ODETTE QUESADA

Odette Quesada is a celebrated Filipino singer-songwriter known for her iconic contributions to Original Pilipino Music (OPM) in the 1980s and beyond. She is renowned for her beautifully crafted pop ballads, which became hits for many popular Filipino artists. Some of her best-known songs include "Friend of Mine" (famously sung by Odette herself), "Give Me a Chance" (sung by Ric Segreto), "Till I Met You" (interpreted by Kuh Ledesma and later revived by various artists), "Farewell" (sung by Raymond Lauchengco), and "Growing Up" (performed by Gary Valenciano).

Odette’s songwriting style is marked by its relatable and heartfelt lyrics, often touching on themes of love, friendship, and longing. Her songs became anthems for a generation and continue to resonate with Filipino listeners today. Her work has earned her a lasting legacy within OPM, making her one of the most respected and admired songwriters in the Philippine music scene.

After 40 years, Odette and I finally had the opportunity to work together. I served as her musical director for her Odette Quesada 40 - All Hits anniversary concerts held in the US. It was a special experience to collaborate for the first time on such a meaningful milestone in her career.