Backstory: First Published Song Composition I'm Letting You Go

Once More Jamie Rivera Album Press Release published by the Manila Bulletin, August 1996 

Once More Jamie Rivera Album Cover 

Song Composition included in Once More album 

I'm Letting You Go Song Lyrics 

CD Interior 

Letter from the Metropop Secretariat 1996 

Before this song composition came to life, I attended a song writing workshop at the UP College of Music in 1995. I was mentored by seasoned and talented composers in the music industry headed by Mr. Danny Tan and the late Mr. Willy Cruz together with eager students. I learned all I can about melody and lyric writing. We were asked to write our own song compositions. And this one was formed. My mentors, husband and wife team musical director  Mr. Mel and  professional composer Mrs. Nori Villena (Photograph, Ariel Rivera Just Another Rainy Day, Aiza Seguerra) saw great potential in it and encouraged me to submit it to recording companies. She initially said that this song is perfect for Ms. Jamie Rivera. I finished the workshop carrying hope in my heart. 

On the last quarter of 1995, television plugs on the Metropop Song Festival were being aired aired on GMA-7. I keep on seeing it so I decided to join and prepared the submission requirements. This song composition was my entry. One of my former colleagues, Rose del Rosario, agreed to do the acoustic guitar accompaniment. We had fun recording in her brother's (renowned composer Mon del Rosario) music studio. 

Then one day, I got a letter from the Metropop Secretariat. My entry made it to the Top 212 songs! I was happy and ecstatic! Everything after that was a series of blessings. I learned from a good friend Ms. Amy dela Cruz, informed me that Jamie Rivera was working on her come back album after her London stint from Miss Saigon. I sent her a message then forgot all about it since I didn't expect too much at first. The following month, our phone rang and my Dad took the call. He told me that it was Ms. Jamie Rivera on the line! I was speechless! We talked over the phone about the song and coordinated a few details. She honestly told me that her album was already finished and she would see what she can do. I told her it was fine and nothing for her to worry about. 

She called up again and told me that she had listened to the song and read the lyrics plus the copy of the letter from Metropop. She liked it! I was so happy to hear that from her. Imagine the country's inspirational diva showed her appreciation for a simple song I wrote from a song writing workshop? She said that she will talk to her album producers and told me to call her for updates. Call I did. That day was the Feast of the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, around June. She wasn't there to take the call so I left a message on her answering machine. I wasn't finished recording my message yet and she already picked up the receiver and told me that she will be including I'm Letting You Go in her album! Praise God! I wept tears of joy. It didn't take very long. The contract signing and recording session ensued. She told me that she wants me to be there in the studio when she records the song. So after my PM class, I proceeded to Pink Noise with my parents. I finally got to see her in person. I saw how she recorded with much love and emotion. She never failed to show her appreciation.

I also met the arranger of the song, Mr. Jesse Lucas. He was friendly and a gifted musician. I was so happy to meet him as well and thanked him for giving a beautiful arrangement to the song!  Come July, the album, Once More Jamie Rivera with the carrier single, "I'm Sorry", one of Jamie's song compositions,  was officially launched and out it went to the market. One press release after another followed. By God's grace, the album hit the double platinum mark. Praise His Name!

Suddenly, I remembered what Mrs. Villena said that Ms. Jamie Rivera was the perfect singer for "I'm Letting You Go". Now, it had finally come true. I thank our Lord Jesus Christ for the opportunity to attend the song writing workshop many years ago. 

I shared this back story because I would like to encourage people to have faith and never give up reaching for their dreams provided you never hurt or step on people's backs along the way. When something great is bound to happen, God will pull all the strings to make it possible, whatever endeavor it may be. He gave us gifts and talents to bless and inspire others, not hurt others. Let us use them for HIS greater glory! AD MAJOREM DEI GLORIAM!