When Rey Valera started composing songs, little did he know that he would make it big in the music industry. His dream was to improve the quality of his life having come from a dysfunctional family and struggling to make ends meet.
Music was probably running in his veins that as he grew up, he started to weave lyrics and melody by what he saw in people— in communities, inspired by their situations, the conditions and times of their lives— during his moments of solitude.
Rey was eventually discovered by Vic del Rosario of Vicor, which recorded his first single intended for the Total Entertainer Rico J, Puno, “Ako Si Superman.” To his surprise, it was a hit in the tin pan alley.
In a mediacon held recently at the Gloria Maris, Gateway Mall in Cubao, Quezon City for his movie “Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko”, Rey narrated the highs and lows of his career and how they were unrecognized as composers.
The impact of “Mr.DJ” in his life
A somewhat challenging offer came after when he was commissioned by his recording company to compose a song for a mayor’s daughter, then 12-year old Sharon Cuneta. It was a long thought, as how could he write a song for somebody who is already old to sing a nursery rhyme and too young to dish out a love song.
Trending during this time, radio programs were flooded with requests from listeners and calling disc jockeys to play their favorite songs, hence, “Mr. DJ.” It was a hit and a young star was born.
Asked about what song gave him the most impact among all his hits, Rey, without a thought, blurted “Mr. DJ.”
The impact of “Mr. DJ” in Rey’s life was how Sharon made him known as a composer, an identity he and other composers never had before. Rey explained that in the 60s until 70s, songs have become popular but composers were never known. He cited some hits and we were surprised by his revelations.
He said he felt honoured because during TV shows and guestings, Sharon would always acknowledge him as the composer of her song. It has become a pattern since then, which brought a big advantage for other composers who were eventually recognized, too! It also led to the forming of the composers association.
And who would have thought that in one of his lectures at the University of the Philippines, one of the attendees, then a student Joven Tan and now a successful film director would come to him years later for a movie project, an origin film of his life and career centering on the inspirations behind the original Pilipino music (OPM) chartbusters—“Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko,” another hit by Sharon Cuneta.
The songs
Rey immerses into how and why he was able to create “Kahit Maputi Na ang Buhok Ko” “Malayo Pa Ang Umaga,” “Mr. DJ”, “Pangako Sa Yo,” “Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo,” “Maging Sino Ka Man”, “Kung Kailangan Mo Ako,” “Tayong Dalawa,” Ako si Superman” and some greatest hits sung by Rico J. Puno, The Total Entertainer and OPM icon.
Rey reveals and returns to the original intent and circumstances of each of these signature songs in their contextual life settings. Some of the songs are associated with or remembered as soundtracks or memorable Filipino films, but their origins tell different stories.
The cast
RK Bagatsing plays the lead role as Rey Valera with Aljur Abrenica, Rico Barrera,Gelli De Belen, Josh de Guzman, Christopher de Leon, Lotlot de Leon,Jenine Desiderio, Meg Imperial, Ronnie Lazaro, Gian Magdangal, Carlo Mendoza, Ara Mina, Arlene Muhlach, Pekto Nacua, Eric Nicolas, Dennis Padilla, Epy Quizon, Arman Reyes, Ariel Rivera, Ricky Rivero, Rosanna Roces, Lloyd Samartino, Shira Tweg, Lou Veloso, and Gardo Versoza.
Produced by Saranggola Media and directed by Joven Tan, “Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko” is an entry to the Summer Metro Manila Filmfest, which will be shown starting April 8 in all theatres nationwide. Surely, this will inspire the audience especially the young ones, that there is always hope for everyone just like Rey Valera.
Truly, Rey Valera’s songs will live on “Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko.” And it doesn’t stop there because Rey plans to give his other compositions still unrecorded to other singers who would like to be a Valera interpreter, just like Sharon Cuneta and Rico J. Puno who are now music icons.
