Manila Sound Pioneer Rey Valera Holds Concert in NYC

New York--AFP Productions, Queens Asian Fest, and AsiaWest Entertainment are bringing Rey Valera, legendary Original Pilipino Music (OPM) singer-songwriter and musician, to the city via a buffet dinner and concert titled "New York City Tour: The Greatest Hits of Rey Valera" on Friday, July 24, at 8 p.m. at Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel (135-20 39th Ave., Flushing, NY).

Recently feted by Myx Music Awards 2015 with a Magna Award, Valera's music career spans over four decades from the 1970s until the present. His rich musical legacy boasts timeless hits he wrote for his own studio albums; other OPM artists such as Rico Puno and Sharon Cuneta; and various Philippine soap operas or telenovelas that have been penetrating homes of Filipino-Americans sporadically such as "Pangako Sa 'Yo," which originally starred Kristine Hermosa and Jericho Rosales, and now stars Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla in a remake.

Valera's other hit songs, which Vicor Music Corporation recently compiled in a four-disc-set 40th anniversary album, include Rico Puno's "Sorry Na, Puede Ba"; Pol Enriquez's "Ayoko Na Sa'Yo"; Sharon Cuneta's "Mr. DJ" and "Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko"; and those that feature his own solo vocals such as "Ako Si Superman," "Walang Kapalit," "Kung Kailangan Mo Ako," "Maging Sino Ka Man," "Malayo Pa Ang Umaga," "Sa Sandaling Kailangan Mo Ako," "Kung Tayo'y Magkakalayo," "Sinasamba Kita," and "Kumusta Ka."

"He writes with elegance and truth that resonates with the Filipino soul. His songs [mostly written in Filipino] are timeless in a soft, somewhat maudlin, sentimental, and yes, an 'emo' kind of way, that touches his audience's heart," wrote fellow OPM luminary Jim Paredes in his newspaper column.

"His melodies take flight and soar quite naturally. He sings about aspects of love that bring out moments that make you sigh and turn you into a love junkie," he added.

In Valera's N.Y. concert, local musical talents Tiffany Viray, Rhus Dino, Edlyn Peregrina, and Nodie Dalton are his featured guest performers.

For tickets ($85-125), contact Arnel Piamonte (646-623-3294), Myrna Gutierrez (917-502-9887), Chris Bautista (914-309-9564), or Hazel Dilla (646-327-4183)