Some of the biggest names in the Philippine music scene are gearing up for One Music X, one of the biggest gatherings of Filipino musicians in the Middle East. Featuring singers from a wide range of genres, the concert will be held at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre on November 3.
Delivering a full day of Filipino culture, music and pride, One Music X gathers OPM (Original Pilipino Music) rock icon Rico Blanco, pop rock royalty Yeng Constantino, soul singer KZ Tandingan, teen singing sensation Inigo Pascual and pinoy pop rock band Silent Sanctuary.
“This is the first show I’ve accepted this year,” Blanco said during a virtual press conference with Dubai media. “I’m excited to go up on stage again and play because I haven’t really played in months.”
After establishing himself in the Philippine music industry and garnering recognition for his music, the 44 year-old singer has laid low from the music scene.
“The past couple of decades I was never this inactive. I always had a gig every week,” said Blanco. “This is a change of pace for me for the past year and I’m very excited to see my bandmates again. This time I’m doing gigs not as part of a career or for a living. I’ve been very fortunate that at this age I’m doing it purely for fun. So I’m excited [about] how it feels up on stage now that I’m in a different place.”
Blanco promised to entertain the audience with his distinct brand of music.
“Pinoy or ethnic/tribal element, I’ll bring that. It’s always part [of my repertoire] whenever I go up on stage. It’s something that needs to be shared to every generation. Some forget it, so I try to bring it back. Throughout my career, I try to be consistent. Since I haven’t performed for many many months, this time might be a more powerful performance,” he said.
The four-piece ensemble Silent Sanctuary is equally excited for their first concert overseas.
“It’s our first time to be out of the country, so we are really nervous,” says lead vocalist Sarkie Sarangay.
However, Sarangay assured fans of a memorable show. “We prepared something extra special and will play all originals songs,” he added.
The band is known for injecting classical instruments into their contemporary offering, giving their music a “classic meets rock sound”. Their single, Pasensya Ka Na, has earned them an international cult following.
Pinoy Dream Academy 2006 winner Yeng Constantino, who’s been a favourite in the UAE, will give fans something to reminisce about.
“I will sing all originals. Even the songs I did way back in 2010,” she said. “I’ll do some throwback.”
The 28-year-old pop rock singer started to soar high with her Hawak Kamay Song, which she composed during her stay in the Pinoy Dream Academy.
“It really feels good that I can sing again the song that people love and at the same time it’s a very Pinoy sound. We want to bring the Philippines to Dubai through our music,” she said.
X Factor 2012 winner Tandingan said she will do a mix of original and cover songs.
“One Music X Dubai is not only solely OPM — we can also show that OPM artists like me can also bring a flavour to the songs of the Western artists,” she said.
KZ Tandingan, 25, is known for hit songs like Huwag Ka Nang Umiyak and her rendition of Air Supply’s Two Less Lonely People In The World.
Pascual will be dishing out original Filipino music. “I’ll be singing Tagalog songs, mostly OPM songs,” said Pascual. “We really have to give importance to that, especially in my generation, which has been listening more to KPop or Western music. I think giving importance to our own music is needed for our own identity.”
The 20-year-old son of heartthrob Piolo Pascual has established his own name, especially in the music industry. His first single, Dahil Sa Iyo, made him the first OPM artist to make it to the first Billboard PH.
One Music X will also bring in Dubai’s top independent acts and electronic dance music (EDM) artists: R’n’B performer Josh McCartney, Seychellian reggae performer Emmanuel Marie and DJ Moophs.
Organisers said One Music X will be a festival of multicultural experiences, featuring classic Pinoy karaoke and an array of gastronomic delights, among other activities.
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The details
One Music X will be held on November 3 at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre. Gates open at 1pm, while activities start at 2pm. Tickets are Dh135 for general and Dh245 for VIP.
