Ogie Alcasid is no stranger when it comes to music projects. Aside from being a singer and composer of his own songs, Ogie also writes for fellow artists. Throughout the years, he also gained a reputation as a prolific songsmith for movies and television shows.
But there's something about the animated film Urduja that filled the singer-comedian with dread the moment he was commissioned by TAPE, Inc. top honcho Tony Tuviera to produce the film's music and official soundtrack.
The country's first full-length digital animation film Urduja is the brainchild of Mr. Tuviera. "Eleven years in the making," he proudly enthused about his dream project.
The breakthrough film features the voices of Cesar Montano, Eddie Garcia, Jay Manalo, Johnny Delgado, Alla K, Ruby Rodriguez, Michael V., and Epi Quizon.
Playing the lead role of Urduja is Asia's Songbird and Ogie's girlfriend, Regine Velasquez.
ELATION TO FEAR. At the press conference of Urduja last Saturday, June 7, at the Imperial Palace Suites in Quezon City, Ogie narrated how he learned about the "secret" project.
"Tinawagan po ako ni Mr. Tuviera na pangalawang ama ni Regine, so itinuring ko na rin siyang pangalawang ama," he smiled.
Regine had said previously that she endearingly treats Mr. Tuviera as her second father.
Because of the project's secrecy, Ogie and Mr. Tuviera met like military officials about to discuss top-secret strategies.
"Noong nag-meet kami, parang napaka-private. Parang meron kaming sasalakayin, parang ganoon," recalled Ogie, chuckling . "Sabi ko, ‘Ano ba ‘tong gagawin natin?' Tapos ipinakita niya sa ‘kin 'yong proyekto."
Being entrusted to produce the soundtrack was exciting and "very flattering," said Ogie. But as he learned more about the details and his role, Ogie became apprehensive when Joey de Leon's name came up.
Explained Ogie, "Natakot ako kasi parang ang laki-laki ng gagawin ko. Gagawin ko 'yong music na nilapatan na ni Joey de Leon ng lyrics."
Considered as an honorary member of the legendary ‘70s disco-pop group VST & Co., Joey wrote some of the band's well-loved hits such as "Ipagpatawad Mo," "Awitin Mo, Isasayaw Ko," among others. Joey also penned the Cinderella classic "Ang Boyfriend Kong Baduy."
Despite his own achievements as a songwriter, Ogie was honest enough to admit that he felt intimidated by the idea of laying his hands on a Joey de Leon creation.
"Pero dahil siya [Tony] po ay pangalawang ama namin, hindi na po ako nag-atubili."
"I challenged myself," said Ogie, "that's my job in this project, I wrote the music, some of it, nilapatan ko ng music ‘yong lyrics ni Ginoong Joey de Leon."Ogie gamely revealed that because of the project, Tony Tuviera was able to confirm the then long-standing rumor linking Ogie and Regine. As it turned out, the secret was unlocked by the beloved producer months before Ogie confirmed his romantic relationship with Regine to YES! magazine.
"Nung una kong ibinigay 'yong first draft o ‘yong unang demo, ipinarinig ko kay Mr. Tuviera. ‘Yon, nabuko ako kasi si Regine 'yong kumakanta, e, hindi pa kami nag-a-out nun, so nabuko kami. 'Yon talagang na-legitimized 'yong pagiging ama niya," confided Ogie with a laugh.