OPM singer Marion Aunor stands out as a talented Filipino who made it as a member of the Recording Academy, the group that presents the prestigious annual Grammy Awards. 

As a lifetime member of the Grammys, Marion wields the power to vote in the year's most prestigious event. Her vote shapes the future of the music industry and recognizes the talents of the most deserving artists.

During an intimate media conference in Quezon City, Marion, niece of Superstar Nora Aunor, recalled the first time she watched the Grammys live in the US almost five years ago. 

"It's very surreal. Parang glorified 'ASAP' pero yung mga celebrities Hollywood. I think that time sila Camila Cabello pa. Beyonce. I wasn't able to handshake or take photos with them. I just watched," said Marion, when asked about the first time she went to the Grammys.

She added: "Then I also attended the Grammys after-party. I met some members of the Grammys based in LA. Andoon din yung mga different chapters ng Grammys from different states—that time ang nasa party ay yung mga taga Los Angeles chapter.

"As a member pwede ka rin ma-invite sa Grammy Museum kung saan may mga exclusive performances. Sayang talaga at hindi ako naka-based doon.

"That time Cardi B was there. Parang prime niya yun eh. And then si J. Lo pati kay Camila obsessed din ako. Parang that was the time na andun sila Michelle Obama? That was pretty cool kasi dati sa TV ko lang sila nakikita," Marion said.

The invites to the Grammys are delivered to their home in the US every year. She was supposed to attend her first Grammy show in 2018 but got sick. Marion shared the story of how she obtained voting membership at the Grammys.

"I applied for a membership because I met someone at the ASCAP EXPO, the songwriting convention I attended last April, who convinced me to join. There were certain qualifications, though. They had to evaluate your music and web presence. Then I found out my application was approved, so I guess I passed their standards?" Marion said.

It has been a while since she last attended the Grammys. Marion mentioned that she plans to attend the annual awards show in 2025. Before the 66th annual Grammy Awards, we asked Marion which musicians she voted for, but she refused to disclose her choices due to the academy's strict rules.

Marion got into showbiz after she finished her studies at the Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City, where she studied communications management technology. 

She made the promise to her mom, Lala Aunor, who would only allow her to venture into showbiz after she graduated from college.

After college, Marion joined Himig Handog P-Pop Love Songs 2013, where she won third place in the songwriting competition for her entry "If Ever You Change Your Mind." Marion had also composed the carrier single "You Don't Know Me" for Kathryn Bernardo's debut album and "Goodbye Kiss" for Alex Gonzaga's album.

Marion used to believe that hitting high notes was necessary to gain attention as a singer. Her standards for singing changed after hearing the sounds Norah Jones made. And the rest is history.

Valentine's concert

Marion kicks off the first quarter of 2024 with a special Valentine’s concert titled Valentine’s Show Para Sa Walang Ka-Valentine at Viva Cafe on Wednesday, Feb. 14, at 8 p.m. 

Directed by Vivian Poblete and musically directed by Elmer Blancaflor, the singer-songwriter invites everyone, singles, and couples, to a unique Valentine's Day musical experience to foster emotional connections.

Marion’s concept stems from her desire to offer singles a fabulous space to enjoy the day, traditionally reserved for couples. “Since Valentine’s can quickly turn into Singles’ Awareness Day (S.A.D.), I wanted to create a show where singles can come together and have fun,” Marion explained with a laugh. “But of course, couples are welcome, too.”

The concert’s setlist will feature the perfect blend of love songs and heartbreak anthems, including Marion's original hits and popular covers. But as an added treat, fans could look forward to hearing and seeing something different when she hits the Viva Cafe stage.

“I’ll be singing both love songs and heartbreak songs. Originals and covers. Soundtracks from the blockbuster films that have used my songs and my singles. But I wanted the show to differ from my previous ones by changing the arrangements and making them grander, possibly adding some strings or brass to my usual band set-up. I’m hoping to provide the audience a grand concert experience in an intimate setting,” said Marion.

2024 is a year of renewed focus for Marion. After dedicating much of her energy to running her record label, Wild Dream Records, she is set to release more singles leading up to an EP, her first since 2015.

“I think it’s time to refocus some of that energy back to me as an artist,” she said of her work on the label. That said, she remains committed to discovering new talents and supporting the artists currently signed under Wild Dream Records in sharing their stories through music.

Meanwhile, Marion’s acting career continues flourishing with a role in the upcoming film A Glimpse Of Forever, helmed by noted filmmaker Jason Paul Laxamana. The film also stars Diego Loyzaga, Jerome Ponce, and Jasmine Curtis-Smith.

Valentine’s Show Para Sa Walang Ka-Valentine is Marion’s opening salvo for 2024. She plans to perform more live performances this year, both live and online on her YouTube channel.

“I’m planning on becoming more active in all aspects of my career,” she enthused.

Reflecting on her return to the stage, Marion said: “I can’t wait to share this new experience with my supporters, friends, and fans, the 'Marionettes.' I think it’ll feel like a reunion of sorts, and at the same time, we are opening a brand new chapter. So that’s something to look forward to.”

Tickets for the Valentine’s Show Para Sa Walang Ka-Valentine are available directly through Viva Cafe. For exciting news and updates on Marion Aunor, follow her socials on Instagram (@marionaunor), Facebook (Marion Aunor), TikTok (@marionaunor), and YouTube (Marion Aunor Official).