The Songbird & The Songwriter
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Qatar People, Qatar Interviews|
Two prominent figures in the Philippine music industry take centre stage in Doha. QH takes a closer look at how Regine Velasquez and Ogie Alcasid became the Songbird and the Songwriter they are today. | |
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Designation: Artists
Date:
02/01/2010 | |
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A lot of things come out of the Philippines– and passionate music is just one of its finer exports.
“I think it has a lot to do with us being such a sensitive, emotional people,” said Velasquez. “And of course music is a very powerful conduit for releasing
whatever pent-up feelings we may have. With the many trials Filipinos face on a daily basis, like poverty, dirty politics... well, there’s nothing like a night out with friends at a karaoke bar to unwind and forget such hardships.”
Velasquez’s journey into the realm of music started early in her life. Her father sang Frank Sinatra songs to her and taught her song lyrics even before she could read. He would even have her sing while submerged neck-deep in water.
Velasquez’s journey into the realm of music started early in her life. Her father sang Frank Sinatra songs to her and taught her song lyrics even before she could read. He would even have her sing while submerged neck-deep in water.
Throughout her childhood, Velasquez competed in various singing contests, earning the top prize in 67 events. She started her professional debut in 1986
with regular performances in TV and an album. By 1989 she was headed for stardom. In the Asia-Pacific Singing Contest held in Hong Kong, she represented the Philippines, winning the grand prize. From that
moment on, she was known as Asia’s Songbird.
In 1991, Velasquez became the first Filipino to have ever had a solo concert in the Main Hall of Carnegie Hall and in 2000 performed the Philippine
Millennium anthem, ‘Written in the Sand’, atop the Manila Peninsula Hotel which was broadcasted in 55 countries. Over the next few years, she made
waves in the entertainment industry, by releasing more hit singles, staging concerts, starring in drama shows and films and even hosting singing competitions.
She’s making her way to Doha once again in a concert organized by Tanghalang
Overseas Pinoy. This time, fellow musician and songwriter, Ogie Alcasid, joins her.
“Filipino musical talent is perhaps the greatest Filipino export. I think all cultures love music- it’s just that Filipinos are not shy to expose their love!” said Alcasid. “Music has become an expression for Filipinos. It has been used as an extension of our culture.”
Growing up, he always loved singing ever since he could remember. At the
adventurous age of 10, he started unifying melodies into words. Little did he
know, what he was actually doing was songwriting.
“Music will always be most important to me. It started me in this business and continues to sustain my career. I will forever be indebted to music,” he said. “Music is a gift of humankind, a precious gift.”
When he started his musical career about 20 years ago, the songs he released were instantly accepted and widely appreciated by the audience and by the music industry. His first three singles became instant hits. He definitely was in the right business.
The magic he produces with the way he weaves his words together captivate the
hearts of many, especially Filipinos. Most of his songs talk about love, a universal topic, which is always where he gets inspiration from. These creations are actually a reflection of what he’s experienced, what
he’s going through or even what he wants to happen. And this is what makes his
songs truly special. He knows how to tap into these feelings and cultivate it into majestic melodies accompanied by heart-warming lyrics.
“I suppose it’s considered simply as popular music, and it’s something I’m proud of even though there are music purists who may snub this genre,” said Velasquez, whose stylings can be compared to her idol, Barbara Streisand. “I look at it as something that a wide range of people from all social and racial (backgrounds) would enjoy and appreciate. To me, the more people I can touch and inspire with my music and singing, the better.”
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