Pinoy Playlist Festival 2023 celebrates OPM excellence

In its triumphant fifth year, the Pinoy Playlist Festival continued its steadfast support of OPM (Original Pilipino Music) composers and singers.

Hosted by the Bonifacio Art Foundation, Inc. via the BGC Arts Center, the Pinoy Playlist Music Festival 2023: Gunita at Mga Búkas recently unfolded as a three-day celebration, featuring over 45 OPM acts spanning soloists, orchestras, choirs, bands, and artists from diverse genres including pop, rock, classical, alternative, and indie.

The festival utilized three distinct spaces: The Globe Auditorium, Zobel de Ayala Recital Hall, and Sunlife Amphitheater at the BGC Arts Center in Taguig City. The event also held workshops and discussions on songwriting, music production, and audience development, catering to both seasoned artists and emerging talents.

Regine Velasquez-Alcasid also receives the inaugural Ryan Cayabyab Music Award.

Among the festival’s memorable highlights were the stellar performances by artists such as Sam Concepcion, Nica del Rosario, Davey Langit, Gian Magdangal and Lara Maique, Sitti Navarro, Arman Ferrer, Gary Granada, Jenine Tesorio, Rivermaya, Joey Ayala, and Gary Granada.

Sam Concepcion returns to Pinoy Playlist Festival with the brand-new single Otomatika, composed by Jungee Marcelo.

Each evening concluded with a fitting tribute — the Ryan Cayabyab Music Award — bestowed upon exceptional musicians who have played pivotal roles in shaping OPM into what it is today.

This year’s deserving recipients included Manuel Bolipata, Mel Villena, and the illustrious Regine Velasquez.

Nica del Rosario with Mr. C who was impressed by her performance that included Rosas, the song used in the former Vice President Leni Robredo’s presidential campaign. She is also the composer of Sarah Geronimo’s hit song Tala.

Regine, upon receiving her inaugural Ryan Cayabyab Music Award, candidly shared an emotional moment, reflecting on the profound impact of this recognition on her musical journey.

“Oh my goodness! Akala ko mag-attend lang ako ng awards (night), tapos I’m nominated. I didn’t know it was a tribute and I was being honored,” she said.

Bossa Queen Sitti Navarro and indie rock icon Joey Ayala share a light moment.

“Naiiyak ako parang hindi ako makapaniwalang binibigyan ako ng parangal ng mga taong hinahangan ko sa industriyang ito. Napakalaki ng naitulong ng industriyang ito sa buhay ko at ng pamilya ko.

“Sa lahat ng mga taong naging bahagi ng aking lakbay at patuloy na pag lalakbay sa mundo na kinabibilangan ko, maraming Salamat po! To GOD be the glory.”