JOSE Mari Chan started creating his own tunes at 13. photo: josemarichan.com
Jose Mari Chan is all-heart and it’s evident in his songs. He’s such a gentle soul. I was so touched when he sent me a copy of his Christmas album with a personal dedication. I always enjoy my text exchanges with him.
Men who are in touch with their emotions are a rare breed. Recently, he texted me some of his musings, which hit me where it matters.
It goes: “Gone are the days when we only had five channels to choose from. Gone are the days when we would drop 10 centavos in a Seeburg jukebox to listen to a favorite song. Gone are the days when the teacher would give us our daily spelling quiz and abbreviated messages were a no-no. Gone are the days when children look forward to family meals when they exchanged stories. No texting or Facebook at meals.”
Congrats to Tito Joe for the well-deserved lifetime achievement award from Filscap (Filipino Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers). His timeless hits could well be national treasures. He is what OPM (Original Pilipino Music) is all about.
Here’s my tête-à-tête with Tito Joe:
Tell us about your songwriting process.
I began writing at the age of 13, inspired by singer-songwriters like Neil Sedaka, Paul Anka, Teddy Randazzo, Paul McCartney and Carole King. Most of my songs then started as melodies. The lyrics followed after.
As I matured, the marriage between melody and lyrics became more essential.
If your life story were turned into a song, what would be its title?
“A Love to Last a Lifetime.”
“If we all could leave something lasting behind to be remembered by, just a song from me and then at least I would have tried.” Passion may wane but true love never dies and my love for music will last a lifetime.
Tell us about a life-changing moment in your life.
I lived and worked in New York for 11 years. It widened my horizon and enriched my musical exposure.
Among all your songs, which one is closest to your heart?
Each song is like my child—unique, special and created under different circumstances and at different times of my life. Hence, they are all equally close to my heart.
How do you feel about your lifetime achievement award?
It should not mark an end to a songwriter’s journey … rather it should herald a new beginning to further my creative endeavors. Twenty of us are honored with lifetime achievement awards. I’m proud to be in the company of my fellow honorees.
What’s your advice to young musicians?
Pursue your college education. You can always do music on the side. Be original and write your own songs to express yourselves and contribute to the Filipino music legacy. Generations will remember you not for what you’ve sung but for the songs you’ve written.
What has made your bond with music last this long?
The gift of music is God-given and once it is in you, you will not be able to take it out of your system.
Ever since I was a kid, music has always been my way of expressing myself. I’m just lucky to have written and sung songs that have touched people’s lives.
How would you assess the state of OPM these days?
Western music today is sadly devoid of melody. According to Don McLean, music has become dumber, in terms of melody and content.
I believe this is where we can come in. This is the strength of Filipino songwriters. We have a gift for melody. Wouldn’t it be great if our composers banded together in a music revolution and produce our own distinctive sound? Perhaps, we could start a pop song renaissance in our part of the world.
Wedding chow
The preferred food provider of celebs, Juan Carlo The Caterer (JCTC), does it again.
JCTC was the official caterer at the wedding receptions of Diana Zubiri and Andy Smith, and Isabel Oli and John Prats.
The catering company’s owner, Alex del Rosario, told me that both couples were a breeze to work with during the food-tasting sessions. Diana and Andy had black rustic as theme, while John and Isabel opted for four seasons.
Some of the dishes chosen by Diana and Andy were crab tumbler with mango ginger cilantro dressing, porkloin Negrense and chicken with rosemary, tarragon, thyme and basil.
Isabel and John’s choices included Norwegian pink salmon in tequila cream sauce, money bag with pork, shrimp and leeks and pork tips Everest.
(For inquiries, 09228080078)
Betcha by golly chow!
All-night party
It’s Throwback Thursdays with the best 1970s, ’80s and ’90s party music at Club Haze, Bonifacio Global City, with my fave DJ Jon Tupaz.
Buy one, take one on Absolut Vodka and Chivas Regal for P2,950. No entrance fee and no cover charge.
Till sunrise do us party!