BRIT-Award winners Blake have recorded their first ‘Asia-only’ album, including two duets with stars from the Philippines. The album, available on iTunes now, features 3 tracks sung by Blake in the Filipino language of Tagalog, establishing a world first for a British group….
The album is available to download from iTunes right here: https://itunes.apple.com/ph/album/the-opm-album-ep/id775720993
Watch BLAKE singing to 65,000 Filipinos earlier this year, previewing the song ‘Manila’ from this album…
Blake will be spending two weeks in Manila this December, performing their new Tagalog songs live in concerts in and around the capital, plus a special trip to Cagayan de Oro, mixed in with appearances on the biggest tv shows in the Philippines. This marks their fifth trip to the Philippines in just three years, showing quite how much the trio love the country and enjoy performing there. The album is out December 14th.
The boys gave their personal thanks to those that helped them with the album, along with a little insight into what it was like to record the songs in a new language.
Humphrey:
Recording some of the most loved songs in the Philippines, in Tagalog, has been both a great experience and challenge for Blake. Singing romantic songs in a language from a very romantic nation is a wonderful combination. We hope our versions and performances have done them justice. It certainly makes me feel closer to the Filipino culture and people that we’ve come to know so well over the last three years. The lyrics are all deeply emotional which we naturally connect with as performers. We look forward to singing these live in the Philippines and seeing you very soon. Salamat.
Stephen:
It’s hard to believe that only 3 years ago we boys were contemplating our first ever trip to the Philippines. By the kind invitation of the Ayala group and the Zobel famly, organised by our enduring manager Anton, we were shown the beauty, the kindness and the musical richness of the Philippines. We have have been in love with Filipino culture ever since. Whether performing concerts in Manila, or singing for 70,000 Filipinos at Barrio Fiesta in London, we always feel the pride of the Pinoys in their fine culture. It’s our honour to be a small part of this with this album. Where ever we are in the world, the Philippines is always close to our hearts. Salamat.
Ollie:
Every time we return to the Philippines, we continue to be touched by the warmth and kindness everyone shows us. As three singers, we spend our lives travelling the world, singing love songs, hoping they touch people. The passion for love songs in the Philippines is legendary, which is why we felt it was time for Blake to attempt our first OPM album, showing our respect for songs which have delighted generations of Filipinos around the world. As we recorded these songs, the terrible news of Typhoon Haiyan reached us, saddening us greatly. We dedicate this album to all those affected, praying that it may bring a little happiness and hope. Blake will always be there for the Philippines. Salamat.
11 COMMENTS
Rachel sergeant said:
Wednesday, 4th December 2013, 6:49 pm (GMT)
wow am so happy seen this article by god am so proud of you 3 really am this is amazing one thing I would say well really proud reading this am loving you so much been with blake incrdable this what we see in you now. you do everything what blake dose as I am part of you means everything
Hyessa Suegay said:
Tuesday, 17th December 2013, 2:11 pm (GMT)
I saw their performance this evening (December 17, 2013) at Centrio, Ayala Mall here in Cagayan de Oro City. I was so touched when they sang some of the Filipino Songs. I loved hearing their wonderful voices. Thank you BLAKE
.
Rod Quezada said:
Thursday, 19th December 2013, 8:21 am (GMT)
I became an instant fan of “Blake” when I saw them perform at The Ryza Mae Show on GMA7 on 19th December. Their rendition of
Tagalog songs was amazing. I hope to see them perform live in the near future. Thank you BLAKE and more power!
Lorie Ramirez said:
Thursday, 19th December 2013, 1:21 pm (GMT)
Saw their guesting in The Ryzza Mae Show and got me hooked. Thank you for singing Tagalog songs. More power and good luck!
Rachel sergeant said:
Thursday, 19th December 2013, 6:29 pm (GMT)
thank you Rod Quezade and Lorie Ramirez. am so happy to hear what ‘s been happening in the phillippines sounds like things are looking good way you are we members of blake are very proud of what we do for our fans around world. many thanks
Illyricum Jaffa said:
Friday, 20th December 2013, 3:49 am (GMT)
I love the Blake since i saw them especially when they sing Tagalog songs, i’m glad you guys would always come back here in the Philippines. I wish i can meet and sing with all of you. i love to sing.
Kit Tajanlangit said:
Friday, 20th December 2013, 8:00 am (GMT)
Thank you Blake for singing Manila. It happens to be one of my favorite Filipino songs too. I also miss Manila especially Philippine Christmas celebration. I hope I can find your album here in Canada.
sean m said:
Sunday, 22nd December 2013, 9:37 am (GMT)
i saw their guesting at the ryzza mae show and i am really impressed. im planning to buy their album, and i hope its available in local stores here in los angeles.
Angela Moore said:
Monday, 23rd December 2013, 4:31 pm (GMT)
I think you have done wonders learning and singing in Tagalog and I love the song “Kailangan Kita”. Nothing defeats you 3 and it would be lovely to hear this number in your UK concerts next year. Whatever you sing I will be coming to see and support you as I have done since the beginning of your journey! Love the beard removal Stephen - you look so much younger without it!!. I wish you all a wonderful Christmas and a fantastic 2014 and cannot wait for my first concert in March - too long to wait!
Maria Sanchez-Anderson said:
Tuesday, 24th December 2013, 9:11 am (GMT)
I’ve bought the album just now and I just fall in love with your voices. Wow, you guys sound soooo wonderful! I’ve been waiting for you all to sing the OPM songs and now it’s finally here! Maraming Salamat.
Maria Sanchez-Anderson said:
Tuesday, 24th December 2013, 9:12 am (GMT)
I’ve bought the album just now and I just fall in love with your voices. Wow, you guys sound soooo wonderful! I’ve been waiting for you all to sing the OPM songs and now it’s finally here! Maraming Salamat.