Filipino singer-songwriters Odette Quesada and Ogie Alcasid shared their profound insights on love and how it had affected them to become better musicians.
During an intimate media conference on Feb. 9, the two OPM icons expressed their biggest learnings in love. Odette emphasized the importance of self-love.
“Love continues. Even if you’ve broken up with somebody, you should be able to find a new love. Love of oneself is the best because you don’t have to rely on somebody,” Odette said.
On the other hand, Ogie based his definition of love with song lyrics.
“I believe that the children are our future, just kidding. Well, honestly speaking, I think love makes the world go around, and love will keep us together,” stated Ogie.
When asked if she best wrote songs when she was in love, Odette explained the stories behind her hit songs such as “A Long, Long Time Ago”, “Till I Met You”, and “Don’t Know What To Do?”.
“Most of my songs, especially when I was a teenager, when I was writing all the hits, I was not even in love. So, I wrote ‘A Long Long Time Ago’ based on an interview she gave about a former love of hers, na hindi sila nagkatuluyan. I was touched by the story, so I wrote the song, and I gave it to her,” said Odette.
“And ‘Till I Met You’ I just overheard a bus ride conversation with two collegialas behind me. One of the girls uttered, ‘You know I never knew what love was until I met this guy’”, she continued.
“‘Don’t Know What To Do?’ was based on an interview with Mercy Henares, with ‘Good Morning Manila’, ang ini-interview niya si Michael Johnson, ang kumanta ng Bluer Than Blue. She asked Michael Johnson, how would you best describe yourself, and he said, I’m a hopeless romantic, and that line, pinatay ko ang TV, I took my guitar and wrote the song!” added Odette.
“If I wait for love, then until now, it’s like my career will just begin,” she added.
Meanwhile, Ogie, known for classic OPM songs such as “Nandito Ako”, “Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang?”, and “Sa Kanya”, described songwriting as self-expression.
“It’s telling your story, right? When you’re telling your own story, regardless if you’re happy or broken or needing someone, you’re just telling your story. Is it hard? Of course, it’s hard,” said Ogie.
Ogie and Odette held their first joint Valentine’s Day concert titled “Love, Q&A” last Feb. 13 at NUSTAR Convention Center in Cebu City and today, Feb. 14, at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.
But, good news for those who are looking where to spend their post-Valentine date as “Love, Q&A” will be having its second day, tomorrow, Feb. 15, at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.