Filipino-American music director to the stars Troy Laureta has released “Kaibigan: A Troy Laureta OPM Collective” featuring the voices of world-class artists Ailee, Cheesa, Jake Zyrus, Matt Bloyd, Nicole Scherzinger, Pia Toscano, Regine Velasquez, and Sheléa.
The music collection kicks off with a short intro of “Harana” followed by eight Filipino tracks rendered by musicians from the US and Asia performed by Troy’s friends he met in his musical journey.
South Korean artist Ailee interprets Martin Nievera’s “Kahit Isang Saglit,” a staple in the Laureta household being one of the karaoke anthems of Troy’s father.
“Ailee is a massive star from South Korea, and I am such an admirer of her extraordinary gift. I knew she would be perfect to interpret and do this song justice,” he said.
YouTube star Matt Bloyd is the singer behind “Bakit Pa Ba,” which is one of Troy’s favorite songs by his OPM songwriting idol, Vehnee Saturno.
America’s “The Voice” season 2 quarterfinalist Cheesa, meanwhile, rendered the Jessa Zaragoza original “Bakit Pa.” “I grew up singing ‘Bakit Pa’ with my little sister, Cheesa. We knew we had to revive this song together, put our spin on it and bring it back to our childhood days,” Troy divulged.
He also tapped former Pussycat Dolls member Nicole Scherzinger to do a version of Regine’s original song “Pangako.” “I wanted Nicole to do this song because of its significance of a promise. Nicole and I share Filipino roots, and although we’ve been in America, like the song says, we promise to never forget, never leave, [and] always love our roots,” Troy explained.
For “Kailangan Kita,” he selected “American Idol” season 10 finalist Pia Toscano to do the interpretation.
Jake Zyrus was chosen to sing “Usahay,” a song 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,’” he said.
Troy also included “Patuloy Ang Pangarap,” composed by Jonathan Manalo, and tapped American singer, songwriter, and pianist Sheléa for the song.
Troy ends the album with a track dedicated to his grandfather, a special rendition of “Hanggang sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan” by Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez.
“I owe a lot to Filipino music and this song expresses my undying love for my culture, our music, and my roots,” he disclosed.
