CinemaBravo

When OPM icon Ogie Alcasid first launched the Ogieoke concert series, his wife, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, fully embraced the idea, even encouraging him to expand it. The Asia’s Songbird loves the concept and has been a major supporter. She even suggested Alcasid consider opening an Ogieoke-themed karaoke bar.

During his solo press conference, Ogie recalled to CinemaBravo her suggestion: “Yes, she is always on my mind, especially now; she’s shopping. I’m getting notifications!” he joked.

He added when asked about wife’s role in the OgieOke concept: “You know what, I’m glad you [asked] that question, because she likes ‘OgieOke’ so much.

“Sabi niya, ‘Bakit di ka magtayo ng bar na OgieOke. Yung simple lang… Pero puro singers talaga yung kakanta. Walang comedy; kantahan lang talaga.”

(She said, ‘Why not open an Ogieoke bar, something simple… with only real singers, no comedy, just pure singing.’)

Alcasid recalled telling her, “Sabi ko sa kanya, ‘Talaga lang?! May time pa ‘kong gumawa niyan?’” (I said to her, ‘Really?! Do I have time to do that?’)

Yet, her insistence led him to explore the idea further.

“’Hindi! Kausapin mo si Sir Carlo’ [their boss in ABS-CBN]. Di ba yung sa ABS-CBN, yung mga bar do’n, walang gumagamit? Gamitin n’yo yon!”

(No! Talk to Sir Carlo [their ABS-CBN boss]. Near ABS-CBN, those bars aren’t being used. You should use that!)

He continued with a conversation with his It’s Showtime co-host, “So, ito nga, naisip ko, kasi si Ryan [Bang], meron siyang events place diyan sa Sct. Santiago. Ta’s kinausap ko siya, ‘Ryan, yung events place mo ba, pwede nating i-convert sa bar?’ ‘Oo, pwede, Kuya Ogie, iniisip din namin yon e.’”

(So, I thought of it because Ryan has an events place in Sct. Santiago. I asked him, ‘Ryan, can we convert your events place into a bar?’ ‘Yes, we can, Kuya Ogie; we’ve been thinking about that too.’)

With her encouragement and, Alcasid aims to expand Ogieoke into a brand that honors Filipino talent and builds on his love for OPM.

Concert highlights: BINI joins Ogie for iconic collab

Scheduled for November 30 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Ogieoke 2: Reimagined will bring Alcasid’s classic hits to life with new arrangements, showcasing his openness to reinterpreting his music for today’s audience. Tickets range from PHP 1,500 to PHP 8,000, allowing fans from all backgrounds to experience this unique event.

One of the concert’s most highly anticipated collaborations is with P-pop powerhouse BINI, fondly dubbed as the Nation’s Girl Group.

Known for their energy and vocal talent, BINI will perform their hit “Salamin, Salamin” and join Alcasid for a fresh duet of “Dito sa Puso Mo.” BINI member Maloy will also lend her voice to “Hanggang Ngayon,” one of Alcasid’s most iconic ballads, adding a modern touch to the classic track.

Embracing “Reimagined” and connecting with young audiences

Continuing with his answers to CinemaBravo during the event held at the 85-year old Kamuning Bakery Cafe of Wilson Lee Flores, Alcasid spoke about adapting to contemporary music trends.

He laughed about how terms like “reimagined” have become part of today’s musical vocabulary: “Reimagined is a term that a lot of the young people use. Sa amin kasi, ang reimagined is to rearrange… Pero mga bagets, tawag nila ‘reimagined,’ sabi ko, ‘Wow! Saan nanggaling yung reimagined?!’”

(For us, “reimagined” simply means rearranging. But young people call it ‘reimagined,’ and I was like, ‘Wow! Where did that term come from?!’)

He also reflected on the evolution of terms like “mixtape” and “playlist,” saying, “They even use this term ‘mixtape.’ E no’ng panahon namin ang mixtape, yun yung cassette na pinaghahalo, ginawa ng DJ. ‘Playlist’ is yun yong kakantahin mo, yung setlist mo. But now, playlist is your playlist on your streaming app.”

(Back then, “mixtape” was a cassette a DJ would mix, and a “playlist” was your setlist of songs. But now, “playlist” is your streaming list.)

Beyond the stage, Alcasid revealed plans to bring Ogieoke to universities. His idea is to connect with younger audiences by introducing them to the roots of OPM. “I always wanted to do something next year—I want to visit the campuses,” he said. “Halimbawa, UP, DLSU… ang alam nilang OPM is now. But, I’d give them a brief history of how OPM evolved, then I sing for them a few songs.”

(For example, UP, DLSU… they only know today’s OPM. But I’d give them a brief history of how OPM evolved, then sing a few songs for them.) This project, he says, is a way to celebrate OPM’s evolution and introduce its heritage to a new generation.

Visual spectacle and special guests

In addition to his performances with BINI, fans can expect Alcasid’s visually stunning number from ‘Magpasikat 2024’, where he played piano and sang on a rotating platform.

Joining Alcasid onstage will be ‘Tawag ng Tanghalan Duets’ champions JM Dela Cerna and Marielle Montellano, who bring additional range to the evening’s celebration of OPM excellence. Presented by ATeam PH, ‘Ogieoke 2: Reimagined’ will be a night of unforgettable performances, celebrating the legacy of OPM with a mix of nostalgia, innovation, and Filipino talent.

Ticket Prices:

• Bronze: PHP 1,500
• Silver: PHP 3,000
• Gold: PHP 4,500
• VIP: PHP 6,000
• SVIP: PHP 7,000
• Platinum: PHP 8,000

Tickets are available through TicketWorld, SM Tickets, and the Newport Performing Arts Theater box office.