Rey Valera The Hit Maker And Silent Mentor

Reynaldo Valera Guardiano also known as Rey Valera was born on May 4, 1954 in the town of Mecauyan, Province of Bulacan in the Philippines. Rey is the second of three siblings. His surname Valera was his mother’s maiden name. He is a songwriter, singer, musical director and a film scorer. Rey is known for producing song recorded by some of the OPM (Original Pinoy Music) artist like, Sharon Cuneta, the country’s most sought after actor and singer. 

The Early Years of Reynaldo Valera

Rey Valera’s career started in the year 1977 after he joined and become a member on a group named Electric Hair Band for almost seven years. Then he decided to become a solo singer as well as songwriter with the song “Ako Si Superman” which he originally created for artist Rico J. Puno. His studio Vicor Records also employed him as their recording artist and one of the company’s resident producers.

One greatest highlight of his career was when he was tasked to create a song for a budding 12-year-old singer named Sharon Cuneta. During that time it was a challenge for him on how he can make a song for this girl, because she was very young to sing love songs and too old to sing nursery rhymes.

One evening when he was ridding a jeepney from his office, he wrote the song “Mr DJ”. A song dedicated to a person who desperately requests the disc jockey to play a song on radio. Rey thought that it was the best song that will fit Sharon because it was neither a love song nor a nursery rhyme. But he had also some doubts that the song might not work out but proceeded nonetheless. When the song was first aired over the radio it was an unbelievable hit. From then on Sharon Cuneta became a well known name in every household. She became the Philippines most sought after actor, hit maker and recording artist and the Rey Valera and Sharon Cuneta tandem were inseparable. Every time they collaborated for a song it was always a huge hit in the airwaves. Rey’s career had flourished from then on and many artists began to ask him to do songs for them and he never failed them.  

Rey Famous Song Compositions

* Pangako
* Tayong Dalawa
* Kung Kailangan Mo Ako
* Maging Sino Ka Man
* Ako Si Superman
* Sinasamba Kita   
* Mr. DJ
* Sorry Na
* Naaalala Ka  

TV/Movie Hits Rey Valera Made Songs For

• Maging Sino Ka Man 
• Baby Ama 
• Kerida
• Pasong Tirad 
• Carnap King 
• Naglalayag
• Stepsisters 
• Strangers in Paradise 
• Hiwalay
• Tayong Dalawa 

His Achievements and Awards

* In the year 1981 he won the Gold Record award for the album Walang Kapalit and at the same year he bagged the title the Jukebox King of the Year.

* Received the title Entertainer of the Year and also hailed as the King of Tagalog Songs in 1982.

* Emerged as a winner in the Best Song category for the movie “Naglalayag” by Nora Aunor during the Metro Manila Film Festival.

* He was given a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Philippine Association of Recording Industries.

* His song Pangako won in the 2007 1st Ikon Asean music competition, rendered by Vina Morales. She also emerged as the champion of the competition.

Rey faced a worse challenge in 1983 in both his personal life and career. An impostor came out using his name and committed several crimes like car-napping, rape and borrowing money using his name. The following year Rey decided to quit show business and be with his wife and kids in Bulacan and sort of make up for a lost time. In 1992 his friend Bert Marcelo succeeded in persuading him to go back to showbiz again. He joined series of concerts locally and abroad.

During the late 90’s when Rey Valera began to make noises again in the industry, he also began training and introducing aspiring composers and singers. Overall, he was an undeniably renowned composer and songwriter in the Philippine music industry at the same time a person who hones new talents to pass on his and eventually leave a great legacy of music.

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