Dodjie Simon enters ‘Best of All’ album for Grammy consideration

The world is witnessing a growing number of Filipino artists making their mark on the international stage.

Earlier this September, history was made when Broadway icon Lea Salonga unveiled the 2,855th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, becoming the first Filipino to receive the honor.

Now, another OPM figure is bringing his work to the global stage.

Filipino-American songwriter and tech executive Elzar “Dodjie” Simon has entered his album “Best of All (The Music of Dodjie Simon)” for consideration at the 69th Annual Grammy Awards.

For decades, Simon’s compositions have been part of the Filipino music landscape. He won the 1988 KBP MusicFest Grand Prize for “Isang Dugo, Isang Lahi, Isang Musika,” a song regarded as one of the notable nationalistic anthems in Philippine music.

He also participated in the 1997 Asia Song Festival in Hong Kong and the 1999 Metropop Song Festival, with songs including “Ikaw Lamang,” “Can Find No Reason,” and “Kung Alam Mo Lang.”

His compositions have been performed by some of the country’s well-known singers, including Salonga, Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano, Sharon Cuneta, Jaya, Lani Misalucha, and Zsa Zsa Padilla.

Simon said Salonga’s recognition on the Hollywood Walk of Fame highlights the reach of Filipino artists and their work.

“Whether through theatre, pop music, or technology, Filipinos have always demonstrated world-class excellence,” Simon said. “Seeing Lea honored on the Walk of Fame reinforces that our culture and our stories resonate universally. Entering ‘Best of All’ into the Grammy process is about continuing that momentum for OPM on the global recording stage.”

Released on Aug. 11, “Best of All” falls within the eligibility period for the 69th Annual Grammy Awards.

The album has been submitted in four categories: Best Global Music Album, Best Engineered Album (Non-Classical), Best Arrangement (Instruments and Vocals) for “Ikaw Lamang,” and Best Arrangement (Instrumental or A Cappella) for “Kulang Ang Paleta.”

The project reunites Simon with National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab on “Kulang Ang Paleta.” It also features four-part vocal arrangements by choral conductor Joel Navarro, with performances by Moy Ortiz, Nica Tupas, Bianca Lopez-Aguila, and Joshua Cadeliña.