An OPM fair to remember

MANILA, Philippines - A pop icon sings, “Music makes the people come together.” It’s also because of music that members of Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM) and their supporters will gather on Oct. 11 for the open-to-the-public Ang Himig Natin Noon at Ngayon The OPM Fair 2011 at the Quezon Memorial Circle. Meeting one’s idol up close is an affair to remember.

“We are showcasing our national love for music,” says OPM president Ogie Alcasid of the idea behind the trade fair. “It is also showcasing the music of yesteryear and today. Our organization is showing unity. The members are coming for a day and encourage other artists to be part of OPM.”

The music trade fair is a first of its kind, although there was a similar event Celeste Legaspi organized back in the late ’80s. In Ang Himig Natin, 300 performers are expected to grace the whole-day affair. Exciting and fun-filled activities are in store for fans. They can record songs with their idols or join in the videoke competition. Marching bands, rondalla groups and choirs will perform to the tune of OPM classics and hits. Participants can also learn how to pole dance. But all this is just icing on the cake.

Ogie also shares that Ang Himig Natin is a fund-raising event. OPM, a non-government organization earns through government funds, donations from sponsors and the P5,000 fee every foreign-artist pays for a Manila gig.

Ang Himig Natin is one of the baby steps OPM has been taking to help people in the music industry.

“We don’t deny that the industry has problems,” Ogie says. “And it is in a transition period. For us to address issues, it’s best to show our people and our fans that we are still here. We are still here to create music despite many problems.”

The present pressing problems include piracy, low record sales and downsizing of recording companies. These are the same reasons why artists work in countries like Singapore and Hong Kong or they shift careers. Pinoy creativity and artistry, however, have never diminished.

“(The creativity) is still there,” Ogie says. “I don’t think many of us are aware of how many people are doing something and creating music. It’s not just out there in the mainstream. But if you go to the independent movement, music is alive. I think our musicians (and singers) are the most creative and the most nationalistic in this region.”

During the music fair, OPM will also recognize Jose Mari Chan, APO Hiking Society, Pilita Corrales, Nora Aunor, Freddie Aguilar, Asin, Juan Dela Cruz Band and Hotdog by awarding them the first-ever Dangal trophies. These trailblazers are cited for their contributions in the development and popularization of Pinoy music.

Asked where is the Original Pilipino Music heading to under his wing, Ogie replies, “At this point, I would like to get back the energy that was lost during the dark years. (When did it start?) I cannot put a finger on it. I guess (it happened) when piracy started and then the sales went down at nawala na ang CDs. As we face the transitional period, my dream is, despite the problems, artists will remain united. Neighboring countries even Korea will soon come here for our own artists.”

With that, a bright future awaits OPM  the organization and the music that comes with it.