MUSIC LYF: Rock legend Pepe Smith, Letter Day Story collaborate on “Salamat"

Pinoy Rock Anthem “Salamat”, one of the most unforgettable hits of legendary OPM band The Dawn, gets a charged-up tribute with its latest revival by the up-and-coming rock idols of Letter Day Story, which also features Pinoy rock icon Pepe Smith. The official music video is now on YouTube.

Letter Day Story members were naturally excited over the prospect of working with Smith for the recording of “Salamat”.  All of them, Dex Yu (guitars and lead vocals), NotNot Vinzons (guitars), Oli Agustin (bass and vocals) and Ej Arabit (drums), said they felt honored and thrilled.

“Siyempre, Pepe Smith na yan eh. Kung wala siya at ang ibang members ng Juan dela Cruz Band, wala sigurong Pinoy Rock ngayon. Wala rin kami,” said Dex.

Their version of “Salamat” retains the very relevant and very Pinoy message of the original but also creates a more contemporary sound that brings the OPM classic to a new generation of fans. The music video was shot in select areas in NUVALI, a sustainable and environment-friendly development by Ayala Land in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. 

“The positive response of younger fans to the revival of “Salamat” and its music video shows that there is a hunger and a need for OPM. We are happy about this because supporting OPM is one of our advocacies as a company,” said Tess Tatco, Avida Marketing Head.  Property developer Avida Land helped produce the “Tunog Natin” album to revive interest and appreciation for OPM among a new generation of Filipino music lovers. 

“Salamat” as recorded by Letter Day Story and Pepe Smith is one of the tracks in the compilation album, “Tunog Natin: Songs From Home” that features an all-OPM selection of ten classic and new Filipino songs. 

“A simple song can express thanks, love, heartache and joy. OPM will always be relevant because it becomes our common language—something that binds us together. Through Filipino music, we are able to communicate with one another despite our differences, and find a common identity,” she said.

“Tunog Natin: Song’s From Home” is a great showcase of Filipino musicianship. Artists who took part in the album include OPM legends Joey “Pepe” Smith; Jim Paredes; Medwin Marfil of True Faith and Gloc-9; as well as pop divas Faith Cuneta and Arnee Hidalgo. OPM’s most promising young acts also joined the album, including Sheng Belmonte; Princess Velasco; Letter Day Story; boyband 1:43; Myrus; Tanya Markova; Kiss Jane and Tricia Garcia. 1990s alternative rock icons Mcoy Fundales and Barbie Almalbis complete the line-up.