Ice Seguerra and Sitti’s signature songs mark milestones

Original Pilipino Music (OPM) hitmakers Ice Seguerra and Sitti are celebrating significant milestones in their respective music careers. It has been 25 years since Ice’s timeless song, Pagdating ng Panahon, came out in 2001, while Sitti’s hit single, Para sa Akin, marks its 20th year. Both songs have transcended time and become soundtracks of our lives, including courtships, weddings, anniversaries, heartbreaks and reconciliations. They acknowledged that their iconic songs have brought them to where they are now in the music industry.

“Pagdating ng Panahon 25 years na, and for me, it’s one of the biggest milestones ng career ko. I don’t think I’d be sitting here with you now if it weren’t for that song. The 25 years deserve to be celebrated kasi di naman parating nangyayari iyon na kahit 25 years na ang lumipas, the clamor for it every time I play gigs, hindi ko siya pwedeng hindi kantahin talaga,” Ice remarked during their guesting on “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda.”

The artists share a laugh with their performer-friends Princess Velasco and Nyoy Volante during a special number at Sitti’s 20th anniversary show with Ice as director.

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He recorded and released a new version of the ballad. “The ‘25’ release is not just to celebrate, but at the same time to look back on the journey of Pagdating ng Panahon as it grew with me. If you listen to the first and the second releases, makikita mo rin iyong maturity ng singer at ng kanta.”

I have known Sitti for a long time since I used to manage her career. She has a soothing voice that calms both body and soul. I’m proud that her song, Para sa Akin, is still part of the listening public’s playlist two decades after her debut album, “Café Bossa,” was released.

Longtime colleagues and friends Ice and Sitti rehearse together for a show.

The country’s Bossa Nova queen recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of the song through a concert that was directed by Ice. “This also chronicles my journey and growth as an artist. It’s a celebration of love, music and friendship,” she said.

I asked Sitti and Ice about the role of music in these ongoing societal problems plaguing the country right now. Ice replied, “Music is not just about entertainment. I think music iyong paraan rin na masasabi iyong mga nararamdaman natin kasi ang music, tama sa puso, diretso iyan. I think sa panahon ngayon talagang lalabas din iyong nararamdaman nating mga Pilipino through these songs.”

Ice shared that the song titled Lupang Pinangako, which he wrote more than 10 years ago, remains relevant today. “Parang walang pinagbago. Kung ano ang nag-inspire sa akin — the frustrations I felt — kaya ko nasulat iyon; ganoon pa rin.”

Sitti commented, “When I feel something so deeply, and I feel like wala akong magagawa about it, that’s when I retreat into music. Hindi tamang sabihin sa panahon ngayon na mag-e-escape tayo into the music kasi talagang this is not the time to just let things happen na wala kang gagawin.”

She recalled a songwriting camp in Dumaguete that she attended in 2013 after Typhoon Yolanda. “There were so much deaths that could have been prevented. Ito iyong tanong ko lagi: tuwing may sakuna sa bansa natin, bakit hindi tayo mas prepared? Bakit hindi tayo natututo?”

As musical artists, how do they keep themselves competitive and relevant in this digital age?

“I really believe that we have to show our uniqueness coz that’s the only way you can be competitive. Kapag gumaya tayo, I think that would be your downfall. No. 2 is that you really have to be the best at your craft. You have to do better every single time. Hindi ka pwedeng mag-relax,” Ice remarked.

“For me, pour out more of your humanity to whatever craft you are doing. Iyon talagang hindi ka na mag-ho-hold back pa,” Sitti added.

Music is an emotional outlet that could help in the healing process of someone suffering from grief and pain. The two singers discussed how they use music to deal with the passing of their beloved mothers. Sitti said, “It’s a release. It’s saying the things you can’t say. Iyong minsan, wala kang words talaga. Only the music will say that.”

Ice shared, “I’m very stoic talaga, especially when I’m really feeling so many things. Mahirap akong mag-release. I remember when my mom passed away; it’s through songs na alam kong favorite niya, doon ako nakakaiyak.”