About Universal Records

My photo
Quezon City, Philippines
Universal Records is the NUMBER ONE independent record label in the Philippines. Bringing you quality music for the past 30 years, we are home to artists like: Jose Mari Chan, Gary Valenciano, Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, Lani Misalucha, Jed Madela, Christian Bautista, Jay R, Billy Crawford, Kris Aquino, Edu Manzano, Marian Rivera, Mark Herras, Nina, Ronnie Liang, Gail Blanco, Sam Concepcion. Our band roster includes: Parokya Ni Edgar, Kamikazee, Sponge Cola, Imago, Silent Sanctuary, Kenyo, Paraluman. We are equally committed to bring you exciting international releases covering various genres like pop, jazz, new age, classical, alternative, indie pop, rock, electronica, dance, r&b, and hip-hop. Name it, we definitely have it!

July 23, 2010

STIR.ph | Ogie Alcasid’s “child” kidnapped!

“Parang anak ko na kinidnap,” Ogie Alcasid described how he felt when his song “Pangako” was plagiarized by a female Korean singer during the launch of his Ngayon At Kailanman CD: A Tribute to George Canseco CD at th Eastwood Mall Atrium.”He added, “Kuhang-kuha ang song ko. Pareho ang tono at arrangement, yun nga lang in Korean.”

Initially amazed when he first saw it in YouTube, he realized he had been robbed, “My honest feeling, I felt honored and flattered but I felt bad.” He confirmed that GMA7 had already taken action on the problem, “It’s an ongoing thing. Basta kung makakatanggap ako ng pera galing sa mga Koreano sasabihin ko agad sa inyo.”

On other hand, Ogie who is an big supporter of P-Noy, confirmed that he had never talked to the newly elected President since his oath-taking. But he said that he as its President and officers of the Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit is scheduled to be sworn in and have a dialogue with P-Noy to improve the Filipino music industry especially the OPM this August 13.

In his newest album, he admits that when he records the songs of the master Filipino composer George Canseco, he does not find it difficult to incorporate his style in George’s distinctive style. George is one of the greatest songwriters that Ogie idolize. When he first learned that Universal Records asking him to do a tribute album of the master’s songs, he was overwhelmed.

Ogie recalled the first time he met George,“I attend an awards night when George Canseco approached and congratulated me,” Ogie remarked. “He said I won the top prize. He already knew it, simply because he was chairman of the board of judges.”

George was so generous to impart his songwriting skills to Alcasid that same evening. All those important pointers on rhyme, phrasing and right choice of words have further improved his own technique, according to Ogie.

“George was kind enough to remind me that a song is actually a poem, so all the exact rules in creating poetry must be followed,” Ogie thankfully treasures.

So when the opportunity to record the Ngayon At Kailanman album came, Ogie Alcasid was so inspired and gratified. He feels that the George Canseco is one of the strongest influences on his works. George’s artistry continues to be a beaming light which always guides Ogie to write songs straight from the heart and soul, as the great Canseco had always done.

Interpreting all the 14 songs in the Ngayon At Kailanman album has been a big challenge to Ogie. Singing all these well-loved musical treasures, already recorded by equally great song artists, in such a difficult, yet fulfilling task.

In over four decades, George together with popular performers of his pop classics, dominated the charts. Basil Valdez, Kuh Ledesma, Sharon Cuneta, Regine Velasquez, Pilita Corrales, Dulce, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Leah Navarro and Martin Nievera became chart-toppers, singing his creations.

Now Ogie is humbled that he is performing songs like “Yakap,” “Hanggang Sa Dulo Ng Walang Hanggan,” “Ngayon At Kailanman, “Ikaw,” “Kung Ako‎ Iiwan Mo,” “Kaibigan,” “Siya Na Ba,” “Kapantay ng Langit,” “Kastilyong Buhangin,” “Dito Ba,” “Langis Ay Tubig,” “Kahapon Lamang,” Ïkaw,” “Paano Kita Pasasalamatan,” “Kung Ako‎ Iiwanan Mo,” and “Gaano Kadalas Ang Minsan,” in the new gem of an album called Ngayon At Kailanman.

Although his remarkable renditions of the best-loved ballads and other pop classics will sure admired as the earlier versions of these songs, Ogie humbly pleads, “Please don’t compare me with all the artists who first made all these songs very popular.”

Ogie has always been among the most loved and bestselling musical artists in Philippine music history during the past two decades. He has also composed top sellers for himself and other song artists. All his 20 albums have been certified platinum and gold discs.

For sure, Ngayon At Kailanman: A Tribute to George Canseco CD will be added to the long list.

No comments: