Afterwards, it seemed inevitable for the singer-charmer to steal our hearts by being an accomplished songwriter and record producer. He became one of the country’s most appreciated comedians, too, on television and the movies. But it didn’t stop there. Ogie claimed the title businessman late last year when he started with his Ogie Doggie.
If you think that he is about to rest on his laurels, think again. Ogie debuts as a concert producer this year, in his own two-night Valentine series billed "PWR F LUV" to be staged at the Music Museum.
He excitedly tells, "this is the first time I’m producing a show in the country. I patterned this show with the songs I grew up in, those that shaped my musical taste and musical influences. I find excitement and enjoyment in a venture like this. Mind you, hindi ko ginagawa ito dahil gusto kong yumaman. I really enjoy doing it," he points out.
Both shows will have Archie Castillo as Musical Director and GB Sampedro as its Stage Director. Concert-goers could expect songs from the ’70s to the ’80s and current top 40 hits. "I called it ‘Power of Love’ in reference to that hit song of Huey Lewis and The News in the ’80s," Ogie shares.
"I know that ‘Power of Love’ has been used before but I just like it. I’ll be singing Barry Manilow hits and popular Kenny Rankin songs like ‘What Matters Most,’ aside of course from my original songs," he adds.
Presented by Nestlé, GMA-7, Eat Bulaga, PLDT, Smart, M Lhuillier, Sterling Paper Products and Bench and sponsored by his very own food business Oggie Doggie, "PWR F LUV’s" other attraction is that they will be giving away an iPod for each night. Other sponsors, according to Ogie, will also be handing out numerous giveaways.
But he was quick to stress, "those are not just the reasons people will watch me. My unique selling point is simple — my music. I think people come to my shows because they enjoy listening to my music and my brand of entertainment which adds on a mixture of humor. My shows are not dramatic and formal. People just want to watch me and have fun."
He recalled that when he did a show for Star Cruise, his show became one of the come-ons for the liner’s clients. "For the first time napuno ng mga Filipinos ang cruise. They came from all over just to watch me and of course enjoy the show. Maraming mahilig sa Tagalog songs talaga," he proudly shares.
"PWR F LUV" will also showcase the vocal powers of Kyla, Rachelle Ann Go and Iya Villania in several production numbers with him. "I like the idea of guestings these young singers. Years ago, Michelle and I produced a show in Australia and Iya was our front act. That’s why we’re introducing her in this show as a singer. I told her then, if you love singing stick to singing. I guess that’s why she’s trying it now."
After embarking on a trip to Australia after the Valentine series, Ogie is scheduled to leave for the US to join megastar Sharon Cuneta in her concert tour of seven cities there. He will be Sharon’s special guest all throughout the tour.
The concert tour serves as a prelude to a collaborative album that they are doing together, which will be Sharon Cuneta’s soon-to-be-released recording under BMG Pilipinas. "I think her album will be released in March, siguro she’ll also promote the album in her US tour. So far I already heard the songs ‘Dito Sa Puso Ko,’ ‘Sa Kanya’ and ‘Ako’y Iyong Iyo.’ I also wrote new originals for her album," he said.
