Avida releases Tunog Natin: Songs From Home compilation album in support of OPM

The second edition of Tunog Natin: Songs From Home  has been released in celebration of  Avida Land Corporation's  25 years of inspiring possibilities, as it pays homage to the nation through music that connects us all.

The album is Avida’s contribution in promoting local music. It features renditions of popular OPMs from Jim Paredes, Bloomfields,  Johnnoy Danao, Moira Dela Torre, and  Princess Velasco, together with aspiring artists. It also includes Avida’s anniversary soundtrack “Home is Here”, which is an original composition sung by Danao.

Avida’s Marketing Head Tess Tatco said that this project is in line with the company’s ongoing advocacy to “keep the Filipino heritage alive,” and bring back OPM to the public's consciousness.

 “We’re always, you know, a supporter of any Filipino talent may it be in types of cuisine or music.” Tess, who also served as the executive producer of the commemorative album, said during the launch.

The OPM artists together with  Anjo Resurreccion of 1:43 band and award-winning composer and arranger Jonathan Ong gathered together during the launch. 

OPM stalwart Paredes expressed gratitude for Avida’s continuing support to Filipino music and artists. He said it is time OPM should be put on a higher level.

“Something like when you hear it, it should evoke a feeling or emotion that you’re home or you belong. Or it should transport you back to a familiar comfort. So that wherever you are, when you hear it, you will say sa min yan, sa Pilipinas yan,” he added.

Much like the debut album, Tunog Natin! Songs from Home Volume 2 will again feature the passion and artistry of some of the best local artists of today and well-loved OPM songs with an emotional appeal that can transcend generations. And in line with Avida’s 25^th anniversary efforts to promote local talents, all the songs from the Tunog Natin! Vol. 2 album will be made available for listening and free download in local and international music portals like Spotify and iTunes.

OPM COLLABORATION. Ong did the arrangements for the songs while Paredes was tapped once again as creative consultant. A new batch of musicians interpreted the songs to evoke the current theme of the company which is “inspired living.”

The songs on the track list include Regine Velasquez’s “Tuwing Umuulan,” and Francis Magalona’s “Kaleidoscope World,” among many others.

Even though classic songs are part of the album, the artists assure that young listeners will still be able to relate to the music through the new arrangements.

Princess pointed out, “You will feel na relevant yung arrangement na ginawa ni sir Jon Ong, na parang bago yung tunog.

“So these songs that are familiar, siguro the people who are very young right now, narinig na nila yan sa CD or sa tape ng tatay nila pero yung pagkakanta ngayon is very current, it’s very pop,” said.

Princess also admitted that she was flattered when she was chosen to be part of the album. The ASAP Sessionista performer  revealed that she got a little emotional while recording the song after she gave birth to her baby boy.

“Ang ganda ng feeling na nagkaroon ako ng sariling version for the song Kanlungan. And when I was singing it, it was siguro mga a month or two lang after I gave birth,” Princess said.

“So nung kinakanta ko yung song, talagang feel na feel ko kasi parang dedicated siya sa anak ko,” she concluded.

Will there be a third edition of the album?

Tess answered, “Definitely, we would like to produce another one that’s why we all need your support and spread the news, as well, that there’s this album and support our own Filipino talents.”

Avida  also launched the album during its festive anniversary celebration on October 14, through a free Tunog Natin concert where select local artists performing OPM hits at Avida’s property in 34^th St. corner 9^th Ave (beside Turf BGC) in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Avida will also put the spotlight on local artists through another public concert in November.