S Magazine: Blog StarShowbiz Stars and Scoops

by Ogie Alcasid

I’m into music and showbiz because of my sheer desire to create. I don’t think of myself as a genius. I love to compose, perform and act.  I have been in entertainment for over 20 years.

Whatever I do—whether songwriting, performing on TV, acting in films or others—those are all creative works. I believe that as an artist, one shouldn’t limit oneself to being a singer, or a songwriter or as an actor, or as comedian. I prefer to be versatile.

When I was still very young, around seven years old, I used to copy the way Rico J. Puno performed on TV. I also started writing songs when I was seven years old, just some silly childish songs.  Even though those were quite simple songs, they already had structure and melody. I believe songwriting is a gift from God. I love doing it.

Through the years, I have already written more than 300 songs. My idols in songwriting include Rey Valera, George Canseco, Basil Valdez and, of course, Rico J. Puno. Among the musical greats abroad, I really look up to and admire the songs of Barry Manilow, also of Billy Joel, the late Michael Jackson, Prince. Among musical groups, I admire Chicago and Earth Wind & Fire.

My dream is to someday work on a musical. Actually, I’ve been offered to do a musical before based on the various songs that I’ve written. If ever I’d be able to finally sit down to create it, it would of course be a love story; that’s what I like and I believe that’s also what everybody would like.

Love stories are ideal subjects or themes for songs or musicals. Whether happy or sad, love and music seem to symbiotically contribute to each other and help each other. Whenever one writes music, it’s almost always out of love—love of God, love for others, love of nature.

Based on my personal experiences, I believe the basic root and the best inspiration for writing of music is love. When one is in love or when one is problematic because of love, those are the best times in a person’s life to compose and write music. Why? Because the music wouldn’t be fake. It’s not hard to write when inspired by love. It’s not something you just invent or imagine—it’s real, it’s overwhelming, it’s overpowering and true.

Of all my songs, my top favorites are Kailangan Kita, Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala, Kung Mawawala Ka and Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang.

If my life were a song, it would be My Way which was popularized and immortalized by the great Frank Sinatra. I think it’s the everyman’s song too. That song is melancholic, yet at the same time it’s also triumphant. A man in his life will always experience tumultuous ups and downs, and in times of troubles, just believe in yourself and do your best. It’s a great song by Paul Anka, and sang so well by Frank Sinatra.

As a singer, songwriter and music lover, I also admire my fellow musical artists in the Philippine entertainment industry. I look up to Lea Salonga who is a perfectionist; Gary Valenciano who has great groove and is very soulful; Martin Nievera whom I consider as the ultimate balladeer; Jaya, the Soul Queen; Janno Gibbs, the Soul King; and of course, there is Mr. Rico J. Puno, my childhood idol.

Rico J is Mr. Entertainment himself personified and he has—up to this very day—the best-sounding voice ever. I wish to add that in my book, the No. 1 in music artistry in the Philippines is none other than Regine Velasquez. She is remarkably capable of singing anything. It’s a rare gift.

Read more of Ogie Alcasid’s blog entry in the August 2009 issue of S Magazine.