The coming of June signals the end of summer in Manila, wedding bells for some, the start of rainy days and the realization that half of the year has already passed. I love the second half of the year because of the many celebrations, film festivals and music events in Manila. Jeff and I spent our 10th year at the Independence Music Fest in Pasig - singing with Paolo Santos, Jay Durias (of South Border) and Freestyle while munching on Pinoy food all in one night. I'm including a list of some of the OPM hits that we sang to below and a short patikim video hehe. FYI, you can come every Wednesday night and do this at Tiendesitas - Paolo Santos plays there every week!
We ordered something that J introduced me while we were still a new couple haha. Aysee's sisig! They have a stall now in Tiendesitas and closed the Greenhills branch. They asked for a P200 deposit for the sizzling plate since we were sitting far from their stall. We got it back after.
Anyway, the gig started later than 7. It rained but it was fine since the area is covered. I was a little comfortable with the smoking (although there is enough open air, you might be seated next to people who puff away without care.) Drinking-til-you-drop is allowed but a little caution to the ladies, the restroom is a bit far from the stage so good luck with drinking then frequenting the CR haha.
I'm so glad Paolo Santos was first. Like he said, we celebrated our Independence (and Anniversary) the OPM Way - through music which is very close to my heart =)
He sang like 20 songs with a very long break in between. We can't help but tap our feet while singing and eating. You'll get to see Pinoys singing in unison to the lyrics they know by heart.
For dinner, we had this Cebu-style Pochero from Kalye Grill. The meat was tough and the soup tasted salty like a lot of patis (fish sauce) was put into it.
I'd go to another restaurant the next time.. P.S. Don't let them charge you P250 for sitting on their table!
This was Ensaladang Talong.
After another long break, Jay Durias came out to do his set.
He can really do a 1-man concert. =)
J got some Bibingka for dessert from one of the stalls.
I was super excited for Freestyle but was horrified that they had replaced all the leads already (huli sa balita haha). I didn't like the new Freestyle.
Do not sing "Rocketeer" again with effects, please.
Hope you can sing more old and classic Freestyle songs too.
Overall, I still had a wonderful night knowing that we can visit Paolo Santos in Tiendesitas again for a healthy dose of OPM and mellow acoustic music. Forever Mr. Acoustic Paolo Santos Fan here! =)
As promised, here's a very short patikim of the music of Mr. Acoustic Paolo Santos (as in super short no more memory space) hahaha.
Here are some of the OPM hits (a few may not OPM but revived by a Pinoy) we all sang to that night =) I will make this into a Pinoy music travel playlist hahaha. This should last for at least an hour and a half.
Kanlungan - Noel Kabangon
Ang Aking Awitin - Side A
Kahit Maputi na ang Buhok Ko - Rey Valera
Ipagpatawad Mo - Janno Gibbs
Wag na Lang Kaya - True Faith
Ako'y Sayo - Side A
You - Basil Valdez
Don't Know What to Do - Ric Segreto
Di Bale na Lang - Gary Valenciano
Moonlight Over Paris - Paolo Santos
Photograph - Ariel Rivera
Sana Kahit Minsan - Ariel Rivera
Minsan Lang Kitang Iibigin - Regine Velasquez
Ewan - Imago
Batang Bata Ka Pa - Apo Hiking Society
When I Met You - Apo Hiking Society
Panalangin - Apo Hiking Society
Huwag Mo Nang Itanong sa Akin - Eraserheads
Magasin - Eraserheads
Ligaya - Eraserheads
Wag na Wag Mong Sasabihin - Kitchie Nadal
Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika - Hajji Alejandro
Sana - Kenyo
Ikaw Nga - South Border
Rainbow - South Border
Before I Let You Go - Freestyle
This Time - Freestyle
Til I Found You - Freestyle
Got any more suggestions to add to this favorite OPM list of all time? I'm sure there are a lot more! Please feel free to tell me yours below so that I can include them in my list too ;)
