Marco Sison reveals challenge in learning current hits for 'Seasons of OPM' concert

Marco Sison

Because the title of his comeback solo concert is "Seasons of OPM," Marco Sison has got work cut out for him.

Not only is he expected to perform songs from the past, but also current hits---and that's the tricky part.

In an interview, Marco cited Sun-Kissed Lola's "Pasilyo" and Zach Tabudlo's "Habangbuhay" as seemingly easy-going tunes but actually difficult to master for someone like him.

"Mahirap po, challenging," he admitted.

Marco said that unlike songs written during his heydays, today's hit have uncommon inflections and phrasings.

"Minsan pinuputol sa gitna ng word," he said.

Still, he will sing Gen Z and Millennial songs if only to thank them for how they have embraced him, a Gen Xer.

Marco cited a recent guest performance where he was pleasantly surprised that young people not only know his songs, but appreciate them too.

"Siguro naririnig nila sa parents nila," he said. "At saka dahil na din sa technology na you can search for any song online, luma man o bago."

The singer considers himself one of the luckiest entertainers around because of his longevity in the business; that is, 45 years and counting.

His biggest hits are "Always," "My Love Will See You Through" and "Si Aida, at si Lorna o si Fe."

What's the secret to his longevity, we asked.

"Siguro swerte tsaka dun siguro sa mga na-record ko, I remember when I was starting, wala pang minus one, wala pang videoke, walang karaoke, it was siguro, after a few years nag-start, isa ‘yun sa reason kung bakit napakaraming magagaling kumanta dito sa Pilipinas.

"Kasi kami noon, inabot ko ‘yung naggi-gitara ako, kailangan marami kang pondo para mag-last ka sa isang gabi. I used to sing sa El Bodegon, ‘yan ‘yung mga nagdi-discover kasi may mga singing contest din sila dati and I was one of their champions. Naging regular ako dun. Una, once a week, naging twice and three times a week. Ang bayaran dun, P20 isang gabi, naging P50, pinakamataas ko is P120 a night.

"Bakit ako nagtagal? Basically, gawa ng karaoke. Second is kanta ko ay love songs, pangatlo is ‘yung mga kanta ko madaling kantahin. As an artist, siguro attitude, ‘yung pakikibagay mo sa mga tao."

"Seasons of OPM" is on July 25 at The Theater of Solaire. Marco's guest performers are Vice Ganda, Martin Nievera, Rey Valera and Nonoy Zuñiga.