Rey Valera

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Rey Valera

Background information
Birth name Reynaldo Valera Guardiano
Born May 4, 1954 (1954-05-04) (age 54)
Origin Meycauayan, Bulacan, Philippines
Genre(s) Ballad
Occupation(s) Singer-songwriter, musician, arranger, record producer, musical director
Instrument(s) Vocals
Guitar
Electric Bass Guitar
Piano
Keyboards
Years active 1977 - present

Reynaldo Valera Guardiano (better known as Rey Valera) (born May 4, 1954 in Meycauayan, Bulacan, Philippines) is a singer, songwriter, music director and film scorer from the Philippines. He wrote and produced songs that were recorded by various singers, most notably Sharon Cuneta.

Contents

[edit] Personal Background

Reynaldo Valera Guardiano is the second of three siblings, and the surname Valera was derived from his mother's maiden name.

He still lives in Meycauayan, Bulacan with his family. He has a son and three daughters.

[edit] Career

Rey Valera started his recording career in 1977 after becoming a band member from a group called Electric Hair Band for seven years. He waxed his first single as a solo singer - songwriter with the song Ako si Superman, which he created supposedly for Rico Puno. His former boss at Vicor Records gave him the opportunity to sing his song and at the same time hired him as one of Vicor’s in-house producers.

Rey also made songs for other artists such as Rico Puno's Sorry Na, Pwede Ba, Daigdig Ng Ala-ala; Geraldine’s Pangako; Pol Enriquez’ Ayoko na Sa ‘Yo and many more. While he made songs for his peers, he made albums for himself such as Naaalala Ka, Rey Valera Vol. 2, Walang Kapalit, Hello, The Rey Valera Christmas Album, Gabay Mo Ako, Rey Valera’s Greatest Hits Vol. 1,Rey Valera’s Greatest Hits Vol. 2, Pirapirasong Ala-ala, Sa Kabila Ng Lahat, Kung Sakaling Iibig Muli, FM Ka, AM Ako, Home Sweet Home, Ang Mahalaga, etc. Most of these albums made golds and platinums.

In July 2005, Rey Valera released the "Panghabangbuhay" album, with his children's band called "Saling Ket", and they have been performing together ever since.[1]

Recently, Vicor Music Corporation compiled all of Rey Valera's recorded songs in their library in a 4 disc set album entitled, "Walang Kapalit" as part of Vicor's 40 year anniversary.[2]


[edit] Mr. DJ and Sharon Cuneta

One of his initial projects was to make a song for a twelve-year-old mayor’s daughter named Sharon Cuneta (who later became known as the "Mega Star"). It was a daunting challenge, as Rey initially could not figure out what kind song would be fitting for her; she was too young to be taken seriously to be given a love song, and a bit too old to be given a nursery rhyme.

It dawned upon Rey to write a song about the people who were responsible for playing songs on the radio; the DJs. Wherever radio station the song would be submitted in, it was almost always guaranteed that it would be played and continue to play because it is their song. The song happens to be Mr. DJ, followed by Kahit Maputi na ang Buhok Ko. It made remarkable sales on the chart.

Sharon states in a recent interview by Deborah Kan in Star News Asia, that she has been always thankful for and grateful to Rey, for writing her first hit song. "Mr. DJ".[3]

The two have been friends ever since, and in 1992, Sharon paid tribute to her favorite composer when she recorded Sharon Sings Valera.[4]

When Sharon Cuneta and her then husband Gabby Concepcion separated, Rey composed the song, "Kahit Wala Ka Na" (Even When You're Gone). When Sharon and Rey met at Cinema Audio, she asked, why wasn't he writing songs for her anymore. Rey replied that he did wrote one for her, and submitted the song to VIVA for it to be an inspiration or a battleground for Sharon. Both of them found out that the song has been shelved for two years at VIVA. Sharon immediately recorded the song, and used it in her movie, "Single Mother"(former title). It was retitled to "Kahit Wala Ka Na".[5]

Sharon’s biggest blockbuster movies were lifted from popular songs of Rey, thus Sharon singing Valera is an always-tested winning chemistry.

[edit] Rey Valera's Impostor

In 1983, Rey faced one of the worst challenges of both his career, and personal life; an impostor was using his name and was committing crimes, among them were car-napping and rape.[6] The list even extended to marrying numerous women, and even petty crimes like "borrowing" money and personal items, all under Rey Valera's name.[7] Rey made numerous newspaper statements announcing that there is an imposter posing as him. Rey also wrote and released a song entitled, "My Fans Are in Trouble" to warn his fans through the medium of music, with the lyrics depicting his helplessness to stop this impostor.[8] What Rey feared most wasn't the money, but the physical harm people the impostor had fooled might do to him. Ultimately in 1984, Rey decided to quit show business at the peak of his career to protect his fans and also to make up for the time he lost with his family during his fame. When Rey made a comeback in 1988, he wore his hair long so that his impostor (who had kinky hair), would have a harder time posing as him if the impostor ever resurfaced. The impostor has never been heard from ever since.

[edit] Theme Songs For Soap Operas

The Maging Sino Ka Man soap opera's title was based on its theme song with the same name
The Maging Sino Ka Man soap opera's title was based on its theme song with the same name

Valera ‘s songs are also favorite titles and theme songs of soap operas like “Ula, Batang Gubat” (Malayo Pa Ang Umaga), “Te Amo, Maging Sino Ka Man”, “Sa Sandaling Kailangan Mo Ako”, and the two year running soap series, “Pangako Sa'yo”, from ABS-CBN.

Recently, Rey Valera's song's have been revived as theme songs for soap operas with the same title. They are: Maging Sino Ka Man ( which has spawned a second book,Maging Sino Ka Man: Ang Pagbabalik ) and Walang Kapalit from ABS-CBN, and Sinasamba Kita from GMA Network.




[edit] Writing Music and Songs for Movies

Rey was film scoring movies during his singing career, but after the trouble his impostor has caused, Rey focused on his musical directing career. He particularly liked scoring music for action films, giving fight scenes and chase sequences fast paced, rock-themed music, which reflects his roots as a rock band member.

Rey's songs made marks also as theme songs and movie titles. These includes several Sharon Cuneta movies such as Maging Sino Ka Man, Pangako sa 'Yo, Kahit Wala Ka Na', Tayong Dalawa; Vilma Santos’ Sinasamba Kita, Romansa, Hiwalay; Robin Padilla’s Carnap King, Barumbado, and Baby Ama; Romnick Sarmenta’s Pasong Tirad, The Gregorio del Pilar Story, Aleck Bovick's Tampisaw and most of her earliest films.

There are very few people are aware that Rey wrote music for movies, even fewer are aware that he also wrote music for R-18 "Bold" films.[9] He accepted making music for movies and considered it an opportunity, as these projects usually pitted his songwriting skills to follow fresh and often unusual themes and topics, often deviating from pop love songs which he was usually typecasted into.

The Theme song, "Ambon" ( Raindrop ) from the filme, "Tampisaw" emphasizes on the singer's hunger and depravation of love, and that a single "raindrop" of love would be enough for her to live on.

The theme song, "Nagpapanggap" ( Pretending/Deceiving ) from the film, "Kerida" ( The Mistress ), depicts a person's awareness that her lover is only pretending to love her, and yet she has this pragmatic acceptance and is even thankful that she was loved, no matter how false that love may be.

The theme song, "Sa Gitna ng Buhay Ko" ( In The Middle of My Life ), from the film "Naglalayag" ( Silent Passage ) follows the movie's theme of a middle aged woman falling in love with a man half her age. The song relates to her life as the times of the day, asking questions such as, "why did love arrive at only NOON?"

[edit] The Greatest Hitmakers

In 2002, Rey reunited with his contemporaries Rico J. Puno and Hajji Alejandro in a series of concerts called "Greatest Hits", highlighting the music of their own time. They also launched a VCD recording of their concert [10].Nonoy Zuñiga and Marco Sison joined the group in the following year. The group continues to perform both locally and internationally [11] [12] [13]


Although they were formally named "The Greatest Hits", the group felt that using the name "The Greatest Hitmakers" was more proper, as the former referred to the 'songs' and not the group members themselves. The group has successfully performed even with the absence of one or two members, usually concentrating on a core trio group ( e.g. Rey, Hajji, Rico / Rey, Hajji, Marco / Rey, Rico, Marco ) and varies between concert to concert, depending on each member's availability. This flexibility of the group's roster combined with miscommunication with the each show's promoter and other reasons has often led to various names for the group such as "The Hitmakers", "The Greatest Hits", "The Great Hitmakers" "GH5", "GH4" and such.


[edit] Induction to Bulacan's Walk of Fame

Rey Valera at the "Hardin ng Mga Bayani at Sining", Malolos City, Bulacan
Rey Valera at the "Hardin ng Mga Bayani at Sining", Malolos City, Bulacan

In November 9, 2006, Rey was inducted to Bulacan's own "Walk of Fame", in the "Hardin ng Mga Bayani at Sining" ( The Garden of the Heroes and Arts/Artists), Malolos City, Bulacan.

Rey was among the few Bulakeños who was given the title of "Alagad ng Sining at Kultura ng Bulacan", loosely translated as "Disciple of the Arts and Culture of Bulacan", or simply put, Great Artist of Bulacan.


Award and Handprint
Award and Handprint


An inductee was given a tile with his/her name on it, and a small pile of a then wet cement to leave a hand print. The names on the Walk of Fame embody the Bulakeños who have brought pride to Bulacan in the fields of arts and culture.[14]







[edit] Trivia

  • Rey Valera doesn't have any formal music background. When he submitted his song at Vicor in Raon Manila, he was an accounting student at the Far Eastern University.
  • it was former Record Producer Adel Ardaza and former Vicor Executive Chito Ilacad was the first to give Rey his chance for his song "Ako Si Superman"(I am Superman), to be recorded. Chito was also the one who decided that Rey be the one to sing his own compositions.
  • the song, "Ako Si Superman" was originally composed by Rey in the English Language with the title, "I Will Try To Make You Smile" for his sweetheart.
  • the song "Mr. DJ" was composed in a jeepney while Rey was commuting from the office.
  • the first song that Rey used in a movie was "Tayong Dalawa" (Both of Us) for the movie "Stepsisters" that Lorna Tolentino and Rio Locsin starred in 1979.
  • the song "Kung Kailangan Mo Ako" (If You Need Me) was first used in a movie that was starred by by Vilma Santos and Edu Manzano, "Romansa" (Romance)
  • the song "Maging Sino Ka Man" (Whoever You May Be) was composed by Rey for women who worked in bars and nightclubs.


[edit] Movie Musical Directions and Theme Songs

Legend:
( ) music score only
( * ) music score and theme song
( ** ) theme song only
( *** ) movie title and theme song
( **** ) music score, movie title, theme song (song title same as movie title)

Movie Actor/Actress Theme Song Used
Strangers in Paradise **** [15] Lloyd Samartino/Snooky Serna
Hello Young Lovers ****[16] Gabby Concepcion/Snooky Serna
Romansa *[17] Vilma Santos/Edu Manzano
Cristal **** Lampel Cojuangco
Exploitation **** Alma Moreno
Kabiyak * Vilma Santos
Annie Sabungera **** [18] [19] Nora Aunor/Rey Valera/ Ace Vergel
G.I. Baby * Lampel Cojuangco
Stepsisters * [20] Lorna Tolentino/Rio Locsin Tayong Dalawa
Hiwalay * Vilma Santos/Dindo Fernando
Sinasamba Kita **** Vilma Santos/Phillip Salvador
Burgis ****[21] Gabby Concepcion
Init o Lamig[22] Charito Solis/Elizabeth Oropesa
Juan Balutan[23] Niño Muhlach/Kristina Paner
Pusong Uhaw[24] Gina Alajar/Mark Gil
Abigael ****[25] Cherie Gil/Alma Moreno/Gabby Concepcion
My Prince Charming * Janice de Belen/Gabby Concepcion
Kung Kasalanan Man ** Dina Bonnevie
Abot Hanggang Sukdulan ** Snooky Serna
Kahit Wala Ka Na *** Sharon Cuneta/Richard Gomez
Babangon Ako at Dudurugin Kita ** Sharon Cuneta/Christopher de Leon
Maging Sino Ka Man *** Sharon Cuneta/Robin Padilla
Sa Kabila Ng Lahat *** Dina Bonnevie/Nanette Medved
Barumbado Robin Padilla
Baricuatro Sonny Parsons
Boy Amores Anthony Alonzo
Carnap King Robin Padilla
UZI Brothers Ronnie Ricketts/Sonny Parsons
Boy Kristiano Bobby Zhornach
To Mama With Love * [26] Julie Vega/Janice de Belen
Noel Juico * Raymart Santiago Hintayin Mo Ako
Hahalik Ka Rin Sa Lupa Sonny Parsons
Isang Salop Na Bala Palito
Multiple Murder Jess Lapid Jr.
Lumaban Ka, Sagot Kita Sa Diyos * Julio Diaz/Tommy Abuel
Asiong Salonga 3 E.R./Ejercito
Mana Sa Ina Rita Avila
Iisa-isahin Ko Kayo * Ronnie Ricketts
Sisingilin Ko Ng Dugo * Patrick dela Rosa
Kumander Tata Jess Lapid Jr.
Bahala na Gang Sonny Parsons
Ambush Ronnie Ricketts
Salisi Gang Sonny Parsons
Masikip Ang Langit Jess Lapid Jr.
Kalawang Sa Bakal Ricky Davao
Anak Ni Baby Ama Robin Padilla
Pangako Sa iyo *** Sharon Cuneta/Bong Revilla
Tayong Dalawa *** Sharon Cuneta/Gabby Concepcion
Kung Tayo'y Magkakalayo *** Sheryll Cruz/Romnick Sarmenta
Una Kang Naging Akin ** Sharon Cuneta/Gabby Concepcion Kung Kailangan Mo Ako
Hari Ng Selda * Robin Padilla/ Angelika dela Cruz Batang Bilanggo
Walang Kapalit *** Sharon Cuneta/Richard Gomez
Tampisaw * Aleck Bovick Ambon
Masarap Na Pugad * Aleck Bovick/Gary Estrada Bangka
Kerida * Aleck Bovick/Mark Gil/Gardo Versoza Nagpapanggap
Makamundo * Gardo Versoza Mundo ng Makamundo
Mapupulang Labi Maye Tongco
Sex Scandal Allen Dizon
U-Belt * Aleck Bovick Butas ng Karayom
Naglalayag ** Nora Aunor Sa Gitna ng Buhay Ko

[edit] Chronology

Date Comments
1977 Wrote and sung "Ako Si Superman"

November: wrote the song 'Mr. D.J." and 'Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko" for Sharon Cuneta. Both songs received Gold Record Awards.
1978 October:Received his first Gold Record Award for single entitled "Naaalala Ka". He wrote the song "Sorry Na, Puwede Ba" for Rico Puno while doing his first album that same year.
1979 Joined Blackgold Records, a sister company of Vicor Music Corporation, as a record producer. He rose to the position of assistant Vice President for Research and Composition.[27]

That same year he waxed his record album with hits such as Maging Sino Ka Man, Malayo Pa Ang Umaga, etc.

Tried to venture in music directional jobs.
1980 Rey Valera started writing songs for other singers again, this time for Geraldine with the song "Pangako", and Lirio Vital's "Naniniwala Ako Sa Iyo".
1981 February: he was awarded the Gold Record Award for the hit single "Kung Kailangan Mo Ako".

June: he received the Gold Album Award from a compilation of his past hits titled "Rey Valera's Greatest Hits".

October: he represented the Philippines as a songwriter in the first Asean Song Festival held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.[28]

[29]

he was also awarded the Gold Record Award for the album entitled, "Walang Kapalit".

November: bagged the title "Juke Box King of the Year".
1982 Received "The King Of Tagalog Songs" award.

Tried the movies via Annie Sabungera with Nora Aunor.[30] [31]
1983 March: He sang the song "Gabay Mo Ako", as one of the finalist in the Metro Manila Pop Music Festival. It was in March also when his long playing album "Hello" became another Gold Record.

April: Received the title "Entertainer of the Year".

May: Held the title, "King of Tagalog Songs" for the second time.

December: Rey Valera's Greatest Hits" album became Platinum Record.

This was also the year that an impostor used Rey Valera's name to his disastrous advantage.
1984 Transferred to Wea Records and waxed his last album. He wrote another gold hit song entitled, "Pirapirasong Alaala" for another female singer.

Dropped show business.[32] Went back to his family to make up for lost days.

He joined the movie industry now as a musical director.
1985-1986 The country saw the economic crisis that led to the downfall of the local music industry. During these times, Rey Valera relied heavily on his movie scoring works, devoted his time to his promotion business, while anticipating the comeback for the Golden Era of the Philippine Music Industry.
1988 TV Personality, comedian, and fellow Bulakeño Bert Marcelo persuaded Rey to make a comeback in live performances and join him in a series of concerts called "Hatid Saya" in Europe and Middle East.[33]
1989 Began training and introducing aspiring composers to professional songwriting and studioworks.
1992 Joined Sharon Cuneta in her Mega concert in U.S. and Japan.[34]
1993-1994 Member of the Board of Directors - FILSCAP[35]
1994 Nominee, Best Original Song Category - "Kung Tayo'y Magkakalayo".
2000 Joined forces with Freddie Aguilar, Mike Hanopol, Vehnee Saturno, and formed the group, SAGA (Songs And Generations After).[36] The group recorded one album, and performed one major concert in Canada. It was their first and last concert as SAGA, and the group disbanded months later.
2002 Merged with Rico Puno and Hajji Alejandro, in a series of "The Greatest Hits" concerts.
2003 The group "Greatest Hits 5" or "GH5" was formed with Rey Valera, Hajji Alejandro, Rico Puno, Marco Sison and Nonoy Zuñiga which continues to perform locally and internationally.

Recipient, Lifetime Achievement for Music 8th Tinig Awards from The National Press Club
2004 Participant, Travel Advocacy Campaign, Department of Tourism, "Biyahe Tayo", WOW Philippines.[37]

Winner, Best Song Category, "Sa Gitna Ng Buhay Ko" for the movie "Naglalayag", Metro Manila Film festival[38]
2005 July: Released the "Panghabangbuhay" album with his children's band called "Saling Ket".[39]

Awardee, 18th Awit Awards Dangal ng Musikang Pilipino - Lifetime Achievement Award, given by The Philippine Association of Recording Industries[40]
2007 November 9: Inducted to Bulacan's own Walk of Fame, in the "Hardin ng Sining at Bayani", Malolos Bulacan

[edit] References

  1. ^ Manila Bulletin Online March 2, 2006 "Saling Ket, The Family That Sings Together" [1]
  2. ^ mb.com.ph "Vicor celebrates 40 years of commitment to the Filipino artist" December 12 2004 [2]
  3. ^ Star News Asia, "Talk with Deborah Kan" [3]
  4. ^ globalpinoy.com "Pinoy Musicians, Rey Valera" [4]
  5. ^ globalpinoy.com "Pinoy Musicians, Rey Valera" [5]
  6. ^ People's Journal January 26 1983 "Fake Valera Alive & Kicking" [6]
  7. ^ Artista Magazine February 12 1983 "Will The Real Rey Valera Please Stand Up?" [7]
  8. ^ Tik-a-tik Newspaper/Magazine March 3 1983 "Help Me, My Fans Are In Trouble... - Rey Valera" [8]
  9. ^ imdb.com, "Tampisaw" Original Music by Rey Valera[9]
  10. ^ kabayancentral.com "The Greatest Hits Live (Rico-Rey-Hajji)" [10]
  11. ^ philippines.com.au "MEMORIES and HITS: TRIUMPHANT RETURN OF THE GREATEST HITS 5 IN SYDNEY" [11]
  12. ^ Pechanga Promotional Pamphlet June 2007 "The Greatest Hitmakers" [12]
  13. ^ Concert Poster "The Greatest Hitmakers Live in Portland Oregon" June 10 2007" [13]
  14. ^ mb.com.ph "Bulacan's mini forest park converted to "Hardin ng Sining at Bayani" November 19 2007 [14]
  15. ^ Jingle Sensation Magazine February 21 1983 Advertisement "Strangers in Paradise" [15]
  16. ^ Unknown Newspaper, Advertisement, "Hello Young Lovers" [16]
  17. ^ Philippines Daily Express, Advertisement, "Romansa", November 22, 1980 [17]
  18. ^ Old Photo taken during Annie Sabungera Shooting [18]
  19. ^ Vidcaps from Annie Sabungera [19]
  20. ^ Unknown Newspaper, Advertisement, "Stepsisters" [20]
  21. ^ Bulletin, Advertisement, "Burgis" June 28, 1981 [21]
  22. ^ Unknown Newspaper, Advertisement, "Init o Lamig"[22]
  23. ^ People's Journal, Advertisement, "Juan Balutan", February 28, 1982[23]
  24. ^ Philippines Sunday Express, Advertisement, "Pusong Uhaw", March 17, 1982 [24]
  25. ^ Unknown Newspaper, Advertisement, "Abigael"[25]
  26. ^ Daily Express May 13 1983 Advertisement, "To Mama, With Love" [26]
  27. ^ globalpinoy.com "Pinoy Musicians, Rey Valera" [27]
  28. ^ 1st ASEAN Song Festival Programme Book October 31 1981 [28]
  29. ^ Philippines Daily Express "Marco Sison, Lirio Vital represent RP in ASEAN song festival in KL" October 26,1981[29]
  30. ^ Old Photo taken during Annie Sabungera Shooting [30]
  31. ^ Vidcaps from Annie Sabungera [31]
  32. ^ globalpinoy.com "Pinoy Musicians, Rey Valera" [32]
  33. ^ Hatid Saya Poster Athens 1992[33]
  34. ^ Mega Live Concert Tour '92 Poster [34]
  35. ^ globalpinoy.com "Pinoy Musicians, Rey Valera" [35]
  36. ^ pilipinosuperstore.com "SAGA Ang Aming Awit" [36]
  37. ^ Lakbay Pilipinas - "Biyahe Tayo" Lyrics and music video[37]
  38. ^ journal.com.ph June 30 2004 " 'Naglalayag' sails high at MFF awards night " [38]
  39. ^ Manila Bulletin Online March 2, 2006 "Saling Ket, The Family That Sings Together"[39]
  40. ^ manilastandardtoday.com "The Year of OPM" May 26 2005 [40]

[edit] External links