Pagcor, OPM tie up in star search

Big in work and small in talk. That is how we describe cute Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mangaawit president Ogie Alcasid. The OPM under the leadership of Ogie has inked an agreement with Pagcor to come up with a singing contest that will feature only OPM songs.

“Part of our mandate is to train and introduce new artists. During our time there was Fe Panlilio Scholarship, that helped train artists and many of these scholars have gone abroad already, naging performers on Broadway. Ngayon, wala na ang Fe Panlilio and we felt we needed sponsors. Pagcor came like manna from heaven and we thought of a singing search,” explained Ogie.

OPM@Pagcor, a nationwide search for the total OPM performer, is looking for singers who excel in OPM songs be it revived or original composition. It is also an opportunity for the development and exposure for the talented Filipino performer. The contest is also a venue for musical training where new and emerging talents will be given proper professional training. But more than these, Ogie said, the contest is basically an opportunity because whoever wins in this contest, Pagcor promises to give the winner a performance contract, meaning they will sing in Pagcor casinos around the country. “But in regards to their careers, we will introduce them to managers. Pero alam mo naman, a star is born, not made.”

What makes OPM@Pagcor different from all the other singing competitions is that there is no texting component. “The winners will be proclaimed based on the judges’ decision,” said Ogie. “Secondly, no contestant will sing a foreign song.”

Ogie acknowledges that mainstream music industry is in a bad shape. “But the OPM will see to it that OPM music lives,” he said. The problem he further explained is not the onslaught of foreign acts. “They have always been there. Foreign acts are not a threat. In fact, we welcome them with open arms. They are good for the country, for tourism, and they might be introducing new techniques in concerts that we might learn. I think the problem is the lack of protectionism.”

Ogie lightens as he recounts that he had just come from Congress to listen to deliberations on separate bills espoused by Congressmen Casino and Tinga that give incentives, and total tax exemptions to producers. “It has already passed the committee level and the next session is plenary.”

What do people have to expect during his term as OPM president? “Our mandate is to protect our members, make sure OPM has money and, thirdly I need to be able to address the issues that affect the livelihood of musicians like access to recording labels, and other stakeholders. We are also mandated to take care of aging musicians and the sickly. That is also the reason why depleted ang finances ng OPM.”

Ogie recalls that OPM took care of a member before kaya naubos ang pera. “There was no control and now we are trying to come up with a scheme that members will be more responsible.” Artists he said don’t care about a lot things. And OPM will try to provide medical assistance, legal assistance with regards to their profession, among others.

The singer is also trying to encourage active participation among members. Come July OPM will have an OPM fair. “Christian Bautista, our VP for Special Projects had a meeting today for our forthcoming event in July. I am happy with his report.”

As with the OPM@ Pagcor, Ogie has high hopes it will create a superstar. “He’s got to be someone new. He can’t be a copy of a certain artist. I am praying that in this contest we will be able to create a superstar. A star is not made, a star is born. It is important for me that we are able to get the message across that everybody who has talent lurking inside him has the opportunity to become a superstar.”

There will be 12 semifinalists representing a branch or venue where the contest is held. And the 12 will be flown to Manila for the grand finals. Bong Quintana AVP for Entertainment said Pagcor will provide the housing for the grand finalists. “Initially the contestants were limited to amateurs. But we had it opened to everyone provided you have not won a national singing competition. So mas lumawak na ang pupwedeng sumali sa contest,” Bong added.

“Maganda ang OPM syllabus. Even acting, talking, projection, stage movement, short of training for dance, the balance on stage, lahat yon ituturo. The approach is holistic. Kung may konti ka ng talent in singing, acting and you have a talent for projecting, andun na nakahain na. All you have to do is absorb and absorb with a live band.”

And contestants will be judged by experts, added Maricar Bautista, AVP for Corporate Communications Department. “OPM@Pagcor is a collaboration that we would like to promote because in doing so, we are promoting Filipino music and the Filipino talent. Besides, this will generate employment.”