Going back to the past is always nostalgic—especially when it comes to music. It reminds us of certain people, memories, and experiences. As Filipinos, we take pride in our music, particularly in the genre known as OPM. It’s one of the things I truly love listening to. So, when the opportunity to attend Ogie Alcasid and Odette Quesada’s concert at MOA Arena came up through our company’s employee engagement initiative, I said yes knowing it would be a trip down memory lane filled with emotion and cultural pride.
On my first day at John Clements, I was introduced to LVD Management, our talent arm, and was pleasantly surprised to learn that Ogie Alcasid is part of its roster. A colleague even shared that he had performed at JC’s 50th anniversary celebration the previous year. Long before joining the company, I had admired Ogie—not only as a singer but also as a host and actor. I remember watching him on the comedy gag show Bubble Gang during my childhood. As I grew older, I heard his iconic songs like “Kung Mawawala Ka” and “Nandito Ako,” which remain karaoke staples.
Meanwhile, I wasn’t familiar with Odette Quesada until the concert announcement. However, I soon discovered that she penned timeless OPM hits such as “’Til I Met You” and “Growing Up,” which deepened my appreciation for her artistry.
Small Gestures, Big Impact
On the day of the concert, our HR team thoughtfully prepared and distributed food packs. These included a sandwich, cracker nuts, chocolate, and mineral water. The food bag may seem like a small gesture, but it adds value to employees and enhances their overall experience.
Although simple, this thoughtful gesture made us feel appreciated and cared for. Moreover, it reflects the company’s commitment to creating meaningful moments—where even the smallest details are not overlooked.
A Jukebox Come to Life
We arrived at the venue shortly after 6 PM and waited for the rest of the group to gather. Once everyone was present, we took photos in front of MOA Arena to capture the moment.
As we entered, I noticed the stage was designed to resemble a jukebox—an aesthetic that perfectly matched the nostalgic theme of the evening. When the countdown ended, a video played showing a rainy exterior of the arena, accompanied by the sound of a man speaking on the radio. Dancers then took the stage, and Ogie and Odette opened the night with “Raining in Manila,” complete with matching umbrellas.
Songs of Love and Legacy
One of the most unforgettable moments of the night came when Odette Quesada performed her signature hits, “Don’t Know What to Do” and “’Til I Met You.” Her voice, filled with decades of emotion, resonated deeply with the audience.
Later in the evening, a tribute segment honored their respective spouses—Regine Velasquez and Bodjie Dasig. Ogie sang “Sana Dalawa ang Puso Ko,” while Odette delivered a moving rendition of “Dadalhin.” These performances breathed new life into beloved classics and created a beautiful moment of love, legacy, and musical connection.
Reinventing the Familiar
Another standout moment came when Ogie reinvented his classic hits with unexpected twists. “Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang” was given a rock-inspired arrangement, injecting fresh energy into the familiar ballad.
The performance became even more engaging when Ogie stepped off the stage and into the crowd, inviting an enthusiastic audience member to sing along. What truly moved me to tears was the mashup of “Dito sa Puso Ko” with Coldplay’s “A Sky Full of Stars.” The fusion of heartfelt Filipino lyrics with the ethereal sound of a global hit was masterfully arranged and emotionally powerful.
Piano Duets and Vintage Vibes
One of the most visually striking segments featured both Ogie and Odette seated at grand pianos, their names elegantly displayed on LED panels beneath them. The visual symmetry added a cinematic touch to the performance.
Together, they performed the 1939 classic “Hindi Kita Malimot” by Josefino Cenizal—a poignant love song that evokes longing and devotion. The stage, bathed in sepia tones and vintage lighting, perfectly complemented the timeless quality of the piece.
Tributes to Filipino Icons
Ogie Alcasid paid tribute to the late Francis Magalona by performing “Kaleidoscope World” and “Mga Kababayan.” The crowd erupted with energy, and I couldn’t help but sing along with pride and nostalgia.
Meanwhile, Odette Quesada delivered a heartfelt rendition of “You Won’t See Me Crying” by Passage. Her performance brought a wave of sentimentality, as the song’s themes of heartbreak and resilience resonated deeply with the audience.
When OPM Meets the Holidays
As the concert progressed, the holiday song “Kumukutikutitap” lit up the venue with festive cheer. Sponsors were prominently featured on the LED screens, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
We cheered as the John Clements and LVD Management logos appeared onscreen. What made the event even more delightful were the little Santas roaming around the venue, handing out freebies and spreading joy to the crowd.
A Finale to Remember
As the familiar harmonies of APO Hiking Society filled the venue with “Ewan” and “When I Met You,” I couldn’t help but smile. Those songs instantly transported me to childhood road trips, when my father would play them on our car radio.
The evening concluded with a powerful finale as Ogie and Odette led the crowd in “Isang Mundo, Isang Awit,” inviting everyone to rise, dance, and celebrate unity through music. On the way home, I had an unexpected photo opportunity with Ms. Vicky Morales of GMA News, whom I saw outside the venue.
The entire experience was a joyful reminder of the richness of Filipino musical artistry and the power of shared cultural moments.
Empowering Employees Through Meaningful Experiences
At John Clements, employee engagement is not just a concept—it’s a commitment that goes beyond the workplace. It’s about creating moments that inspire, connect, and celebrate our shared culture.
Whether through talent partnerships, thoughtful gestures, or unforgettable nights like this one, we believe in the power of meaningful experiences.
Contact us at John Clements to experience meaningful employee engagement and be part of moments that truly matter.
