I remember Richard from his guestings at GMA Supershow where he sang the Hallmark theme for National Bookstore. I loved the way he sang that. "Ang lamig ng boses." As they say, "nakaka-in love." (That song incidentally was composed by Gryk Ortaleza and Joe Mari Chan.) I also liked the song Kaibigan Mo, Kailangan Ko which he sang with Bambi Bonus, an entry to the Metropop composed by Gerry Paraiso.
I decided to interview Richard because I wanted to know why he finally decided to have a concert again. His show on New Year’s Eve at Discovery Suites is entitled Just had to be New Year’s Eve. It is presented by Discovery Suites, Crossover 105.1 and AIG La Dolce Vita. It will be a dinner concert, fashion show and countdown party in one. His Circus Band colleagues Pat Castillo and Jacqui Magno and renowned composer Willy Cruz will join Richard in his show.
Here is how our interview went:
What prompted you to have this New Year’s show?
A lot of my friends had been bugging me about having a concert again. Discovery Suites approached me saying they needed a New Year’s Eve show and so I presented a dinner/fashion show concept and they approved.
As a child, how did you get introduced to music and what kind of music was it?
As far back as I can recall, it happened in kindergarten. The usual stuff–I Have Two Hands and all. But I would often sing to myself or sing to the sky or open spaces. I even sang to dragonflies because I was always fascinated by them. My voice was angelic then, like voices you’d hear from the Vienna Boys Choir. I would always find myself singing, making up my own lyrics and words. Come to think of it, it was pure, innocent, unadulterated and I guess I enjoyed listening to myself sing.
When did you make the transition from Chinese music to ballad?
Can’t say that I transitioned because I didn’t listen to Chinese music much, though I slept in my grandpa’s room and spent quite a lot of time with him and I would often listen to music he liked (Chinese operas or Kao ka they call it). I also accompanied grandpa to a lot of Chinese movies, some with very nice movie themes, but I don’t think I appreciated them when I was young. I started liking Chinese songs much later. As for ballads, I always liked them. They were melodic, gentle, tender and I guess easy to appreciate and sing.
What is the particular appeal of ballads to you?
Ballads that are well-written and interpreted evoke a lot of passion and emotions, stir the soul and bring back a lot of memories. They are easy to understand and easy to relate to, and they somehow bring back a lot of fond or melancholy, even sad memories that are captured in moments that are unforgettable; moments that contribute to our maturity as well. I guess I am also a romantic by nature so I relate to them well. They’re very real to me.
Do you think that ballads have therapeutic effects?
Yes, but not just ballads. There are many types of music that have that effect. If they put a smile on your face, bring tears of joy when you’re listening to them, then they do that perfectly. I think the type of music you listen to, directly or indirectly determines your personality. Are you cool and calm, tender, gentle, passionate or are you fiery, arrogant, disturbed, confused, angry or even insane?
What makes ballads enormously appealing to most people? Is it the lyrics, the melody, the mood or the message?
All of the items you mentioned. But I think the melody is the first thing that hits you or the way the melody was arranged. The lyrics come a wee bit later, and if it’s well-written then it raises the level of appreciation even higher.
How has singing ballads changed or improved your personality?
Music has kept me going in what I do, in how I live. Of course, as a singer, there are periods when you don’t feel like singing simply because your heart is not in it. But it’s during those periods that you realize how important music is to you. Even the chirping of birds in the very early morning is like great music to listen to. It has a calming and cheerful effect, a peaceful effect and suddenly, everything is okay.
Is there a particular style by which you can successfully interpret love songs?
Yes, as long as it is sincere and from the heart. It does not matter if you are a crooner, a rocker, a torch singer, an opera singer. It has to start there but the expression has to be the singer’s own. That’s why I don’t really enjoy karaoke much because I can’t sing the songs my way, my style.
What are the elements needed for a ballad to click with listeners?
It’s hard to say, yet there seems to be a universal force or ingredient behind any hit ballad or song. It’s inspired; it originates from something greater than any of us; and it moves and inspires a great majority. It’s a personal expression felt by many but composed and written by one or a handful.
Name your five best timeless ballads, local or foreign. Explain why you selected them.
Sorry, but there are just so many, I can’t be limited to just five.
Does having this concert mean tuloy tuloy na uli ang pag-awit mo?
For as long as my heart is in it. Hopefully this time it will be for a much longer period. I am grateful that I am able to do the things I enjoy.
To all my readers, may you all have a blessed new year! Peace to all of us!