As he took a slow, deep and meaningful breath, his ever-friendly eyes fixed pensively forward, though still with that twinkle and one-sided smile, the Philippines' beloved singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid could have been threading together the lyrics to Original Pilipino Music's (OPM) next big hit. But no. On this quiet and cloudly January afternoon, the multi-awarded musician — add actor, comedian, host, 'Tawag ng Tanghalan jurado,' and all-around household name — was merely 'thinking of the right word' to describe how he feels about his first project for 2024.

'It has to be 'honored,'' he exclaimed, the mot juste finally coming to him. 'I am just honored to share the same stage with one of my music heroes, Ms. Odette Quesada, for my Valentine shows this year.'