A Valentine from Ogie and Mr. C

FOR SONGWRITERS, experience is an essential ingredient when composing a great love song.
OPM singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid and composer and National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab will take audiences back to some romantic memories such as their first date, first kiss, or wedding day, in a Valentine’s Day concert.
“Our work is our life and vice versa. So, whatever we go through is reflected in our work,” Mr. Alcasid said about songwriting.
Likewise, Mr. Cayabyab — who joins the concert as musical director — agreed. “The best thing is for the writer to have experienced a little bit of that,” he said. For those who have little experience in love, he said: “We turn to our friends or we write stories based on those.”
On Feb. 14, Mr. Alcasid will perform his romantic classics in a concert called Master of Love at Resorts World Manila’s Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City.
“When I do Valentine’s concerts, I really want to do other stuff but people keep asking for the same thing… They want to hear old tunes [and] familiar tunes,” Mr. Alcasid at last week’s press conference at the Newport Mall in Pasay City.
“I think it’s more than the music. Meron siyang (it has) additional entertainment package. This guy is so funny and spontaneous,” Mr. Cayabyab said referring to Mr. Alcasid’s style of performing.
“Every time I work with Ogie, it’s Ogie who chooses his materials. Nagbabatuhan lang kami ng (we just throw at each other the) style of arrangements,” Mr. Cayabyab told BusinessWorld shortly after the press conference.
Aside from Mr. Alcasid’s popular hits, the concert’s repertoire includes hits from Basil Valdez, Hajji Alejandro, and the late Rico J. Puno.
The Ryan Cayabyab Singers, Mariel de Leon, Lara Maigue, and Tanya Manalang are special guest performers.
Tickets to Master of Love are available at TicketWorld (www.ticketworld.com.ph) and the RWM Box Office at Resorts World Manila’s Newport Mall. For inquiries, call 908-8833.— Michelle Anne P. Soliman