Pagdating ng Panahon is Song of the Year

It was a turbulent year for the whole world and Pinoy music artists were not spared from personal woes. Of course, music piracy remained rampant. Come to think of it, it did huge business throughout 2001 despite press releases that something is always being done by somebody to put a stop to intellectual theft. Just think, if a hit album can sell double platinum, that means 80,000 pieces these days, you can bet that almost the same number was sold by pirates. The idea of how much the artists and producers lost by way of royalties and by the government in taxes makes you want to puke.

What was otherwise another successful year for Martin Nievera was marred by his being accused of plagiarism. He shouldn’t worry. Michael Jackson, Michael Bolton, the late George Harrison and others had also faced similar cases. Some proved guilty. Others were not. Let us wait and see where Martin falls.

Regine Velasquez had a huge box-office hit with Pangako Ikaw Lang, a hit in the charts with the theme song, several sold-out concerts and another successful album, Reigne. But she got in trouble with the US Embassy and lost her visa for several months. Kuh Ledesma not only faced marital problems, her Republic of Malate, a popular nightspot caught fire some weeks ago. An earlier venture, the Music Museum also burned some years back.

Then there was the violent death of Tadao Hayashi. The Japanese harpist who scored big with his series of Fingertrips albums was stabbed several times in his home in Malabon, an ironic twist to his decision to live in the Philippines because Pinoys are happy and friendly people. Katha, the association of local composers did not die, but it was forced to give up its office in Quezon City and is now mainly operating on the net thanks to some members who continue to believe in its ideals.

But amidst all the difficulties there were also many wonderful things that took place. Sharon Cuneta successfully juggled the roles of senator’s wife, mother of two little girls, number one product endorser, box-office star, TV host and released two new albums, Nothing I Want More and All I Ever Want all within the space of twelve months.

Ogie Alcasid was another busy guy. He was dad, husband, comedian, game show host, singer and most of all songwriter. After the use of his songs Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw and Pangako, Ikaw Lang in the films of the same title, the hit new cover of Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang and his own A Better Man album, Ogie deservingly took on the mantle of songwriter of the moment. Let us all hope that this creative streak lasts for years and years.

Ogie did not compose the song of the year though. This honor belongs to Moy Ortiz and Edith Gallardo for Pagdating ng Panahon. The wistful ditty turned former child actress Aiza Seguerra into a recording star and was the inspiration for the reunion movie of Sharon and Robin Padilla.

And in an effort to sell more albums, the practice of malling reached an all-time high last year as music artists, both local and foreign visitors went directly to the consumer. Everybody took the direct-selling route as they toured the malls where they performed their songs and then autographed copies of their albums. You don’t get close to them in person when you buy pirated copies.

Aside from Pagdating ng Panahon, the other songs by which we will now always recall the year 2001 are: All the Love in the World by The Corrs; Superman by Five for Fighting; Pangako Ikaw Lang by Regine Velasquez; Deep by Binocular; When It’s Over by Sugar Ray; I Lay My Love on You by Westlife; This I Promise You by ‘N Sync; Love Don’t Cost a Thing by Jennifer Lopez; Cruisin’ by Gwyneth Paltrow and Huey Lewis; Hanggang Ngayon by Kyla; Angel by Shaggy; All for You by Janet Jackson; Pretty Boy by M2M; Lady Marmalade by Christina Aguilera, Lil’ Kim, Mya and Pink; and Thank You by Dido.

Sad to say, the tunes listed are mostly foreign. But we can always do better. That is what the new year is for. It gives us the chance to make promises we intend to keep. And that is what we promise ourselves to do better in 2002. Eradicate piracy. Buy more albums by Filipino artists. Listen to more music. And be the best that we can be as caring, loving persons.

Have a blessed and prosperous New Year.