8 OPM Band Frontmen
Who’ve Gone Into Showbiz
By Patti Sunio
While we will miss seeing them onstage in their usual element, we can’t help but be happy for these guys who’ve found their true calling and are onto their second careers in showbiz. Some have pursued acting entirely, while some are able to juggle between shows and music gigs.
Here are OPM band frontmen who look good on television, too:
Kjwan’s Marc Abaya
Come to think of it, it’s not surprising that the son of director Marilou Diaz-Abaya would soon venture into the film and TV industry. He has also starred in afternoon and primetime dramas such as Ligaw Na Bulaklak and Magkaribal, and was also awarded Best Supporting Actor for his role Dagim, a Cinema One original film.
Orange and Lemons’ Mcoy Fundales
Mcoy Fundales was formerly the lead singer and guitarist of the band Orange and Lemons, who sang the popular hit “Pinoy Ako”, which was the anthem for the local franchise of the reality series, Big Brother. Later, Fundales would soon enter the Big Brother House as one of the housemates in the second season of the show’s celebrity edition.
Rivermaya’s Rico Blanco
Rico Blanco was formerly the frontman of Rivermaya, the band that earned him the reputation as one of the country’s best songwriters and performers. In 2008, he decided to go solo and has also started appearing more frequently on TV shows, such as Imortal, and films, the recent one being Camp Sawi.
Callalily’s Kean Cipriano
Kean Cipriano has a colorful showbiz life. Aside from performing as vocalist of Callalily, he is also well-known as an actor and an ABS-CBN talent. He’s appeared in both independent films such as Babae Sa Septic Tank and commercial releases such as Praybeyt Benjamin. Cipriano is also married to actress Chynna Ortaleza.
