Kings and Queens of Original Pilipino Music

We have had all kinds of extraordinary singers in our midst.
Nonoy Zuñiga is a singing doctor. Kuh Ledesma is a singing nurse. Dot Ramos Balasbas-Gancayco is a singing lawyer. Jose Mari Chan is a singing sugar magnate. George Yang is the singing McDonalds big boss. Rose Fostanes is a singing Overseas Filipino Worker at a popular chain of restaurants. And Miss World Philippines Catriona Gray is a singing beauty queen.
Willie Garte was blind, just as visually-challenged Jose Feliciano, Stevie Wonder and Norma Lapuz sang their way to stardom. The same goes for LA (Leonard Antonio) Santos, who has ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). If you recall, LA was once featured by Korina Sanchez in her Kapamilya show Rated K. He was born with ADHD and was cured when he was 12.
This April, let’s relive the golden age of Original Pilipino Music with the most iconic men and women of the ‘70s! Join Rico J. Puno, Hajji Alejandro, Marco Sison, Imelda Papin, Claire de la Fuente and Eva Eugenio — The Kings and Queens of OPM — on April 29, Saturday, 8 p.m. at the Newport Performing Arts Theater at Resorts World Manila.
Witness the reunion of these musical greats singing their most popular hits! Who doesn’t know classics like “May Bukas Pa,” “Nakapagtataka,” “My Love Will See You Through?” How about the jukebox favorites, “Tukso,” “Sayang” and “Isang Linggong Pag-ibig?” These are some of the songs that defined the Golden Era of Pinoy Music and, indeed, are deemed timeless!
“The Kings and Queens of OPM” promise to make this concert fun for all ages because, this time, they will design a playlist for the family.
Rico Puno says, “We will be naughty as usual, but expect the songs we’ve sung over the years to be performed there. Our venues are always full because of you. We were given a free hand in doing our numbers so we might not be as tolerable. We might have disclaimers in concert monitors before the show.”
Hajji Alejandro says, “It’s my first grandson’s baptism today, but I’m thankful the press is here when Star Media asks for your support. If you had fun in our past concerts, we will have more this time because our contemporaries and jukebox queens are here. We are still talking about our spot numbers, but we will have duets and trios, which people haven’t seen yet. This will let you see our camaraderie. Even if Rico J is early today, we still call him The Late because he always is!” he laughs. “We also have Marco Sison with us, and he’s just braving the traffic right now, he must have been too busy with his cockfighting.”
It was Allyna, Hajji’s domestic partner, who suggested the inclusion of the Queens in the repertoire.
Imelda Papin expressed, “In this concert, we will have fun. We might wear two-piece bikinis, and our director is great, so you will see a spectacular show!” Papin greeted me upon her arrival, which sure made me feel warm. I doubt if she knew me. I also noticed how she spoke most diplomatically among the Royals.
Claire de la Fuente adds, “Expect riot, duets, hit songs and go back to OPM era plus latest hits when the show happens.”
 
PERSON WITH DISABILITY-FRIENDLY. LA Santos will be joining them on the show. A young, up-and-coming artist, who wants to “entertain” you and make you happy during the concert, LA has a very good story that has something to do with the music of these ladies and gentlemen. He relates, “This is my first time to work with them, and this, for me, is a different level. I am now with Star Magic and Star Music. I had ADHD and it was difficult, but out of my mother’s love, my autism was gone when I was 14. Music has helped me right from the start and I have focus and I’ve seen how OPM got me out of it. Being in this place is really surreal for me — it’s a dream!”
ADHD is a medical condition that affects how well someone can sit still, focus and pay attention. People with ADHD have differences in the parts of their brains that control attention and activity. This means that they may have trouble focusing on some tasks and subjects.
What is (ADHD)? It affects children and teens and can continue into adulthood. ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed mental disorder of children. Children with ADHD may be hyperactive and unable control their impulses. Or they may have trouble paying attention. These behaviors interfere with school and home life.
The condition is more common in boys than in girls. It’s usually discovered during the early school years when a child begins to have problems paying attention.
Adults with ADHD may have trouble managing time, being organized, setting goals and holding down a job. They may also have problems with relationships, self-esteem and addiction.
Symptoms are grouped into three categories: Inattention. A child with ADHD: Is easily distracted; Doesn’t follow directions or finish tasks; Doesn’t appear to be listening; Doesn’t pay attention and makes careless mistakes; Forgets about daily activities; Has problems organizing daily tasks; Doesn’t like to do things that require sitting still; Often loses things; Tends to daydream.
Hyperactivity. A child with ADHD: Often squirms, fidgets or bounces when sitting; Doesn’t stay seated; Has trouble playing quietly; Is always moving, such as running or climbing on things (In teens and adults, this is more commonly described as restlessness.); Talks excessively; Is always “on the go” as if “driven by a motor.”
Impulsivity. A child with ADHD: Has trouble waiting for his or her turn; Blurts out answers; Interrupts others.
Symptoms of ADHD may change as a person gets older. They include: Chronic lateness and forgetfulness; anxiety; low self-esteem; problems at work; trouble controlling anger; impulsiveness; substance abuse or addiction; unorganized; procrastination; easily frustrated; chronic boredom; trouble concentrating when reading; mood swings; depression; relationship problems.
When I requested for a song sample, LA readily gave in, singing to his best ability that impressed not only me, but all of us. He didn’t show any signs of ADHD; he was as normal and as cool and as responsive and as jolly as were Kings Rico, Marco and Hajji, and Queens Imelda, Eva and Claire. The entertainment journalists didn’t detect anything “unusual” in and about LA. It was Philippine Star’s entertainment editor Ricky Lo, who first showed an interest in learning more about LA. Yes, the boy has licked autism. He is the guest performer on the concert directed by Freddie Santos.

Tickets available at all Ticketworld outlets (www.ticketworld.com.ph, 891-9999) or at the Resorts World Manila Box Office (SVIP P6,000; VIP P5,000; Gold P4,000; Silver P3,000: Bronze P2,000).