In the world of OPM, where talent thrives and competition is fierce, four iconic figures not only emerged as rivals but as enduring colleagues and unexpected friends. Rey Valera reflects on the remarkable journey of camaraderie shared by The Hitmakers – himself, Marco Sison, Nonoy Zuñiga, and Hajji Alejandro – spanning two eventful decades in the music industry.
“For the longest time, ang group namin ay magkukumpetinsya, ngayon kami naman ay colleague,” started Rey, “‘Yun ang akala ko, [kasi] pagdating ng 20 years, na realize ko pwede pala kaming magkakaibibgan. Sa umpisa akala ko trabaho lang… pero ngayon, umabot pa kami na ganto katagal.”
The Hitmakers, commemorates their musical odyssey with “XXceptional,” a grand anniversary concert featuring the “Concert Queen” Pops Fernandez at The Theatre at Solaire on December 1 at 8 p.m.
The journey of The Hitmakers began when Hajji Alejandro, the original “Kilabot ng Kolehiyala,” teamed up with the late Rico J. Puno. The collaboration eventually expanded to include Rey Valera, Marco Sison and Nonoy Zuñiga, creating a powerhouse quintet that enthralled audiences worldwide. The untimely death of Rico J. Puno in 2018 marked a poignant moment for the group, and now, in their twentieth anniversary show, they pay tribute to their fallen comrade.
They have prepared a heartfelt homage to Rico J., a glimpse of which was shared during a recent press conference. Rey’s touching composition dedicated to their late friend earned applause from the members of the media fathered at Mesa Restaurant on Tomas Morato.
Destiny, as The Hitmakers believe, led them to the entertainment business, a realm that continues to inspire them in their senior years. Hajji Alejandro emphasizes the joy they find in their craft, stating, “We just enjoy ourselves. Maganda sa business na ito, we don’t consider it work. Because we don’t work music, you play it. So we’ve been playing all this time so nag enjoy kami.”
Their individual paths converged, creating a harmonious blend driven by a shared love for performing. Conflicts, if any, are resolved amicably based on seniority, joked Nonoy.
“Maliliit lang misunderstandings namin. Madali kaming maka adjust sa isa’t isa. Dala pa rin ng pangangailangan,” he said in jest, echoing Rey’s pronouncement that the reason they are having a show is “dahil sa matinding pangangailangan.”
As they express gratitude to their producers, Pops Fernandez and Flor Santos, The Hitmakers acknowledge the significant role these women have played in their continued success. Santos, in particular, revealed that her admiration for the group led her to produce “XXceptional” with Pops, making it the first concert she has undertaken without her children, LA and Kanisha.
Presented by DreamWings Production Inc., “XXceptional” promises a night celebrating 20 years of friendship, collaboration, and exceptional OPM.
