By Alexia Phillippe Despares & Femariz Conn Manzan |
Last February 23, 2023, a mix of melodies had ears thrumming to the beat as the Ateneo de Davao University Senior High School (AdDU-SHS) gymnasium was filled with a crowd swaying to its harmony. Like a droplet of water to a pond, the eight singers—each adorning the color of their respective clusters—send out ripple after ripple of music and talent that captivates their listeners; with Rome’s Glaiza Martinez prevailing with overwhelming performance and coming out on top as the champion in Awitin Mo: OPM Solo.
After singing together the Pangarap na Bituin by Sharon Cuneta, the participants begin to break out to sing their own chosen song.
Salamanca starts first, resonating with all the unrequited love and the hope of starting a flame that they are too cowardly to light with Junalie Baret singing Paano Kung Naging Tayo? by Jayda. The song signifies the countless ‘what ifs’ of a person who fell in love with someone who cannot reciprocate the appreciation—changing things between them.
Monsterrat’s Mariella Olivar joins in at the last verse to transition into the timeless classic, Akin Ka Nalang by Morisette Amon. Olivar’s voice expresses the longing that begs to be noticed by someone who treats them as just a friend. The touch of melancholy definitely moved the audience with her wonderful tone.
Shereen Tulin of the Jerusalem Cluster then compels the attention by powerfully switching the song into Bawat Kaluluwa by IV of Spades. Juxtaposing the tempest found in the first two songs, Bawat Kaluluwa exhibits the counterpart to the prior genre of hopeless and unrequited romance. The fusion of sensibilities and upbeat pop radiates in this performance, portraying the IV of Spades era as being constantly under the fire to be prepared for something that is impossible to predict.
However, Manresa pulls them back to the loop; still in bounds to an unspoken affection, but perceived with rose-colored sunglasses. Binibini by Zack Tabudlo is a popular song for the audience, and Daniel Mendez perfectly portrays the image of smitten romance. A melody that is usually used for slow dances, the singer’s voice expresses a glorious idea of love in the middle of the rain.
Moreover, Barcelona’s Charmelle Bisquera continues the Zack Tabudlo hype by singing another hit song by the singer, Habang Buhay. Contrary to the previous cluster’s song choice, this song basically professes the first person’s affection for the other, urging them to take the risk and be together. Love really is in the air, as this song changed the ambiance of the area.
With lovely songs about romance arose, Pamplona was determined to change it up with a melancholic song with Ben and Ben’s The Ones We Once Loved. Unlike the other songs that talked about their present love, this is a reminiscent of one’s past love, with regrets and heaviness from Lana Salonga’s voice. Of course, the song choice quickly switched the mood into a mellow one.
Paris’ Monise Santiago carries on with the slow songs with a heart-tugging performance of Nasa Puso by Janine Berdin. The song, an official soundtrack of the popular Philippine noontime drama, Kadenang Ginto, successfully touched the audience with their participant’s heavenly voice.
Entering the city pop genre, the Rome Cluster never fails to surprise the audience as Glaiza Martinez closes the OPM Solo with their performance of Maymay Entrata’s Amakabogera, bringing in a lively and adventurous approach that’ll truly bring listeners to the groove. It’s a fresh take on their existing styles—emitting a sense of familiarity while still capturing unparalleled emotions. An empowering song was the gladiators’ way of spicing things up.
The indulgence
In an alluring aura, the OPM Solo competition brought out the soulful vocals and electronic percussions. The tantalizing synth sounds and their silky voices smoothly convey the search for something sincere. Pamplona’s Lana Monique Salonga was given the second runner-up title and Manresa’s Daniel Jude Mendez as the first runner-up of the competition.
To showcase the eight clusters’ musicality is the purpose of the event, and they did not disappoint. With countless applause and standing ovations from the audience, it is safe to say that the OPM Solo Competition has successfully met its goal.
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