Currently enjoying his stint as one of the celebrity judges in the new season of Tawag ng Tanghalan’s Grand Resbak season, songwriter and producer Louie Ocampo admits he doesn’t see the need to become extra strict on the returning contestants of the singing competition this year. 

“To be honest, I don’t think I will have to be strict because ang gagaling nila eh. Then again, there’s this saying na sometimes a runner will stop, meaning on the day of your performance, malay niyo, nakalimutan niyo ‘yung lyrics or you really went super sharp or super flat, I will call your attention. But I don’t expect that eh. Ang gagaling niyo na, kaya resbakan ito. Hopefully, when we are judging all of them, they can make us enjoy and let us hear what they can give us,” he shared during the All Star Tawag ng Tanghalan Grand Resbak media conference held earlier this month. 

READ: Louie Ocampo shares why he is grateful to Tawag ng Tanghalan: 'Para akong contestant din'

During the event, Louie, who is highly regarded in the OPM industry, gave advice to the aspiring singing champions joining this season. “You have to be 100% prepared. Kumbaga, kung sa basketball, kapag tinawag ka, preparado kayo. So number one ‘yun. Always be ready, 110% always,” he said. 

“Sa impact, just be yourself. Maybe others will not like you for who you are. But that’s just one person. Ang laki-laki ng mundo and you’re bound to make someone fall in love with your singing. At least you are not deviating from who you really are,” he added. “What’s important is ipakita niyo kung sino kayo talaga. At mamahalin kayo. What’s important is you are who you are. That’s the only way you can leave an impact.” 

READ: Louie Ocampo shares what he treasures the most in his 45 years in the music industry

The longtime Tawag ng Tanghalan judge also gave tips on what it takes to have a standout performance in the show, highlighting a reminder for contestants not to be pressured to always having to go all out throughout an entire performance. 

“I have to feel it eh,” he explained. “Number one, when you perform, do it for a reason and the reason should come from your gut and your heart. A song calls for something to be done. Kunyari, pagdating sa chorus, kung kailangan hatawin, eh di humataw ka. Huwag niyo gawin na parang sa umpisa pa lang, hahataw ka na. Do it for a reason, kasi ‘yan ang dini-dictate ng puso niyo. Okay magyabang, kasi ako pag tumutugtog ako minsan magpapasiklab ako, may gagawin ako.”

There are 48 contestants for this year’s competition. The panel of judges also include Concert Queen Pops Fernandez at Asia's Nightingale Lani Misalucha, as well as Ogie Alcasid, Gary Valenciano, Jed Madela, and Karylle.