Some songs strike a chord not because they’re flashy or trendy, but because they’re honest, heartfelt, and beautifully human. That’s the spirit behind Mga Awit sa J.P. Rizal — a debut album of original Filipino songs written by a family of siblings who call themselves Melladys, and brought to life by some of the most respected names in OPM.
At the helm of this project is Filipino jazz icon Johnny Alegre, whose deep appreciation for authenticity led him to produce the album and assemble an all-star roster of collaborators. Known as a pioneer in the local jazz scene, Alegre saw something timeless in the Melladys’ songs — raw emotion, simple joys, and the kind of songwriting that doesn’t follow formulas, but flows from memory and meaning.
Among the stellar lineup of musicians involved are Medwin Marfil (Truefaith), Jazz Nicolas and Mikey Amistoso (The Itchyworms), Noel Mendez, Joey Puyat (Blue Rats), Rommel Dela Cruz (formerly of Barbie’s Cradle), Paolo Manuel (Kosmikskala, The Jerks), Kakoi Legaspi (Dong Abay, Rivermaya), Marga Jayy, and more — with arrangements from Ria Villena-Osorio, formerly of Bamboo.
A Family Dream 50 Years in the Making
The name Melladys is a playful twist on “melodies” and the family surname Mella, composed of five siblings: Alejandro Khasim, Ynocencio Ramel, Gabriel Thaib, Lolita Shaira, and Ephraim Tahir. In the 1970s, the siblings — then teenagers — formed a small group called Tanglaw, creating songs with just a guitar, piano, and the backdrop of their childhood neighborhood in Rizal Village, Makati, near J.P. Rizal Street.
Tragically, the eldest, Khasim, passed away in 1984 — a loss that left an indelible mark on the family’s music and memory. Decades later, their youthful dream of recording their original songs finally found its path when Ramel reconnected with Johnny Alegre, a former colleague at Ayala Corporation. “It started with one song… then another,” recalls Johnny. “Before we knew it, we had a full album of really good OPM.”
Songs of Love, Loss, and Hope
Mga Awit sa J.P. Rizal is a diverse yet cohesive collection — folk-inspired at its roots, but exploring pop, bossa nova, kundiman, and soft rock influences. The songs span a range of emotions:
- “Ikaw, Ako” (Marga Jayy & Mark Laygo) is a gentle portrait of shared devotion.
- “Bituin” (Tahir Mella) likens romantic longing to chasing a star.
- “Kailangan Ka” (Medwin Marfil) is a message of hope in dark times.
- “Ito’y Para Sa Iyo” (Mikey Amistoso) draws inspiration from nature.
- “Dambana” (Carla Guevara & David Ezra) is a hymn of faith and promise.
- “Pangarap” (Medwin Marfil) reflects on persistence in the face of trials.
- “Gintong Panaginip” (Tahir Mella) revels in nostalgic daydreaming.
“These are the kind of songs that came from afternoons with friends and family, made without any pretension — just the joy of creating,” Johnny shares. “They reminded me of my own youth, when we made music without rules.”
Classic OPM, Reimagined
While the album is deeply personal, its appeal is universal. Mga Awit sa J.P. Rizal is a love letter to Original Pilipino Music, to siblinghood, to dreams held on to for decades, and to the neighborhood that shaped them.
Set for release on vinyl starting June 18, exclusively at Backspacer Records, this debut is not just for fans of Filipino music — it’s a must-have for vinyl collectors, audiophiles, and anyone who believes that honest songwriting never goes out of style.
“This is classic OPM,” Johnny says. “And it’s exactly what OPM needs more of — sincerity, soul, and a story worth telling.”
