We're Listening To "KAIBIGAN: A Troy Laureta OPM Collective Vol. 1," An Album Of Pinoy Love Songs
The new record has tracks performed by Regine Velasquez, Jake Zyrus, Nicole Scherzinger, AILEE, and many more
There's nothing quite like the sound of a love song sang in your own language to warm the heart.
There to agree with us is none other than Troy Laureta, an award-winning Filipino-American director whose passion for music has led him to reimagine and share Filipino love songs through the voices of local and international singers alike.
Raised in Hawaii, Troy eventually found himself in LA where his talents have landed him projects with global artists Katy Perry, Justin Beiber, Ariana Grande, David Foster, Aerosmith's Steven Tyler, The Pussycat Dolls, and Andrea Bocelli, and with Jay-R, Kyla, Jake Zyrus and Lani Misalucha here in the Philippines.
With continued success abroad, Troy wished to use his influence to introduce something he describes as what's shaped career in countless ways: OPM, and more specifically, Filipino love songs. The musician says that with OPM's distinct style, international audiences and performers can find a thing or two to appreciate about Filipino music.
Enter, KAIBIGAN A Troy Laureta OPM Collective, Vol. 1, Troy's very own creation that pays tribute to his Filipino musical influences. Released on November 22, the record features performances by a variety of artists Troy has met in his journey as a director.
Kaibigan has nine tracks in total, all of which are in Filipino, which means, yes—even international singers performed their tracks in Filipino.
The album, which Troy says is the ultimate tribute to his Filipino heritage and his promise to never forget it, is available on different streaming platforms including Spotify, while its lyric videos are up on Star Music's YouTube channel.
Check out the gallery below to see which singers are featured on the album:
KAIBIGAN A Troy Laureta OPM Collective, Vol. 1
KAIBIGAN A Troy Laureta OPM Collective, Vol. 1
AILEE
South Korean singer AILEE reinterpreted Martin Nievera's "Kahit Isang Saglit." It's a classic among all Filipinos, but it's especially meaningful to Troy whose dad never failed to put it on come karaoke time.
Cheesa
Jessa Zaragoza's "Bakit Pa" was sung by none other than Troy's little sister, Cheesa. Just like her brother, she too has a talent for music and made it to the second season of the US edition of "The Voice" as quarter finalist.
Shelea
“Patuloy Ang Pangarap" by Angeline Quinto was assigned to American singer-songwriter and pianist, Shelea.
Pia Toscano
Pia Toscano might not be Filipino, but the "American Idol" finalist claims to love Pinoy love songs. Her made-for-ballads voice proved to be the perfect one to pair with "Kailangan Kita” by Ogie Alcasid.
Nicole Scherzinger
Pussycat Dolls member Nicole Scherzinger feels the same way as Troy when it comes to her Filipino roots: she never wants to forget them and always takes the opportunity to show them off in her performances when she can. With that in mind, she lends her voice to Regine Velasquez's "Pangako."
Matt Bloyd
Jay-R's "Bakit Pa Ba" was well-paired with the talents of YouTube singing sensation Matt Bloyd.
Jake Zyrus
KAIBIGAN also sees Jake Zyrus singing "Usahay"—a song that Troy dedicates to his grandmother and mother who hail from Cebu. “I wanted to do a stoic, simple version of this song with Jake, concentrating on his tone and drawing out the emotion that exudes from a song like ‘Usahay,’” Laureta said.
Regine Velasquez
Troy's album ends with a finale by Regine Velasquez who sings "Hanggang Sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan." She's the only Filipino singer to perform on the album, and her song, which is an ode to Troy's grandpa, rounds up this first collection of Filipino love songs handpicked by Troy.
Photos courtesy of Star Music
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