It's all about the classical music composers and their works from the last 400 years and much more about music. Hier erfahren Sie alles über die klassischen Komponisten und ihre Meisterwerke der letzten vierhundert Jahre und vieles mehr über Klassische Musik.
The demise of Roberta was announced by her representative. No cause of death was cited in the statement.
Roberta Flack (Facebook)
Roberta Flack, the singer behind the No. 1 songs "Killing Me Softly," "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," and "Feel Like Makin' Love," has passed away. She was 88.
The demise of Roberta was announced by her representative. No cause of death was cited in the statement, according to multiple reports in the US on Feb. 24.
“We are heartbroken that the glorious Roberta Flack passed away this morning, February 24, 2025. She died peacefully surrounded by her family. Roberta broke boundaries and records. She was also a proud educator," the statement read.
Born on Feb. 10, 1937, Roberta debuted as a recording artist in 1969 with the single "Compared to What."
But it was only in 1972 that her career took off after actor Clint Eastwood used her two-year-old song "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" for his directorial debut "Play Misty For Me" in 1971.
"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" went to No. 1, followed by another chart-topper, "Killing Me Softly," in 1973. Both songs were awarded back-to-back Grammys for Record of the Year.
In 1974, Roberta hit No. 1 for the third time with "Feel Like Makin' Love." Other chart busters were "The Closer I Get To You," "Making Love," "Jesse," and "Set the Night to Music."
Filipino music fans will never forget Roberta for her love songs "If Ever I See You Again," "Maybe," and "Tonight, I Celebrate My Love," both tracks performed with Peabo Bryson.
Roberta Flack (Facebook)
Roberta Flack, the singer behind the No. 1 songs "Killing Me Softly," "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," and "Feel Like Makin' Love," has passed away. She was 88.
The demise of Roberta was announced by her representative. No cause of death was cited in the statement, according to multiple reports in the US on Feb. 24.
“We are heartbroken that the glorious Roberta Flack passed away this morning, February 24, 2025. She died peacefully surrounded by her family. Roberta broke boundaries and records. She was also a proud educator," the statement read.
Born on Feb. 10, 1937, Roberta debuted as a recording artist in 1969 with the single "Compared to What."
But it was only in 1972 that her career took off after actor Clint Eastwood used her two-year-old song "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" for his directorial debut "Play Misty For Me" in 1971.
"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" went to No. 1, followed by another chart-topper, "Killing Me Softly," in 1973. Both songs were awarded back-to-back Grammys for Record of the Year.
In 1974, Roberta hit No. 1 for the third time with "Feel Like Makin' Love." Other chartbusters were "The Closer I Get To You," "Making Love," "Jesse," and "Set the Night to Music."
Filipino music fans will never forget Roberta for her love songs "If Ever I See You Again," "Maybe," and "Tonight, I Celebrate My Love," both tracks performed with Peabo Bryson.
During a press conference for the upcoming show "OAC: Original and Absolute Classics" which will be held at the North Solaire Ballroom in Quezon City on Feb. 13, the trio discussed the growing variety of musical styles and the rising recognition of Filipino artists locally and internationally.
From left: OPM composers Louie Ocampo, Ogie Alcasid, and Ryan Cayabyab (Facebook)
Renowned composers Ryan Cayabyab and Louie Ocampo have offered high commendations for the Original Pilipino Music (OPM) scene, celebrating its remarkable evolution and heightened success in recent years.
During a press conference for the upcoming show "OAC: Original and Absolute Classics" which will be held at the North Solaire Ballroom in Quezon City on Feb. 13, the trio discussed the growing variety of musical styles and the rising recognition of Filipino artists locally and internationally.
Their optimistic view of the current direction of OPM shows a lively artistic community. This community keeps creating new works while honoring the rich cultural heritage of the country.
"Yung dating pinapanaginip ko dati, nangyayari na ngayon. I hope you understand noon pa man 1960s and 1970s nag-uusap na kami ng mga fellow composers. Iisa lang ang dream namin: makapasok kami sa international (scene). At mailagay ang Filipino performers sa international stage.
"Ngayon naging hit na ang BINI at SB19 at marami na ang sumusunod. Ano ang ibig sabihin noon? Actually tuwang-tuwa kami na andyan na. Ang kailangan na lang ay ang walang humpay na suporta," said Ryan, the National Artist for Music, on this thoughts about the current state of the local music industry.
Ryan feels impressed and moved by how consumers are embracing Filipino music. It’s great to see this positive change in taste that celebrates cultural connection.
Ryan Cayabyab
"Parang nagpapalit na ang taste ng Filipino music consumers. Dati ang playlist nila ay punong-puno ng foreign music. Pero ang balita ko ay mas marami na ang nakikinig sa OPM music. I'm not talking about Filipino music na gawa namin (Louie, Ogie, and Ryan). (It seems like the taste of Filipino music consumers is changing. Before, their playlist was full of foreign music. But my news is that more people are listening to OPM music. I'm not talking about Filipino music that we (Louie, Ogie and Ryan) made.)"
"Tandaan ninyo sa music ang consumer ay mga bata. So yung mga batang consumer ng pop music, ang pinapakinggan nila ay yung mga gawa ng batang songwriters. Siyempre naman nagkakaintindihan sila dahil pareho ang kanilang mga language. Naiintindihan naman yun. (Remember that in music, the consumers are children. So the young consumers of pop music, what they listen to are the works of young songwriters. Of course, they understand each other because they speak the same language. That's understandable)," Ryan also said.
Ryan stated that comparing old and new music is pointless because they exist on different levels.
"Yung mga matatanda na lumalapit sa akin sinasabi nila mas maganda raw ang mga awit noong era nila. Bakit ngayon ang papangit ng kanta hindi namin maintindihan? Isa lang sagot ko palagi. Hindi kayo ang market niyan. Matanda na kayo. Hindi para sa inyo 'yang music na yan kaya hindi ninyo gusto. (The older people who come to me say that the songs of their era were better. Why are songs so bad now, we don't understand? I always have one answer. It's not your market. You're old. That music isn't for you, that's why you don't like it).
Ryan urged fellow music lovers to explore new possibilities within the realm of music.
"Matanda na kayo. Hindi para sa inyo yang music na yan kaya hindi ninyo gusto. But once you open your mind to the possibilities, that's how it is. Ang audience talaga ng popular music ay sa mga bata. (You're old. That music isn't for you, so you don't like it. But once you open your mind to the possibilities, that's how it is. The audience for popular music is children)," the musician and conductor added.
Louie Ocampo
Ryan, 70, is the composer behind the OPM classics "Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika," "Tuwing Umuulan at Kapiling Ka," "Kahit Ika'y Panaginip Lang," "Kailan," "Can This Be Love?", Kumukutikutitap," and more. He mentioned writing a song entitled "Di Ko Masabi" for Stell, a member of SB19.
"So basically ang music ko ngayon ay ginagawa ko na rin para sa mga kasama ko or baka yung mga makalusot din na bago. May nakalusot naman ngayon na kinanta ni Stell. So ganun yun eh. (So basically, I'm making my music now for my friends or maybe for those who have already made it through. Something that Stell sang has made it through now. So that's it).
"Kung gusto mo ng swimming sa malaking ocean, kailangan makisanib ka rin sa mga sikat. So now the state of Filipino music is enviable. At ang dami nila hindi lang SB19 at Ben&Ben. Papasok silang lahat dyan na mga bago. Ang galing!" (I believe you need to collaborate with the well-known artists. The current state of Filipino music is admirable, and there are many artists, not just SB19 and Ben&Ben. It's wonderful!)," said Ryan.
Louie, 64, mentioned that the OPM scene is moving quickly and is proud of it.
"I feel I'm slowing down kasi ang bibilis nila. The current state of OPM is moving fast, and I'm happy for everyone. Hindi ko na mahabol kasi ang bilis. This makes us want to work harder and keep up with the young ones. Several sounds are coming out, but to me, it's still OPM. (I feel like I'm slowing down because they're speeding up. The current state of OPM is moving fast, and I'm happy for everyone. I can't catch up because of the speed).
"I may not be comfortable with it. But I must learn to grasp it because these are the youth na gumagawa ng mga kanta. So, I must open my mind and see where it is headed. (I may not be comfortable with it. But I must learn to grasp it because these youth make songs. So, I must open my mind and see where it is headed).
Ogie Alcasid
"I remember when I was growing up, my dad would tell me ano ba yang mga kanta mo, hindi maganda. Tapos hindi katulad ng mga kanta namin dati. With what I hear today, I need to embrace it because it is the soundtrack of the youth. You cannot take it away from them because it's their experience. We have to ride with it. (I remember that growing up, my dad would tell me, 'What are your songs? They're not good. They're not like our songs before.' With what I hear today, I need to embrace it because it is the soundtrack of the youth. You cannot take it away from them. We have to ride with it).
"So, I'm happy with OPM because it is so aggressive and alive. I hope it stays that way for the decades to come. I'm proud of OPM," Louie said.
Louie composed the unforgettable songs "Ewan," "Kahit Isang Saglit," "Tell Me," "Be My Lady," "Closer You and I," and more.
Ogie Alcasid
In the enchanting pre-Valentine’s showcase, the talented trio of Ogie, Ryan, and Louie will mesmerize the audience as they perform a selection of beloved Original Pilipino Music (OPM) classics.
They will entertain the audience with their engaging presence and romantic songs. Guests can expect a memorable evening that celebrates love and rich musical traditions.
"Sa dami ng kanta namin, mahirap isiksik sa isang concert. Pero pasensya na po sa ibang kanta na hindi naisali. Sa ibang concert na lang. (With so many songs, it's hard to fit them into one concert. But I'm sorry for the other songs that weren't included. They'll be included in another concert).
"Our musical director, Paolo Bustamante, has given us the blueprint of what will happen. I grew up with Paolo, although I did not grow up. It wasn't hard to prepare for this show. (Our musical director, Paolo Bustamante, has given us the blueprint of what will happen. I grew up with Paolo, although I did not grow up. It wasn't hard to prepare).
Ogie, 57, hopes to take the "OAC" show to various parts of the country and abroad.
"I'm praying that it doesn't end there. We can tour together and do many things together. I want to do campus shows and introduce our music to the younger people," he said.
Ogie composed the memorable hits "Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang," "Kung Mawawala Ka," "Kailangan Kita," "Sa Kanya," "Nandito Ako," "Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala," etc.
Dream projects
Ryan, Ogie, and Louie excitedly shared their dream projects. Each offered a unique vision that reflected their passion and commitment to positive change.
"Ang dami ko pang gustong gawin. Hindi ko pa nagagawa yung piano concerto ko, although last year, nakagawa na ako ng full symphonic work. I'm doing things now na palagay ko meron akong oras para sa sarili ko. I finally found time to do things na para sa nararamdaman ko ngayon. (I still have so much I want to accomplish. I haven't finished my piano concerto yet, although last year I completed a full symphonic work. I'm currently focusing on activities that allow me to express how I feel at this moment. Finally, I've found the time to pursue things that are important to me)," said Ryan.
Louie answered: "I always wanted to develop something with a song, orchestral, or simple piano piece. Pero ang dream ko medyo weird eh. Gusto kong gumawa ng something na hindi acceptable na magiging uso. Something weird tapos magiging pop. Something different. I don't know what it is, but maybe the universe will hit me, and I will do something different.
"Maybe people will not like it initially, but uso na pala yun later. I want to do a musical and develop a new catalog of songs. I've written hundreds of songs, so I could write another hundred songs I can share with everyone before I go. Yun ang dream ko na hindi ko pa nauumpisahan," he said.
Ogie said he wrote a musical which is expected to be staged in 2026.
"I'm working on it already. It's about yung musical na sinulat namin. Itatanghal na namin in 2026. By the end of the year, siguro, we will have auditions. I will likely play a role.
"I am hoping my wife will also say yes. Sinulat namin ito medyo matagal na pero sa kaka-polish, we really want to come up with something appealing kasi it's a really good story and makes use of songs na hindi pilit. (I am hoping my wife will also say yes. We wrote this for a while, but in the final polish, we really wanted to come up with something appealing because it's a really good story and makes use of a song that isn't forced).
"Nakakatakot din na project because gagastusan din namin at sa dami ng musical, ayaw naman namin sabihin bakit ganun lang ang ginawa namin. Gusto naming kagiliwan ito ng mga manonood. (It's also a scary project because we'll have to spend a lot of money and with so many musicals, we don't want to say why we did it that way. We want the audience to enjoy it)," Ogie said.
Stell, 29, captivated the audience during the middle of the concert with his performance of All By Myself, leaving everyone in awe.
David Foster (left) and Stell during the 'Hitman' tour (images courtesy of Araneta Coliseum Facebook)
Despite the rain, fans' anticipation for the HItman: David Foster and Friends Asia Tour 2024 concert at the Araneta Coliseum in Araneta City on June 18 was unwavering.
The much-awaited show began with the Love Theme from St. Elmo's Fire, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening. David then introduced two promising Original Pilipino Music (OPM) singers, JV Decena and Joaquin Garcia, to the delight of the audience.
When David Foster, 74, opened the show, he was profoundly touched by the Philippines' unique and deep-rooted passion for music. "There's no country I have been to; I have been to many countries. No country loves music more than the Philippines. This is true."
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David Foster
Stell opens 'Hitman' show
Prior, the audience's excitement was palpable when Stell of SB19 unexpectedly opened David's show. He kicked off the much-awaited concert with the soulful All I Ask, a song made famous by British chanteuse Adele. The energy in the arena was electric as he followed it up with his solo debut single, Room, and Defying Gravity.
Stell, 29, captivated the audience during the middle of the concert with his performance of All By Myself, leaving everyone in awe.
David shared a backstory when he first offered All By Myself to Celine Dion, originally done by Eric Carmen in 1975. He said Celine initially complained about the high notes in some parts of the song.
"When I was doing this song with Celine, she complained about this high note. It's an impossible note to sing, and she hated me in the studio that day.
"If you ever read her book, pages 37 and 38, she devotes two pages to how much she hated me that day in the studio.
"But we got the job done. She hit the high notes and it took her a few tries. Tonight, my friend Stell, you only get one try," David said. Then, the crowd cheered again.
David showed the clip of Celine talking about the high notes in All By Myself.
Celine said: "David Foster called me, and I was in Montreal, and he was in California. He said, 'You're going to freak. It's so amazing. And I said, 'Oh, okay." It's a new track.
"And then he changed the key that we agreed on to a key and a half. I said, 'David, how could you do that?"
"Then David said, 'If you can't do that, other singers can. And that's all I need to know to hit the notes," said Celine.
David told the crowd in Araneta: "That's a true story. I said to her, 'Hey, if you can't do it, other singers next door can do it. Whitney Houston was in the other studio, but I didn't say her name. Anyway, it was all for fun, and Celine hit the notes."
When it was released in 1996, Celine's cover of All By Myself peaked at No. 4 on Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart in the US and became a worldwide hit.
After Stell performed "All By Myself," the crowd let out a deafening roar of cheers as they celebrated the moment.
A few hours later, Stell trended on social media with clips of his performances from the "Hitman" concert. On X, Stell wrote: "Thank you, Lord. The best ka po talaga."
All-4-One
All-4-One
All-4-One wowed the crowd with their hit songs I Can Love You Like That, So In Love, Beautiful As You, and I Swear.
The group last visited the Philippines in 2015. "We love the Philippines! You guys can sing!" said a member of the group.
Katharine McPhee
David and Katharine
Enter Katharine McPhee with her rendition of The Power of Love.
Katharine told the audience she was excited to be part of the tour. Then, David and Katharine shared their unusual love story that led to their marriage on June 28, 2019.
"We met almost 19 years ago on a little show called American Idol. We toured together as friends," said David
Katharine said: "I was excited for Andrea Bocelli, not David Foster. But you were at my very first wedding. And I was invited to one of David's weddings. But I wasn't able to make it."
"So we were at each other's weddings," David added.
Katharine said: "Life is a very crazy thing. You'll never know what's ahead of you. We didn't expect to be touring the world together."
Before she left the stage, she performed her hit song Terrified. Then she wrapped up her set with Last Dance, a Donna Summer classic.
Brian McKnight
Audience participation
The "Hitman" show is not complete without the audience's participation. Two female fans volunteered to perform with David as they shared the Grammy-winning song That's What Friends Are For.
David also encouraged fans to sing along to the songs Hard To Say I'm Sorry and You're The Inspiration, which he wrote for the band Chicago.
"I want to try the chorus again. I want to hear the people who are not on the floor. I don't want to hear from the rich people. I want to hear from real people (lower and upper boxes and general patronage)," said David as the crowd laughed.
He added: "Shall we? And then, when I get to the chorus, we'll let the rich people sing along with us."
At the Oscars
David told the audience he lost at the Oscars three times.
"I've been nominated for three Oscars but lost all three to: The Bodyguard. I also co-wrote for The Prayer with Carol Bayer Sager, and I lost the Oscars. Who would not vote for a religious song? Peter Cetera and I wrote The Glory of Love for the movie The Karate Kid 2. Now we lost the Oscar. I know it's a crime.
"The movie that beat us was Top Gun. I hate that movie. Let's analyze that movie: jets, aircraft carriers, sex, drugs, rock and roll, motorcycles, Kelly McGillis, Maverick, and, of course, Tom Cruise.
"Our movie Karate Kid 2 starred the guy from Happy Days. The song that beat us was Take My Breath Away. I hate it. She still needs to finish the lyrics, and she won the Oscars. If our song The Glory of Love had been in Top Gun, I could have won the Oscar," David said.
Then, scenes from Top Gun were played on the big screen while The Glory of Love was playing.
Brian McKnight opened his set with the hit song Mornin, a song originally done by Al Jarreau in 1983.
Then he segued to other hit tunes such as After the Love Has Gone (1979), Look What You've Done to Me (1980), and Back At One (1999).
"I am thrilled to be singing his songs, reminiscing, and spending time with him. I appreciate the things that you have done," Brian told David.
David and his friends finished the show with the bouncy number Got To Be Real, a Cheryl Lynn classic from 1978.
For his encore, David played a piano-driven untitled instrumental track, which he wrote at the height of the pandemic. "Goodnight, guys! Keep safe as you drive home." It was a night of fun, laughter, and good music that will be remembered over time. Thank you, David, for these unforgettable soundtracks of our lives.
Cecile revealed she would treat music fans to new songs at the concert.
Cecile Azarcon
Cecile Azarcon's story as a singer and songwriter began when she was 19. At this age, she wrote the powerful, inspirational song "Lift Up Your Hands," which was popularized by Basil Valdez.
"Ang daming storya ng 'Lift Up Your Hands.' That's the song that ushered in my music career. Who would have thought an inspirational song would be played on the radio?" recalled Cecile during a recent Zoom from California with the entertainment media. Cecile is set to celebrate her 45th anniversary in the music business with an all-star concert at The Theatre in Solaire on May 24 and 25.
After 45 years in the music industry, Cecile can still vividly recall how she created this smash hit.
"When I wrote that song, words and music came to me in 10 minutes. It's a divinely inspired song. I didn't even have a Bible in front of me. Hindi ako nag bukas ng Bible tapos sinabi ko, 'Uy maganda itong verse na ito magawa nga ng kanta.' I didn't have an idea that it was based on Matthew 11:28.
"May alam naman ako sa Bible. Somehow lumabas na lang yun. I was on the phone with a friend of mine. She's the daughter of our pastor. Mahirap kapag pastor's kid ka. Marami pa ring challenges. She was troubled at that time, so I told her not to do anything drastic and I prayed for her. After we put down the phone, the words and the music came about.
"So excited ako. And I was hanging out at Vicor or Blackgold Records yata. And there was a piano. Kapag may piano nangangati ang kamay ko. So I played the song. Hindi ko alam dumadaan si Basil Valdez. Nakikinig na pala siya sa labas ng pintuan.
"After I sang the song, pumasok siya at sabi niya, 'What's that song?' Sabi ko it' nothing. Then sabi niya, 'Well, I'm doing my first English OPM album. Can I include it?" Tuwang-tuwa ako. Hindi ako makapaniwala. Kasama yan sa album niya na Corner of the Sky. Ang 'Lift Up Your Hands' nasa Side B. It's not even the carrier of the album.
"Tapos wala siyang payola. Hindi siya tinutugtog sa radyo. This DJ naman (George Poon) got into trouble with the station manager for playing 'Lift Up Your Hands.' It's not on the playlist. He broke the playlist rule. It became an overnight success so pinatawad siya ng boss niya. He wasn't fired. And the rest is history," Cecile said.
Now living in the US, Cecile was amazed that she was still part of the music industry after 45 years.
"Masayang-masaya ako. I cannot contain the joy and gratitude I have in my heart. Kasi wala naman nag-expect na aabot ka ng 45 years in your career lalo na sa music industry. Yung ibang kasabay ko mga ka-contemporary ko wala na like Willy Cruz, Rico J. Puno, George Canseco. Inabot ko pa si George. We used to hang out at Vicor.
"I am grateful. And I feel bad dahil yung iba hindi nabigyan ng ganitong pagkakataon na mabigyan ng tribute. Siguro nabigyan man pero wala na sila," she said.
(I am grateful. And I feel bad because the others were not given this opportunity to be given a tribute. Maybe they were given, but they are gone.)
Cecile once joked with pop diva Kuh Ledesma about arranging a concert tribute in her honor.
"Niloloko ko nga si Kuh Ledesma noon. She recorded most of my songs. Sabi ko, 'Kuh baka naman bibigyan mo ako ng tribute kapag patay na ako. So she gave me one in 1988. It was the first concert that featured all Azarcon songs at the Music Museum. I'm so happy na yung mga kanta ko kinakanta nila sa karaoke and nire-revive pa rin," she said.
(I was telling Kuh Ledesma then. She recorded most of my songs. I said, 'Kuh, maybe you will give me a tribute when I am dead.' So she gave me one in 1988. It was the first concert that featured all Azarcon songs at the Music Museum. I'm glad they are singing my songs at karaoke and are still reviving them.)
In 2013, Cecile's song "One More Try" became the Kapuso series "My Husband's Lover" theme, starring Dennis Trillo, Tom Rodriguez, and Carla Abellana.
Kuh, who was also part of the series, convinced Cecile to use the song in the primetime series. Cecile was okay with her music being included in a gay-themed project.
"I'm very open-minded naman. At maganda ang naging kwento ng series. In fact, ang nag convince sa akin na gamitin yung kanta for that teleserye was Kuh Ledesma. She was part of the series, playing a mother. I'm very happy na nabuhay muli ang kanta because of that serye," Cecile said.
"One More Try" came when she had been writing depressing songs. She needed to write songs that conveyed positive thoughts.
"One of my favorite songs is 'One More Try.' I wrote that for my sister. I hope she won't mind if I share it. My older sister was going through a difficult time in her marriage.
"I just realized na ang dami ko ng songs na isinulat pero depressing. So parang gusto ko naman magsulat ng something positive. Nagdasal naman ako. Sabi ko, 'Lord, bigyan mo naman ako ng song na positive.' That's how 'One More Try' came about. Huwag kang mag-give up. You hold on," she added.
Songs for other artists
Cecile has been approached by some artists who asked for songs, but she has yet to offer anything. She had to decline because the songs needed to match their personality.
"It's always a privilege when a singer approaches me and asks for a song. Hindi naman ako mapili na dapat sikat ka or may pangalan ka. I have given songs to total unknowns, and it doesn't matter. Minsan hindi ko alam ang kahihinatnan ng kantang binigay ko. Basta magaan ang loob ko, mabait siya, gusto kong tulungan, bibigyan ko talaga ng kanta.
(It's always a privilege when a singer approaches me and asks for a song. I'm not picky that you must be famous. I have given songs to total unknowns, and it doesn't matter. Sometimes, I don't know the outcome of the song I gave. As long as I'm happy, they are kind, and I want to help, I'll provide them with a song.)
Cecile mentioned being friends with the late singer Rico J. Puno and Divine Diva Zsa Zsa Padilla, but couldn't provide any of their songs.
"Isang tao na may sama ng loob sa akin ay si Rico J. Puno. He's also my kumpare. He's been asking for a song and wala talaga akong maibigay sa kanya.
"But I was touched and blessed because nakausap ko yung anak niyang si Tosca. When Rico was in his death bed, the last song that he sang, na pinakanta niya sa mga anak niya, was 'Lift Up Your Hands.' Sayang sana binigyan ko siya ng kanta.
"Si Zsa Zsa Padilla naman she did a video noong birthday ko. Nag sentiment din siya na hindi ko raw siya nabibigyan ng kanta. I was thankful when she said yes as one of the singers who will interpret my songs.
"Zsa Zsa is also a good friend. She was just a voice student when she was starting. Noong humihingi siya ng kanta, hindi ko talaga siya mabigyan. Pero noong meron na akong kanta, hindi naman siya nag re-recording. So it was not yet meant to be. I hope in the future I would be able to give songs na babagay sa kanila," Cecile said.
Writing songs
Cecile disclosed that some of her greatest hits were composed in just a few minutes. And she was inspired when she wrote these songs.
"Kapag inspired ka, walang effort. May flow lang. You picture the moment. Kapag tumagal ka ng tumagal, hindi na inspiration yun eh. Pwersado na. Kadalasan kapag lumagpas na ng isang oras, tumitigil na ako.
(When you are inspired, there is no effort. There is only flow. You picture the moment. When you take a long time, it is no longer an inspiration. It is forced. Usually, after an hour passes, I stop.)
"Sometimes it lands in the trash. Minsan may mga kanta na dapat balikan mo. Yung mga nag-hit yun ang mga mabilis ko lang talagang ginawa. So ang advice ko sa mga songwriters, kapag inspired ka sa moment na yun, huwag mo ng pakawalan.
(Sometimes, it lands in the trash. Sometimes, there are songs that you have to go back to. The hits were the ones that I made quickly. So my advice to songwriters is, don't let go when you're inspired in that moment.)
"There was even a time na nasa restaurant ako. I was having lunch with a friend, and then tinanong ko lang siya, 'Did you sleep well last night?' Sabi niya, "Yes, but with a heartache.' Alam mo sa table napkin nakasulat ako. You have to capture the moment," she said.
In some cases, Cecile treats herself or her best friends when her song becomes a hit or is featured in a movie or TV show.
"I treat my friends. Halimbawa may naghit akong kanta, or nafeature sa isang pelikula and then nabayaran ako, manlilibre ako or I treat them out.
"One time 'Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin' was featured in a teleserye. Tamang-tama, from Seattle kaka-move lang namin sa California ng family ko. I remember I bought a grand piano. That's how I treated myself," she said.
Asked about the formula for longevity in showbiz, Cecile said: "Wala talagang nakaka-alam nyan eh. Ako rin hindi makapaniwala na tumagal ako ng 45 years. Ako I just wrote to express myself. Just be true to yourself. If it's meant to be, then it's meant to be.
"Sa akin, yung mga naghit, tulad ng 'Lift Up Your Hands,' 10 minutes (ko lang ginawa). 'How Did You Know' 20 minutes. Matagal na yung 30 minutes or isang oras para gumawa ka ng kanta," she said.
Making music for 45 years
Cecile said she was coming home to Manila on May 10. The last time she visited the country was in 2017. People thought her songs would only be featured in the concert, but she would be part of the tribute show. She revealed that she would perform new songs at the concert.
Kuh Ledesma, Janno Gibbs, Jam Morales, Fe de los Reyes, Jackie Lou Blanco, Mark Bautista, Timmy Pavino, and Isabella Gonzales will join Azarcon to perform her works in the concert.
Martin Nievera, Iwi Laurel, and Nicole Asensio will also participate in the celebration on May 24, and Ogie Alcasid, Zsa Zsa Padilla, and Katrina Velarde on May 25.
Among Azarcon’s other big hits are "Reaching Out" by Gary Valenciano and "Special Memory" by Iwi Laurel from the soundtrack of the movie Hotshots, "So It’s You" by Raymond Lauchengco from the Bagets soundtrack; "I Think I’m in Love," and "One More Try" by Kuh Ledesma; "How Did You Know?" by Chiqui Pineda and Valenciano; "Even If" by Jam Morales, "Sana ay Ikaw Na Nga" also by Valdez; "Ikaw ang Lahat sa Akin" by Martin Nievera and others.
Cecile revealed she would treat music fans to new songs at the concert.
"Meron pa akong mga songs na nakatago pa sa baul at ipaparinig ko sa inyo. I have a song na kakantahin ko for my mom. She passed away in November 2021. She was just a few weeks shy of her birthday. The year after December 2022, pagpasok ko sa bahay, derecho agad ako sa piano. Wala siyang lyrics. Talagang piano lang. It's called 'Memories of You.' I'm going to play that at the concert.
"Of course, the people will be looking forward to the hits. Pero para sa akin, I want to impart something. That night is about making memories. I am making memories with all of you. Na minsan magkasama tayo. Parang kanta ni Florante. I want to share yung mga kanta ko na hindi pa naririnig. As in wala pang nakakarinig," she added.
