’s wish list.
She explained that the creation of CAT Records allows the publishing division to take a more active role in deciding which songs are recorded and which artists will perform them.
“We’re actually aiming for 200 songs this year for the balance of the year,” Marivic revealed, adding that a larger catalog of recordings is essential to ensuring the label’s sustainability.
As for what makes a song timeless, Marivic pointed to the universal emotions embedded in music.
“The emotions resonate with a lot of people from various times and various generations,” she said. “These are the feelings of Filipinos over so many decades. That’s why it’s timeless. Because it resonates with many people over time.”
Marivic also stressed the importance of introducing iconic OPM to younger generations at a time when global influences dominate music consumption.
“We really have to not forget OPM,” Marivic said.
“We should not forget our own music, na ang dami lang kasing influences. But it’s really different because these are our values, this is our culture that we’re trying to transmit, and we don’t want kids to forget that — their identity as Filipinos. Sabi nga, ang music is in our DNA. Doon tayo talaga magaling. So, dapat malaman lang ng mga bata, you know, what makes, what sets us apart as a people.”
Meanwhile, in a question asked by The Philippine STAR on where she sees OPM in the future with the launch of CAT Records, she expressed optimism that Filipino music will continue to thrive for generations to come.
“Well, I see OPM as still being part of the generations that will be following after us. A hundred years from now, we’ll still be hearing these songs and all of these other songs that have endeared themselves to us throughout the generations,” she said.
“That’s what we’re looking at. One hundred years from now, alam pa rin natin kung ano yung OPM.”
- Latest
- Trending
