BERT NIEVERA - MAHAWI MAN ANG ULAP - TIMELESS 1 - 1990

Danny Tan's Throwback #142
MAHAWI MAN ANG ULAP was composed by the legendary tunesmith Willy Cruz for the movie Kung Mahawi Man ang Ulap starring Hilda Koronel & Christopher de Leon from the direction of Laurice Guillen in 1984. Reminiscent of classical Hollywood cinema music, the song is a cinematic masterpiece only the likes of Willy Cruz can create. I figured a very lush orchestration would do justice to the incomparable beauty of Willy's melody; the silky smooth vocals and emotional commitment of Mr. BERT NIEVERA would breathe life to the romantic lyrics.

I think this was my first gig arranging for and conducting a full orchestra. Oh boy was I excited to be ably supported by some of the stalwarts of the music industry - musicians who paved the way for us new adventurers in this field - such as Emy Munji, Jun Regalado, Roger Herrera, Narding Castañeda, Babsie Molina, Kitchie Molina, and The Philippine Philhamonic Orchestra. Some of our friends joined us - Sylvia Macaraeg, Antonio Comia, Monet Silvestre - to relish this once in a lifetime musical experience.

BACKSTORY: While studying at the UP College of Music in Diliman. Quezon City, I aspired to set foot on the Cultural Center of the Philippines stage one day. Performing with, arranging for and conducting the CCP's resident orchestra - The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra - were never in the cards. But there I was, standing on stage, still stupefied by the sudden turn of events!

I had never met nor ever worked with Mr. Bert Nievera before TIMELESS The Concert. Out of nowhere, just through the recommendation of our National Artist for Music, Mr. Ryan Cayabyab, Ms. Carol Hernandez Nievera and Mr. Bert Nievera hired me. I accepted the challenge put before me. There was no way I would fail them. What came out of this collaboration was a lifetime of beautiful memories and friendship with Bert & Carol Nievera!

Ms. Carol Hernandez Nievera: " In May 1989, I met Bert singing at Tito Rey's Lounge in Malate, Manila. He came back from Hawaii to try to make a comeback. When we got together, he said ...you're going with someone who is at the end of his career. I was not able to fulfill my dream of performing with an orchestra... I said, we will fulfill that dream. So we went to CCP to meet with Mrs. Guevarra who was shocked that we were asking PPO to do pop music. She said she would try asking PPO. After several meetings, PPO agreed. A date was set. Bert asked Ryan Cayabyab to be his musical director & conductor (who he knew as he sang a few songs on Ryan Ryan Musikahan). He was in the middle of a project so he suggested Jun Latonio. I was happy because Jun and I grew up together. Our families would spend almost every Sunday together but we lost track of each other when we were in college. One month to the concert date, Jun's schedule would not match the production's timetable. Bert went back to Ryan. He suggested Danny Tan. Bert kept on saying that Danny brought out the voice he never had."

Danny Tan: "Thank you, Mr. Ryan Cayabyab - National Artist for Music - for having faith in me! This was not the first and last time you recommended me to producers, directors and artists. I am forever grateful and indebted to you. I would not be where I am now if it were not for you!"

MAHAWI MAN ANG ULAP
Music & Lyrics: Willy Cruz
Musical Arrangement and Orchestration by Danny Tan

TIMELESS 1 - CULTURAL CENTER OF THE PHILIPPINES - 1990
Musical Director & Conductor: Danny Tan
Executive Producer: Carol Hernandez-Nievera
Written & Directed for Stage & TV: Tats Manahan

Back Up Vocals: Babsie Molina, Katherine Molina, Sylvia Macaraeg, Tony Comia, Monet Silvestre

MUSICIANS
Piano: Emy Munji
Guitar: Narding Castañeda
Bass: Roger Herrera
Drums: Jun Regalado
The PHILIPPINE PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA (92-pc Orchestra)

Special thanks to Ms. Carol Hernandez-Nievera for this video. I am forever grateful to you for giving me your trust and friendship! We had wonderful memories together with the love of your life - Mr. Bert Nievera!