One big leap for OPM

MANILA, Philippines - The cause of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) as well as the country’s leading musicians will make one big leap for global recognition when they share one stage at the SM Mall of Asia concert grounds on Jan. 30 at 8 p.m.

Called the Fusion 2015: The First Philippine Music Festival, the concert will see the appearance of such music luminaries as Sarah Geronimo, Rico Blanco, Gary V., Noel Cabangon and Joey Ayala, along with such groups as Bamboo, Wolfgang, The Dawn, Parokya ni Edgar, Kamikazee, Sandwich and 6 Cyclemind.

Gladys Basinillo, Carat CEO and Fusion project director, told The STAR: “This country is bursting with musical talents and you can see that from the many groups that managed to have instant following through the years. But we need to work together and have one voice so we will have one sure global impact. Many of these acts are outstanding but they need to be promoted very well so they can equally compete with the rest of the global attractions. We do not lack talents. What we need is one big cohesive force that will prove we have what it takes to compete internationally.”

Basinillo added it took a lot of effort to gather all the talents and to convince them that we have far more chances of getting global exposure if we help each other promote our own talents.”

The Fusion 2015 organizer pointed out that Filipino musicians should band together to define their music as another reason for both local and foreign tourists to come to the Philippines.

Said Basinillo: “It is to the musicians’ advantage that the Department of Tourism came forward to help our cause by endorsing it. It is now our turn to come up with one big show that will highlight the best in Philippine music and musicians. After doing that, we should now aim for more international exposure.”

A few live acts graced the launching presscon and convinced the media that it was one cause worth promoting in the name of Pilipino music.

Basinillo rued that Fusion is not just a coming together of various genres cutting across age groups of Filipino music lovers. “Like it or not, it is a movement for the next generations who will continue to patronize and promote the legacy and future of OPM, despite the foreign influences brought about by globalization.”

The organizers envision the concert to become one of Asia’s most sought-after musical events, along the lines of the US’ Coachella, Japan’s Fuji Rock Festival, Indonesia’s Java Jazz Fest and Malaysia’s Rainforest World Music Festival. “We really hope that this event will put the country in the world’s music tourism map, especially in observance of the Visit Philippines Year 2015.”

In his message to the organizers, Pres. Benigno Aquino III said: “May this event be an opportunity to empower our singers, composers and musicians to continue nurturing their gift of songs and I enjoin them to serve as banner men of our multifaceted culture.”

Event partners are Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-Aawit, Filipino Society of Composers, Artists and Publishers Inc. (Filscap) and various record labels.

(Tickets to Fusion 2015 are available at Ticketworld, SM Tickets and Ticketnet, Ticket prices: VIP — P1,000; and General Admission — P350. For other inquiries, please call 0917-8530805.)