NAGA CITY, Philippines?They were the biggest stars of their generation 30 years ago. Now in their 50s, singers Nonoy Zuņiga, Rey Valera and Rico J. Puno have managed to prolong their careers by catering to an audience who reminisce old times through their classic pop hits.
Encouraged by their former record label boss, Vic del Rosario, the three artists have banded together with Claire de la Fuente, Eva Eugenio and Joey Albert?all very popular female singers of their time?as an act billed as ?Legends of OPM.?
The group staged a successful concert last year at the PICC. A repeat of the show is set tonight at the same venue.
Zuņiga, a doctor by profession and one of the most popular pop balladeers of the ?70s and ?80s, said he and his contemporaries remain active by performing?occasionally in big venues, but more frequently in the provinces as well as Filipino communities in the United States, Europe and the Middle East.
Zuņiga, whose father is from Bulan, Sorsogon, said he goes to the US every year to entertain Filipino expatriates.
Interviewed by the Philippine Daily Inquirer at the CamSur Watersports Complex at the Provincial Capitol Compound in Pili, Camarines Sur, Zuņiga said shows such as ?Legends of OPM? are still a hit among the older generation.
Zuņiga?s signature songs like ?Doon Lang,? ?Kumusta Ka? and ?Never Say Goodbye? are still frequently sung in the thousands of karaoke bars around the country.
Starting out as a folk singer in 1971, Zuņiga, who comes from a clan of singers, persevered in small clubs until he became one of the lead singers of the Family Birth Control Band which performed in Metro Manila?s hotel circuit from ?75-?80.
When Zuņiga went solo, he sought the guidance of the late Aurelio Estanislao, a music-voice professor of the University of the Philippines. This brought out his clear baritone voice that made him stand out from other solo performers of his time.
Zuņiga said he will not stop performing as long as his health allows it. ?We still have the provincial audience and nostalgic Filipinos abroad to inspire us to continue singing our songs.? Juan Escandor, Inquirer Southern Luzon
