Nonoy Zuñiga returns with ‘Beyond Gold: Songs of a Lifetime – The Repeat’

After the overwhelming success of his first Beyond Gold: Songs of a Lifetime concert, veteran OPM icon Nonoy Zuñiga is back by popular demand for a highly anticipated repeat performance on 09 December 2025, 8 p.m., at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. The repeat show promises another night of timeless music, heartwarming nostalgia, and soulful performances that have defined Nonoy’s remarkable career spanning over four decades.

A star-studded celebration of OPM

The evening will feature a powerhouse lineup of special guests who have each made their own mark in Original Pilipino Music — Rey Valera, Lani Misalucha, Pops Fernandez, Nina, Dulce, and Marco Sison. The concert will be under the masterful direction of Calvin Neria, known for his elegant stage vision and heartfelt musical storytelling.

Together, these artists will revisit the golden era of OPM, performing the songs that shaped Filipino music history — a nostalgic journey through love, life, and resilience told through the voice of one of the country’s most beloved balladeers.

The story behind ‘Never Ever Say Goodbye’

In an exclusive interview, Nonoy looked back on the fascinating origin of his most iconic hit, Never Ever Say Goodbye. He shared that the song’s composer, the late Willy Cruz, literally dreamed of its opening line.

“It all began with a dream of hitmaker and composer Willy Cruz,” Nonoy recalled. “He woke up one morning after dreaming the line ‘I’ll never say goodbye, there are no reasons why,’ and the very next day, he completed the song based on his own personal experience.”

The song not only became a massive hit — it was also adapted into a movie that marked Nonoy’s first foray into acting, where he starred opposite the Star for All Seasons, Vilma Santos.

A sweet and funny memory with Vilma Santos

Nonoy shared a lighthearted story from the film’s set, directed by the late Gil Portes.

“Hindi nila sinabi sa akin na mayroon pala kaming kissing scene ni Vi,” he laughed. “Si Direk Gil Portes, parang na-prank yata nila ako that time. Gusto ni Direk ng passionate kiss sa eksena namin ni Vi. Hindi ako marunong ng screen kiss, kaya na-take two kami! Pero tinuruan naman ako nila Vi — at maganda naman lumabas ang eksena.”

(“They didn’t tell me I had a kissing scene with Vi. Direk Gil Portes wanted a passionate kiss, but I didn’t know how to do a screen kiss, so we had to take two! But Vi taught me — and the scene turned out great.”)

The film and its theme song became instant classics, cementing Nonoy’s place in the hearts of Filipino audiences both as a singer and performer.

A legacy that shines beyond gold

Now, decades later, Nonoy Zuñiga continues to inspire through music that transcends generations. Beyond Gold: Songs of a Lifetime – The Repeat will not only revisit his timeless hits but also celebrate the enduring spirit of OPM — a golden thread that connects the past, present, and future of Filipino artistry.