Archive for the ‘Songwriting’ Category
Beauty Queen, song of Esther
One big prevailing word was etched in my mind while writing this: SUPERFICIAL and Esther’s song personifies that. If you read the lyrics, listen to the chord changes and how the melody is constructed, you can tell that I had so much fun writing it.
I call this the Disney song, in the tradition of those animations with big chorus ensembles and engaging orchestral music. Sort of an ode to composers Alan Menken and Howard Ashman.
Not much thinking while writing this one. Just pure, unadulterated fun. Enjoy!
Beauty Queen
©2009
All this make-up on my face
I would gladly wash away
But I’ve got beauty to maintain
Cause who would want to look plain?
Wash hair, soap skin
Moisturizing cream
Brush cheeks roses bloom
Trim the nails, paint them too
Pluck brows, armpits
Emphasize curvy hips
Overweight at ninety five
So they say but I’m . . .
Chorus 1:
More than a face
And just like any girl
I’m trying to find my own place
In this world where
Man won’t see past superficial
We’re only visual pleasure
In this shallow earth
Where beauty is a curse
I’ll just be me
Tuck belly, raise chest
Hide flaws under dress
Let a little cleavage show
But not too much, just enough
Insecure yes I am
How I live for compliments
I’ve become what I hate
Desperate . . . save me!
Chorus 2:
I’m just a girl
In a crowded marketplace
But I’m not ashamed
If I can’t compete
And vie for their attention
Or get their satisfaction
`Cause though often compared
Frankly I don’t care
I’ll just be me
Bridge:
Should I wax my legs
Just to look my best
Must I wear all this gold
From head to toe
I don’t know
If I still know that . . .
Chorus 3:
I’m just a girl
Standing up for love and truth
And proving my worth
I’m representing every woman’s
Need for affection
Cause we are all but human
Outside is what you see
But inside I’ll always be
A beauty queen
Inside I’ll always be
. . . just a girl
Any Given Night
This is just for the fun of it. Here’s what happens when you have an artsy fartsy weekend with a talented artist.
Title: Any Given Night
Artist: Ninna Juan
Words & Music: Christina Juan
Genre: Christian Music
Producer/Arranger: Reev Robledo
Publisher: Lightswitch Music
Video: Reev Robledo
Release Date: May 2011
Special thanks to Lora Alfonso for the additional video shots.
Each Day With You
Here’s my take on a classic OPM song by Martin Nievera, written by Christine Bendebel. I initially just made the music but decided to add some visuals into it. The cheeziness is intentional. Haha. I used a music box sound to write the instrumental and a couple of strings and piano. If you like it, just download the link below the video!
Earth Hour Theme Song
Tasked by WWF Philippines to write a theme song for Earth Hour, a yearly campaign that encourages everyone to save energy for climate change. Special thanks to Percival (who agreed to do it in super short notice), the talented Ninna Juan, Jo Igancio of WWF, Roy del Valle and Noisy Neighbors, Mark Limchoa, Mr. Lorenzo Tan and the WWF girls.
Let’s all do our part!
Title: If We Try
Artists: Percival and Ninna Juan
Back-up singers: Lorenzo Tan, Anna Montenegro, Mayj Tolentino, Carmen Tan, Marie Sonsehrey Bretana, Jo Ignacio and Mark Limchoa
Client: WWF Philippines
Studio: Noisy Neighbors
Beauty and The Bible
Beauty and The Bible: The Testimonies of Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, Esther, Abigail, Tamar and the daughters of Job. Childless, manipulative, jealous, faithful, submissive, abused and blessed–these are the stores of the most beautiful women that ever lived.
Written by Reev Robledo. Produced by Lightswitch Publishing and PAMBRidGe Events.
SM Megamall, Cinema 7, November 21, 2009.
 Lyz Tiongson as Sarah
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 Micaela Pineda as Rebekah
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 Ninna Juan as Rachel
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 Hiyasmin Neri as Esther
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 Vida Curray as Abigail
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 Faith Roanne Caronan as Tamar
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 Imee Suarez as Jemimah
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 Jenny Talam as Keziah
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 Hiyasmin Neri, Lyz Tiongson, Vida Curray, Ninna Juan, Micaela Pineda, AIka Licudan, Jenny Talam, Faith Roanne Caronan, Reev Robledo, Imee Suarez
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For Keeps
Title: For Keeps
Artist: Reev (featuring Percival)
Genre: Pop
Publisher: Lightswitch Publishing
Release Date: 2002
Back-up vocals by Jonathan Soriano. Lyrics inspired by Nick Servino.
For Keeps
Reev (feat. Percival)
Lightswitch Publishing © 2002
Lately when I would close my eyes
I’d see her eyes looking right through mine
And in my mind all these thoughts of her try
To betray my fear of breaking
Love can wait
Don’t want to make the same mistakes
A little faith and a prayer
And she’ll be here to stay
And when the time is right
I would take a chance and fight
For her love
Chorus:
She is the home
I’d love to call my own
She is the moment
I’ve waited long to hold
If there was a way to know
How our story will unfold
I want her to be
The reason I believe
This time it’s for keeps
Could it be like a love at first sight
My one true love
Or has she gone by?
And through my prayers
I’ll find the answers
As clear as heaven’s skies but only…
Time will tell
Can’t say I’ve learned to love too well
Let the courage and truth
Of my actions prove
All these things I say
Though my words are the same old cliches
Chorus
GENERATIONS
Title: GENERATIONS
Artist: NXTGen Kids Choir
Genre: Christian Music
Producer: Reev Robledo
Publisher: Lightswitch Music
Release Date: March 2008
Tracks 1 to 8, composed by Reev Robledo. Additional words and music on “Jesus Loves The Little Children”. All songs arranged by Reev Robledo.
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Shepherd King
Shepherd. Warrior. Psalmist. Father. King.
Heralded as Israel’s greatest ruler, no other character has been mentioned in the Bible as much as the son of Jesse. “Shepherd King, The Story of David” is a musical stageplay highlighting significant events in his rich and colorful life.
The musicale features original music written and directed by Reev Robledo. Production team includes prod manager Teri Tolosa and assistant director Mark Limchoa. The preview was staged at the St. Francis Square Auditorium, 5th flr. on December 22 Friday, 2006 at 8pm.
Shepherd King (Album)
Title: Shepherd King, The Story of David
Artist: Reev Robledo
Genre: Christian Music
Producer: Reev Robledo
Publisher: Lightswitch Music
Release Date: TBA
An original musicale featuring 17 tracks of orchestral song arrangements.
Mourning After
After 20 years of a mighty rule, King David falls into the trap of lust and taints his kingdom with blood. Bathsheba, his beautiful mistress, mourns her husband’s death while pregnant with a child destined to die. Disobedience, adultery, deception and ultimately murder. The second half of David’s monarchy is a life of strife and bloodshed.
Here’s an excerpt from my first musicale Shepherd King, The Story of David which you can preview here. The stageplay highlights significant events in the life of King David such as his anointing, heroism, fall into sin, dark family heritage and glorious kingdom.
Claude Villacorta as Bathsheba
We are privileged to have discovered a very talented stage actress (singer, model and dancer too!) in the form of Claude Villacorta who portrayed Bathsheba to perfection. Here she performs “Mourning After”, a sorrowful lament moments after her husband had been killed through an illicit affair with King David.
Claude in the preview of Shepherd King
Click play to listen to her studio recording.
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Mourning After
Written and orchestrated by Reev Robledo
Lightswitch Publishing ©2005
O why, my king
Why did thee allow
Please help me see
Past through it somehow
Why the man I held
Every morning in bed
Is now a breath away
Only mem’ries remain
I am broken
O why, my lord
Why must you take away
The man I swore
To cherish night and day
Was I powerless
In my heart lies unrest
Blame my foolish ways
For having put me to shame
Please forgive me
I find comfort in the arms of my king
Now that my mourning is over
I pray this union is blessing that brings
Peace to our home, a decent shelter
Please help me understand
The wisdom of your plan
Because my king
You are the chosen one
I won’t question why
My fate is in your hands
My king
Suite Inspirations
Title: Suite Inspirations
Artist: Reev Robledo
Genre: Soundtrack/Instrumental
Producer: Reev Robledo
Publisher: Lightswitch Music
Release Date: 2005
A 23-track original album featuring orchestral and contemporary all-instrumental music. Written and arranged by Reev Robledo.
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Percival
Title: Percival
Artist: Percival
Genre: Contemporary/R&B
Producer: Reev Robledo
Publisher: Lightswitch Publishing
Release Date: TBA
An EP with songs composed and arranged by Reev Robledo.
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Day I Knew
Title: Day I Knew
Artist: Reev (feat. Percival)
Genre: Contemporary
Publisher: Lightswitch Publishing
Release Date: 2011…but written and recorded in 2004 :)
“Day I Knew” is a song about new beginnings. It speaks of the moment when I met The One who changed my life forever.
Recording Lea Edrosolan-Santos
Found this in the archives of good ol’ 2002!
Here’s a song I arranged for singer-songwriter Lea Edrosolan-Santos before she got married. She sang this acapella on a tape recording and I worked with her melody. We jammed and recorded it one afternoon. So happy with how the vocals turned out. Her harmonies are amazing.
Can’t say it enough: I love working with talented people. Lea, let’s do your other songs!
Lea Edrosolan-Santos
Click on the play button to hear our recording:
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Be With You
Written by: Lea Edrosolan-Santos
Arranged by: Reev
Lead and back-up vocals: Lea Edrosolan-Santos
Vocal arrangement: Reev
© 2002
Anna Fegi
Title: Every Step of The Way
Artist: Anna Fegi
Genre: Pop
Publisher: BMG Records Pilipinas
Release Date: 2001
Track 5 “Even More” original lyrics by Reev Robledo. Original music from “Koisuru Kisetsu” by Japanese pop-star Misia. Arranged by Jay Durias.
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Because It’s Christmas
Title: Because It’s Christmas
Artist: Vina Morales
Genre: Pop
Publisher: OctoArts Philippines
Release Date: 1997
Track 6 “Paano Ang Pasko” written and arranged by Reev Robledo.
