An American singer's love for OPM

Published July 5, 2013 4:00pm

American singer David DiMuzio has entertained his fans on YouTube with charming renditions of OPM songs, occasionally with a Russian beauty with a voice named Anna Rabtsun.*

Here's their delightful version of "Kahit Maputi na ang Buhok Ko:"

In an online interview, he says, "I've become a much better musician by intensely studying Filipino music."

His favorite OPM songs? The answer below.

1. On his background:

I'm from Charlotte, North Carolina in the US. I'm of mixed European descent. People in the Philippines ask me if I have any Filipino blood, and technically I do have about 4% Filipino blood :). I've been a professional entertainer and singer/songwriter ever since graduating from high school. I've now performed in 76 countries around the world.

2. On coming to the Philippines and travelling/touring:

I came to the Philippines on vacation in 2009 and fell in love with a Filipina. We dated for two years and while often coming to the Philippines to visit her I sent my CD to a few local record labels. I had some interest from the labels regarding my original songs and a few Filipino artists started recording and writing songs with me, such as Nyoy Volante, Mark Bautista, Geneva Cruz, Top Suzara ...etc. I loved the country, my gf was here, and there was an opportunity to make music with many talented artists. So I decided to start spending even more time here.

I still visit the Philippines at least every few months, but my touring schedule abroad has increased recently so I don't technically live anywhere except "on the road." I also sing in Japanese and Chinese so I spend a lot of time touring those countries as well as the US. I've actually had a few major viral videos in China as well, but YouTube is banned in China so they were on other Chinese video-sharing sites.

3. On learning Tagalog:

I love languages, and I love the Philippines/Filipinos, so naturally spending time in the Philippines developed a curiosity and passion for the languages of the Philippines. And luckily my Filipino friends are always happy to teach me.

4. On OPM:

There is a lot to be learned from OPM. I love the chord progressions found in classic Filipino songs. They're creative and unique. I've become a much better musician by intensely studying Filipino music.

My three favorite Filipino songs (though there are LOTS) are Himala by Rivermaya, Kanlungan by Noel Cabangon, & So Slow by Freestyle. They're just great songs... the melody, the lyrics, the meaning, they all just fit together perfectly.

5. On Youtube:

In my opinion YouTube is the best thing to happen for musicians in the last 10 years. It's the number one way I connect with my fans and express myself. It's a huge platform for exposing Filipino talents to the rest of the world. I hope to help do that in the collaboration videos I make with many young Filipino artists.

*Anna Rabtsun moved to the Philippines for love too. She's married to a Filipino whom she met while both were working in the United States.The two were long distance for a while and then got engaged when he asked her to come to the Philippines for vacation. He proposed while diving.

Like DiMuzio, she liked OPM and that's what moved her to learn the language. Her husband pushed her to message David to record a song. – Interview by Nicki Dans, GMA News

Tags: daviddimuzio, music, opm