ABS-CBN’s newest program which features foreign nationals who are fluent in singing Tagalog songs will start airing on Saturday, February 14, 2016 after “Maalaala Mo Kaya” (MMK) on the said television network.

Billed as “I Love OPM”, Thai singer Montri Bootnak has been chosen as one of the contestants of the said program. Other contestants are from the United States, Australia, India, Samoa, Nigeria, Pakistan, Lebanon, United Kingdom and Korea who are all well-versed in singing Tagalog songs.

The Philippines’ top television network has invited foreigners from different parts of the world with absolutely no Filipino blood but are adept at singing Tagalog songs. They will sing Tagalog songs and compete on national TV.

Montri or more commonly known as Mon is a pure-blooded Thai who has learned to sing Tagalog songs from his Filipino teachers. He studied in a bilingual school under Filipino teachers from kindergarten until high school. It is estimated that there are 16 thousands OFWs working in Thailand mostly English teachers.

“You know I chose to sing tagalog songs instead of Thai or English songs because I wanted everyone especially Filipinos to know and feel how I love Pinas and Filipinos,” said Montri an interview with PinoyThaiyo in December last year.

Meanwhile, the contest will be hosted by comedian Eric Nicolas and actress Anne Curtis. The panel of judges include actress-host Toni Gonzaga and acclaimed singers Martin Nievera and Lani Misalucha.

Montri left for the Philippines on January 25, 2016 to shoot for the said show.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com