There was a certain warmth inside the launch venue in Quezon City that evening — the kind that instantly transports people back to old memories, familiar melodies, and the unmistakable feeling of Filipino music that has quietly lived through generations.
But this was not simply a tribute to the past.
It was the beginning of something new.
ABS-CBN Music officially introduced CAT Records, its newest label venture, through an intimate yet emotionally charged launch event that brought together music executives, artists, media personalities, content creators, and longtime OPM supporters under one roof. The evening unfolded not just as a corporate unveiling but as a heartfelt conversation about preserving Filipino music while allowing it to evolve for a younger generation growing up in an entirely different musical landscape.
From the moment guests stepped into the venue, the atmosphere already reflected the identity CAT Records hopes to build. Vintage-inspired visuals blended with sleek modern staging while jazz instrumentals softly filled the room, creating a mood that felt simultaneously classic and contemporary. Around the venue were displays celebrating iconic OPM catalogs — a reminder of how deeply Filipino songs remain connected to personal memories, family gatherings, road trips, heartbreaks, and celebrations across decades.
As guests settled in, conversations naturally turned nostalgic. Some recalled growing up listening to VST & Co. records at home, while younger attendees spoke about discovering classic Filipino songs through covers, playlists, and social media clips. That exact bridge between generations became the emotional core of the entire launch.
During the formal presentation, Atty. Marivic Benedicto, OIC and Head of Music Publishing, shared the vision behind CAT Records: to reintroduce timeless Filipino compositions to modern listeners while creating opportunities for new singer-songwriters and artists to reinterpret these classics in ways that feel fresh, relevant, and emotionally accessible today.
@lionheartv Timeless melodies meet a brand-new generation. Today, CAT Records officially debuts with a mission to revitalize classic OPM, ensuring the rich heritage of Filipino music continues to inspire, resonate, and dominate playlists today. #CATRecords #ABSCBNMUSICCATRECORDS #CATRecordsLAUNCH #LionHearTV #RAWRNation ♬ original sound – LIONHEARTV
Rather than simply remastering old tracks, the label aims to give legendary Filipino music a second life through reinvention.
One of the night’s most memorable highlights came when CAT Records officially unveiled its first major musical project — jazz instrumental reinterpretations of beloved VST & Co. hits from the 1970s.
As the music began playing through the venue speakers, the room noticeably shifted. Familiar disco melodies that once energized dance floors decades ago suddenly transformed into smooth, elegant jazz arrangements. Produced by veteran musician Sunny Ilacad and performed by renowned saxophonist Jun Figueroa, the reimagined tracks carried a softer, more sophisticated emotional texture while still preserving the recognizable soul of the originals.
Guests quietly nodded along as recognizable melodies floated through the venue. Some smiled instantly after identifying the songs within seconds, while younger attendees listened with curiosity, hearing these iconic compositions through an entirely new sonic experience.
It became one of the clearest demonstrations of what CAT Records hopes to achieve — honoring Filipino music history without allowing it to remain frozen in time.
The launch also introduced the label’s exciting roster of contemporary artists who will help carry these timeless songs into today’s music scene.
Among those presented were JM Yosures, Jeri Violago, Gab Tagadtad, Gino Nazal, Cifra, SAGA, BRYN, Sarvi, and YellowPad — artists representing different genres, styles, and musical personalities. Their involvement signals CAT Records’ intention to experiment creatively while still respecting the emotional core of classic OPM songwriting.
Working alongside them are respected veteran producers, including Christian Martinez and Kiko Salazar, creating a collaboration between established musical craftsmanship and younger artistic perspectives.
What made the launch particularly meaningful was how it acknowledged the changing realities of today’s music industry.
In an era dominated by streaming algorithms, viral trends, and short-form content, many iconic Filipino songs risk becoming disconnected from younger audiences. CAT Records recognizes that challenge, but instead of treating OPM heritage as untouchable nostalgia, the label chooses to make it alive again — adaptable, collaborative, and emotionally relevant for modern listeners.
Throughout the evening, it became increasingly clear that CAT Records is not merely reviving old songs.
It is preserving Filipino identity through music.
By introducing classic melodies through modern arrangements, younger voices, and contemporary production, the label creates an opportunity for timeless Filipino songwriting to continue evolving rather than fading quietly into history.
As the event concluded, guests lingered around the venue long after the program ended. Conversations about favorite OPM classics, vinyl records, songwriting, and Filipino artistry continued over drinks and music, reflecting exactly the kind of community-centered musical culture CAT Records hopes to cultivate moving forward.
The launch ultimately felt less like a business announcement and more like a love letter to Filipino music itself — one that honors where OPM has been while confidently embracing where it can still go.
And through CAT Records, those timeless Filipino melodies may soon find a whole new generation ready to fall in love with them all over again. (with reports from Aldrine Benitez)
