"Salbahe kayo, pinaiyak nyo ko," Rey later told conductor Gerald Salonga and all the musicians.
Why did he cry? "Sino ba hindi maiiyak? I was so overwhelmed. I felt a lump in my throat. Ang ganda ng arrangement ni Gerald, very soulful, nakikipag-usap sa'yo ang music kahit wala yung lyrics. Wala akong masabi. Lahat ng experiences and training ng musicians in the orchestra, inilagay nila sa pagtugtog and all combined in that one magical moment. I really like to thank ABS-CBN for doing this habang buhay pa ako. Alam nyo, dahil sa binayad nila sa'kin for using my song sa unang 'Pangako Sa'yo', naipagawa ko ang bahay ko. Heto ngayon, kumikita uli sa bagong version ng 'Pangako Sa'yo'. Dahil the orchestra moved me kanina, I'm donating my talent fee for the concert to all the musicians ng ABS-CBN Philharmonic."
Rey is the second composer they're paying tribute to. The first one was Ryan Cayabyab last year and the feedback was so great that ABS-CBN will now do it regularly in their "Spotlight" series. Rey says he has made countless songs and 16 of them became big hits, including "Maging Sino Ka Man", "Mr. DJ", "Ako si Superman", "Kung Kailangan Mo Ako", "Malayo Pa ang Umaga", and others.
In the tribute concert, top singers are invited to interpret his songs: Sharon Cuneta, Martin Nievera, Vina Morales, Rico Puno, Edgar Allan Guzman, Morisette and Tippy Dos Santos. Tickets are available at Ticketworld, 891-9999 and www.ticketworld.com.ph. The concert is part of the orchestra's support in the country's Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino to promote local music in the last week of July. For more updates on the ABS-CBN Philharmonic and its show, visit their website or check out their accounts on Facebook and Twitter.
