Filipino-American musical director Troy Laureta has collaborated with international pop sensations – Nicole Scherzinger, Matt Bloyd, Pia Toscano, Sheléa, South Korean artist Ailee, Cheesa, and local talents Jake Zyrus and Regine Velasquez to bring Original Filipino Music (OPM) love songs to the world’s stage.
“KAIBIGAN: A Troy Laureta OPM Collective” co-produced by ABS-CBN Music International and released on November 22, 2020, puts a global spotlight on OPM love song classics covered by world-class performers.
The Los Angeles-based producer called on friends and music artists to come and play Filipino music for his international debut album. According to Laureta, “KAIBIGAN” is a homage to OPM love songs interpreted by his favorite artists and musicians from around the world.
“I’m humbled and honored to wave my flag to the world through music…super honored to do this for my culture,” Laureta said.
The album tracks include:
“Harana” intro by Troy Laureta
“Harana” in Tagalog means Serenade. According to Laureta, he wanted to incorporate his Cebuano roots in the intro and merge it with “Kundiman”, pop, and R&B styles that made an impact on his musical upbringing.
“Kahit Isang Saglit” by Ailee
Originally sung by the Philippines’ Concert King Martin Nievera in 1999, the track talks about losing someone and longing for just one more touch, one more moment with them. South Korean-American singer and songwriter Ailee aced the ballad’s rendition with her near-perfect Tagalog performance.
“Bakit Pa Ba” by Matt Bloyd
The early 2000s hit by Filipino R&B artist Jay R is interpreted by Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter Matt Bloyd. The song talks about regret and forgiveness.
“Kailangan Kita” by Pia Toscano
Kailangan Kita (I Need You) by Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano is performed by Pia Toscano, famous for being a contestant on the tenth season of American Idol.
“Usahay” Visayan love song by Jake Zyrus
Filipino singer Jake Zyrus joins American singers and performed Usahay (Sometimes), a classic Cebuano love song originally sung by Pilita Corrales.
“Patuloy Ang Pangarap” by Sheléa
Patuloy Ang Pangarap (The Dream Continues) originally by “Birit Queen” Angeline Quinto is interpreted by American vocalist, songwriter, pianist, arranger, and producer, Sheléa.
“Bakit Pa” by Cheesa
The classic OPM hit by Jessa Zaragoza that reflects on lost love is performed by Filipino-American Pop/R&B singer Cheesa Laureta who is most noted for making the finals of NBC’s The Voice in 2012.
“Pangako” by Nicole Scherzinger
Pangako (Promise) originally by Asia’s songbird Regine Velasquez is performed by none other than Fil-Am Pussycat Dolls member and Grammy-nominated recording artist Nicole Scherzinger who dedicated her very first OPM song cover to Filipino fans around the world.
Outro: “Hanggang Sa Dulo Ng Walang Hanggan” by Regine Velasquez
Asia’s songbird performed her cover of Basil Valdez’s “Hanggang Sa Dulo Ng Walang Hanggan” which talks about eternal, unconditional love.
Pussycat Dolls member Nicole Scherzinger thanked Laureta for the opportunity to reconnect with her Filipino roots and performed in Tagalog for the first time with her viral song cover of “Pangako” originally by Asia’s songbird Regine Velasquez.
Netizens lauded Fil-Am talent Scherzinger for her spotless rendition of the OPM classic while South Korean pop singer Ailee also wowed Filipino fans with her version of Martin Nievera’s ballad “Kahit Isang Saglit”.
“Never thought I’d be singing in Tagalog but this is for all my Aileeans in the Philippines!! Hope you enjoy!!!” Ailee wrote on November 12, 2020.
Troy Laureta’s “KAIBIGAN” album of OPM hits made it to the peak number 2 spot on Philippine charts in iTunes on November 23, 2020.
KAIBIGAN: A Troy Laureta OPM Collective is out now on all major streaming platforms.
SEND CONGRATULATIONS in the comments below to Troy Laureta for collaborating with international singers and LISTEN to his “KAIBIGAN” album of OPM hits below!
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