By Limuel S. Celebria
Legendary composer and hit maker Vehnee Saturno is emerging from the doldrums of this pandemic with a new song and a new song artist!
The new piece is a typical love song that, like most of Vehnee’s songs, may easily find its way into the heart of Pinoy romantics everywhere. It’s yet another potential hit. Except for one little twist, the interpreter is a total unknown in the music industry.
The song – entitled Sagwan, comes across as a distinctively Filipino love song, poignant with unrequited love yet hopeful and reassuring in its constancy. The lyrics tug at the heartstrings – Di mo pa rin maamin na wala na sya at may iba; Hanggang kailan aasa sa mga pangako nya na mahal ka pa; Lunod palagi ang iyong mga mata sa pagluha at pagiisa (You still cannot accept that she’s gone to another; Until when will you hope that she still loves you; your heart drowns in tears of loneliness).
ED SHEERAN AS FILIPINO
The song’s message redounds to the bitter pangs of loss and longing. But the melody uplifts the spirit. The hummable tune cradles the heart and envelopes the listener. It offers the caress and comfort of a warm hug on a chilly evening. Imagine Ed Sheeran as Filipino.
Vehnee Saturno, songwriter to the stars of the Philippine music industry, earned his laurels not just by composing hits but also coming up with songs that virtually launched the singing careers of not a few OPM artists. The A-list include, Martin Nievera (Be My Lady), Jessa Zaragoza (Bakit Pa?); Jaya (Dahil Tanging Ikaw); Louie Heredia (Nag-iisang Ikaw); Donna Cruz (Only Me And You); Rachelle Alejandr (Mr. Kupido); Ariel Rivera (Sana Kahit Minsan); and Sarah Geronimo (Forever’s Not Enough), to name just a few.
Indeed, Vehnee’s musical genius has illumined the Philippine musical stage with numerous stars, each one as brilliant as the next. But will his music continue weave its magic for someone who has barely sung a song – not even happy birthday, in his 50+ years on this planet?
The question is, what did Vehnee Saturno see in Ynion to allow him to record one of his original compositions? Mr. Saturno’s answer was cyptic though quite simple and direct.
Saturno said: “All I can say is you (RSY) did a very nice rendition of the song. Sabi nga, mula sa puso at kaluluwa. (As they say, it came from the heart and soul). The song Sagwan is you. A perfect song for your voice.”
With the recording over, preparations are being done for the launching of the song in Manila sometime next week.
THE SINGER – ROMMEL S. YNION
In his golden years, one could say that Rommel S. Ynion — former journalist, one-time politician, and farmer-entrepreneur — has already seen this, been there, done that. He has handled copy for legendary columnist and editor Max Soliven, published his own newspaper, travelled the world, hobnobbed with the rich and filthy rich.
For Ynion, it has been an extra ordinary life littered with a whole gamut of experiences to enrich the soul. But in all those years, in all those journeys, with all those reasons to rejoice, what he hasn’t done is sing. Literally.
And this comes as quite a wonder, especially to his family on the distaff side. Rommel’s mother – God rest her soul, would often tell the young Rommel that he had the “Salva voice.” And though Rommel didn’t have the time to listen, what her mother meant was that he had the “gift”, that wonderful singing voice that members of her mother’s family are blessed with. To this day, his two uncles (both also deceased) continue to be recognized by their well-deserved monikers in the realm of singing: Uncle Fidel, a Tawag ng Tanghalan regional champion was the “Jerry Vale of the Philippines” while Uncle Serafin had been tagged the “Pavarotti of Iloilo.”
But it is quite easy to see why Rommel never took to music for much of his life. An introvert with an insatiable desire to read and learn, Rommel discovered the world through books. It’s pages were his playground. Thus, much of his adult time had been spent converting all those learnings into financial success. Until last year.
While spending a European vacation a year ago with his kids, daughter Kirsten asked Daddy to sing, took a video, and posted it on facebook. It surprised and delighted many. From that moment onward, RSY took to music like a man possessed. He morphed into a virtual karaoke machine tirelessly belting out an eclectic mix of songs.
Typical of Ynion, knowing he could carry a tune well isn’t good enough. He hired a voice coach and tapped a nephew who sings professionally to get in step with his musical journey. A week without seeing any improvement in his voice isn’t good enough. It became a journey with excellence as its goal.
When the pandemic came, RSY harnessed a band of unemployed musicians and began recording songs under the label Above and A Bob. Not a few of their songs – mostly covers – have gone viral on facebook. RSY’s version of Who Am I by Casting Crowns, for example, has gotten 265,000 views, 10,000 likes, and 2,600 shares while Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal generated 190,000 views from over 1,000 shares.
