MANILA, Philippines - These days, not even hiding under a literal boulder can impede all this local rock ‘n’ roll from reaching you. OPM is alive, kicking, and horn-gesturing once again, thanks to both music gods and novices alike.
The remarkable thing is that the scene does speak volumes for itself: Nathan Azarcon has resurfaced from Bamboo’s ashes as the vocalist of Hijo, Ely Buendia’s Pupil has released a video for 20-20, Rico Blanco has recorded a song called Ngayon, and scores of indie acts like Never The Strangers have been slowly wading their way into the mainstream. Even Barbie Almalbis herself has been dropping post-pregnancy hits.
Still to come in the following pages: Regina Belmonte collates a gallery’s worth of gigs she’s attended all over the city, from Cubao X to Pulp Summer Slam to NU 107’s last days. Erwin Romulo and Luis Katigbak, meanwhile, list down the greatest OPM songs of all time as their tribute to the industry. Finally, Ralph Mendoza rounds up four of the newest acts you should hear today — all this as an apt precursor to Quark Henares’ much-awaited movie Rakenrol as it hits theaters nationwide soon. Young Star’s OPM issue. Roll with it.