The CompanY credits cover songs as key to four-decade career

Iconic Filipino vocal group The CompanY revealed performing cover songs helped keep the group afloat as the OPM scene evolved throughout its four-decade career.

Formed in 1985, the vocal quartet composed of Moy Ortiz, Annie Quintos, Sweet Plantado-Tiongson and OJ Mariano went through a challenging period in the 1990s, particularly with the rise of bands such as Eraserheads, Rivermaya and After Image.

Ortiz recalled that around 1993 and 1994, “it wasn't cool to be Pop.”

“So you know what kept us afloat during those difficult years… Honestly, what kept us alive, career-wise, was we did covers,” Ortiz said.

The CompanY moved from Ivory Records to BMG Records and recorded numerous covers, particularly toward the end of the decade when even established artists were doing the same.

For Quintos, however, there was a point when she began wondering whether the group would remain relevant in the changing music scene.

“I did see that, matutuloy pa ba ito?” Quintos recalled. During the band era, she said she took a step back and wondered, “may makikinig pa ba sa amin, are we still relevant?”

Although those concerns were voiced among the members, Quintos said they ultimately decided to keep going.

Despite the uncertainty, Ortiz said there was never a point when The CompanY seriously considered calling it quits. He described the group’s four-decade journey much like any long-running relationship, where disagreements are inevitable but can be overcome through communication and forgiveness.

“Any authentic and honest relationship will have friction once in a while,” Ortiz said, stressing the importance of being willing to talk things out and forgive each other.

Beyond performing covers, the group also credits its longevity to writing and producing its own music and staying true to its identity. “We embrace who we are. We don’t hide from it,” Ortiz said.

Now four decades into their career, The CompanY remains active on the concert circuit, performing in the Philippines and abroad, with several projects lined up.

The group will team up with enduring pop-rock band Neocolours for the concert “Pakisabi Na Lang, Tuloy Pa Rin” on October 8, 2026, at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City. The concert title combines the names of popular songs from both groups.

The CompanY and Neocolours will also release “Marami Pa,” an adult contemporary song they recorded together, in September. The song was written by Ortiz and co-member Sweet Plantado-Tiongson, while Neocolours’ Antiporda handled the instrumental arrangement and is producing the track.

The CompanY will also join OPM legend Jose Mari Chan for the “Timeless Harmonies” concert on September 12 at the Music Museum in San Juan City. This will be followed by a Christmas-themed US concert tour on November 6, 8, 13 and 15.