Ogie Alcasid, Viva sign licensing deal for 50 of his songs

Viva Communications chairman and CEO Vic del Rosario recently announced that singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid has formally signed an exclusive contract assigning 50 of his compositions to be managed and curated by Viva Music Publishing, Inc. (VMPI) of the Viva Music Group.

Among these songs are "Kailangan Ko'y Ikaw," "Hanggang Ngayon," "Hindi Magbabago," "Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala," "Ikaw Lang," "Kailangan Kita," "Kung Mawawala Ka," "Minamahal Kita," "Pangarap Ko Ang Ibigin Ka," "Sa Yo Lamang," and "Sa Piling Mo."

Asked how much his songs mean to him and of his decision to entrust them to VMPi, Alcasid said: "My music is who I am. It's part of my history, my life. And why not Viva? Viva has been a huge, huge part of my career from the very beginning. Boss Vic has been very truthful in his dealings and I trust him with what he is going to do with my songs."

Del Rosario is pleased that Alcasid has picked VMPI to be his publisher. "Ogie was and will always be a Viva star. I am happy to have him back with us together with his memorable songs. It would be really nice to reintroduce those compositions through new versions, use in soundtracks and maybe even musicals."

A number of the tracks that Alcasid licensed to VMPI were used as themes of movies Viva has produced these past30 years like "Kailangan Ko'y Ikaw" and "Pangarap Ko ang Ibigin Ka."

Alcasid started his showbiz career with Viva, starring in a number of box-office hits such as Captain Barbel, Pedro Penduko II, Mahirap Maging Pogi, Pitong Gamol, among others.

Alcasid also mentioned that a big plus in having VMPi manage his songs is, "It would be nice for this generation to know my songs. 'Yun ang thrust namin ni Boss Vic and I'm happy about that."

VMPI also holds the license to the music of Arthur Nery, Thyro Alfaro, Janine Teñoso, Willy Cruz, Louie Ocampo, Dennis and Rene Garcia of Hotdog, Rico Blanco, Jay Durias, Lolita Carbon, and Top Suzara among others.