OPM hitmaker Freestyle to stage 25th anniversary concert

After numerous sold-out concerts since the relaunching of Freestyle with original frontman and songwriter Top Suzara last year, the iconic OPM band is set to take the big stage with a 25th anniversary concert happening on May 20, Saturday, at the Music Museum.

Entitled “Giving It All This Time,” the concert invites the audience to journey through 25 years of Freestyle’s music and officially mark a new chapter of the band with the all-male cast of Ian Tan, Lerod Cailao, Bouy Manalo, and IJ Garcia joining Suzara.

“This is my 25th year in the industry and this show will, one, be the first official show in a concert setting where we will celebrate with all original songs, and, two, be the resurgence of Freestyle as we make good on the promise to continue together where I left off many years ago, when writing and sharing original songs was what drove us. This concert will be a story-telling journey through songs,” explained Suzara.

With hit songs such as “Before I Let You Go,” “So Slow,” “This Time,” “Till I Found You,” “Para Sayo,” their rendition of “Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang?” and “Once In A Lifetime,” Freestyle intends to bring its unique brand of music to a bigger stage at the Music Museum to welcome more fans after a successful string of concerts from last year.

“The past few months have been awesome. The fans really missed Freestyle especially with Top as part of the band. Most of the venues that we’ve performed in were sold out – which we’re so thankful for,” shared Garcia, who performs as keyboardist and music director.

Meanwhile, Freestyle drummer Cailao recounts the excitement of fans who have even booked flights from provinces or from overseas to watch the gigs.

“It’s amazing to see the supporters of Freestyle really showing support for the band. When they hear Top’s voice and their all-time favorite songs, you can really feel their excitement and emotions pouring out. It’s very touching, and it inspires us to work harder to do great shows every night,” said Cailao.

“I believe the top hit songs of Freestyle — ‘This Time’ and ‘Before I Let You Go — still touch the audience up to this point. These iconic songs trigger nostalgia. It is a good thing Freestyle music remained to be aired, used in several movies, and has reached a greater demographic,” shared bassist Tan.

Manalo, who performs as guitarist and has been an avid fan of the band, said that playing with Freestyle is a dream come true, saying, “As a new band member of Freestyle, I’m still overwhelmed with everything. I still pinch myself at every show we do.”

Following the relaunch of the band in October 2022, Freestyle has also been busy sharing new music with audiences.

“The first new song we released is called ‘Maybe,’ a song that talks of what ifs and second chances. We’ve included this song in most of our live gigs and shows and so far people have been receiving it very well,” shared Garcia.

Frontman Suzara has also hinted at future local and international performances as well as releases in the pipeline.

With this new and exciting chapter in Freestyle’s journey, the band assures its audience that it will continue to stay true to its distinct brand of original Filipino music telling honest and relevant stories that hit close to the heart.

“We’re surprised to see so many younger people appreciating the songs even if they hadn’t been born yet when these became popular. It goes to show how timeless Freestyle’s brand of music is. It spans generations,” said Cailao.

Tickets to “Giving It All This Time” are available on TicketWorld and Music Museum. For reservations, text or call PPMPI at 09285106000.