Music has a magical way of reaching out to people and connecting with them in ways that nobody could totally explain. It weaves into us as a reminder of how a certain place, person and time have impacted our lives and how they’re ingrained in our memory.
Singer/songwriter, Rey Valera, has long mastered the sorcery of enchanting his listeners through the power of music. Over the last five decades, he has written timeless Filipino songs that are still hummed and sung by today’s generation, and has remained to be one of the most influential singer/songwriters in the Philippine music and entertainment industry.
Rey Valera shined bright during his latest concert titled “Rey Valera Live” at The Gallery at Ayala Center Cebu on Sept. 10, 2023. The singer performed a number of his songs in front of an enthusiastic crowd.
Over the years, Valera has performed in the province of Cebu numerous times and has always lauded the Cebuano crowd for being enthusiastic and for being great singers.
“Cebuanos are great singers and they do it with so much joy,” the singer said. “They also know how to have a good time.”
The performer is prominently known for his songwriting prowess. He has collaborated with some of the biggest stars in the Philippine entertainment industry such as Sharon Cuneta, Rico Puno and Cebu’s very own, Dulce. Given the moniker of “Mr. Hitmaker” as he was composing chart-topping songs from one after another for himself and other artists, Rey is also a film scorer who has written music for films such as “Tayong Dalawa,” “Maging Sino Ka Man,” and “Di Natuto.”
The musician performed a number of his hits during the concert like “Kahit Maputi ang Buhok Ko,” “Pangako Sa’yo,” and “Sasambahin Kita.” Attendees of the concert cheered and sang with Rey as he went around serenading some of the audience members as well as singing alongside them.
This concert was also in celebration of Grandparents’ Day, and Valera shared that he’s guilty of being the typical grandparent that spoils their grandchildren.
“Most grandparents give their children a hard time—by spoiling the grandkids,” he joked.
Decades of creating and writing music for the Filipinos, Rey Valera has continually enchanted fans and new fans alike to the beauty of Filipino music. He is a shining example of how one’s deep love for music and the arts can lead to a fulfilling life; a life that has impacted countless people with just a flick of his pen and a melody in mind.