Filipino singer-songwriter Rey Valera has written tons of monster hits that establish him as an icon of Original Pilipino Music.
But there's one song or composition that remains to be his favorite up to these days.
"Ito ay 'Malayo Pa Ang Umaga.' Para sa akin meron itong political leaning. Parang Pilipinas. Nakikita mo. Parang malayo pa ang umaga, parang ganun," said Valera during an interview for the virtual launch of the new reality program "Sing-Galing: Sing-lebrity Edition" on TV 5.
"Naghahantay pa rin tayo ng hope. Alam mo sa abroad, pagbababa na yung eroplano, makikita mo yung mga bahay nila nakahilera, maayos. Pero pag-umuwi ka ng Pilipinas, madilim yung clouds. Pag nakita mo na yung mga bahay, nakupo.
"So doon naikumpara ko na malayo pa ang Pilipinas (sa ibang bansa). Hindi ito love song. In a sense love song dahil mahal mo ang Pilipinas. At pag narinig mo (ang kanta), parang iisipin mo baka meron pang maganda sa Pilipinas," the OPM hitmaker said.
"Malayo Pa Ang Umaga" has also been rehashed by other OPM artists over the years.
The OPM hitmaker also praised the management of TV5 for coming up with this kind of reality show during the pandemic.
"Ang 'Sing-Galing' hindi lang entertainment ito. Kung may magagawa ako para maiwas natin ang mga kababayan natin na masiraan ang ulo nila, gagawin ko yun. Kung kailangan kong gumulong para sa kanila, gagawin ko rin yun," said Valera.
He added: "Kailangan natin ang ganitong klaseng palabas para ma-relieve ang stress ng mga kababayan natin."
Beginning Saturday, Sept. 18, at 6 p.m., TV5’s Original Videoke Kantawanan ng Bansa extends the party every with its latest Sing Galing: Sing-lebrity Edition.
Latching onto the success of Sing Galing’s comeback this 2021 on TV5, comes a new edition that will showcase the videoke singing talents of some of the most well-loved local celebrities and social media personalities!
Sing Galing: Sing-lebrity Edition provides the fun, laughter, music and excitement all Kaawitbahays enjoy, with the added purpose of helping out our fellow Kapatid, as celebrities get to sing and play for their chosen beneficiaries or bidaficiaries.
For the Saturday show, Sing Galing: Sing-lebrity Edition will parade a new roster of Jukebosses in Dingdong Avanzado (D’OPM Heartthrob), Ethel Booba (Champion Diva) and Allan K (OG Singmaster).
Heading the team of distinguished jukebosses is the one and only Sing-nior Hitmaker, Sir Rey Valera. Current Sing masters Randy Santiago, K Brosas, and Donita Nose will also reprise their roles as hosts and will be joined by Singtokers Billy King and Queenay. Completing the lineup is TikTok superstar, Zendee, host of the Saturday edition of the digiverse show, Now Zending Zikat!
As with previous seasons, the three celebrity guests will compete through three rounds to determine the Bida-oke Sing-lebrity of the Night.
The winner will bag a cash prize and celebrate with his or her chosen bida-ficiary through a live repartee and will automatically be part of Celebri-Team Galing, the pool of BidaOke Sing-lebrities who will advance to the semifinals.
Every Saturday, the sing-lebrities will compete in the following rounds: Random-I-Sing: Kantarantahan, Hula-Oke Ka Lang D’yan? and the final round, Duelo-Oke Extreme.
Once the grand Bida-oke Sing-lebrity of the Night is declared, they will get the chance to win for their chosen bida-ficiary in the bonus round: A-Sing-Tado Level Up. The lucky chosen bida-ficiary can either be an individual or a group.
As the new edition unfolds, expect the likes of Alex Medina, Kris Bernal, MC Muah, Hero Angeles and Joseph Bitangcol to grace the show. Adding to the sing-lebrities line up who will compete are Samantha Bernardo, Madam Inutz, Pooh, Paolo Pangilinan, Jayson Gainza, Baby Boobsie, and Ate Gay.
Watch as your favorite stars bring out their vocal prowess and vie to become the next Bida-oke Sing-lebrity on Sing Galing: Sing-lebrity Edition, starting this Sept. 18, on TV5.