Singer-composer Ice Seguerra felt all fidgety when he and fellow singer Juris Fernandez attended the rehearsals for “Himig Handog” nine years ago. Both thought they had no chance of winning because all the contestants were good.
Seguerra recalled her “Himig Handog” experience via Instagram last Thursday, Feb. 24, where he shared a photo of himself with Fernandez.
“[Nine] years ago, I sat beside my good friend Julie Iris Fernandez-Lim habang pinapanood namin yung rehearsals ng mga interpreters ng mga kanta na naglalabanlaban sa Himig Handog,” he said.
(Nine years ago, I sat beside my good friend [Juris Fernandez] while we watched the rehearsals of song interpreters battling it out in “Himig Handog.”)
Seguerra admitted there were butterflies in their stomachs as they went through with the rehearsals.
“Kabadong kabado kami kasi hindi naman kami sanay sa contest. Namamangha kami sa galing ng mga makakatapat namin habang paurong kami sa silya namin dahil sa stress,” he recalled.
(We were so nervous because we’re not used to competing in contests. We were amazed at the talent of those we’re competing against while we slid backwards in our seats.)
With that, Seguerra and Fernandez thought of something to ease their jitters.
“Kaya sabi namin sa isa’t isa, ‘isipin natin, hindi tayo kasama sa contest ah, guest lang tayo dito,’” he said.
(So we told each other, “Let’s think that we’re not included in the contest, that we’re just guests here.”)
It worked. Their songs “Anong Nangyari Sa Ating Dalawa” and “Hanggang Wakas,” respectively, ended up being awarded the top two prizes.
“Looking back, I’m just happy I got to share this experience with an amazing person. Having a friend right beside me made this momentous journey more beautiful,” he said. “I miss you, Juju. Paramdam din minsan ha. Labyu.” (Please make your presence felt someday. I love you.)
Soon after, the singer commented, “Hi Ice, can you feel me?” to which Seguerra replied, “[‘Yan] na, feel na kita.” (There, I can already feel you.) JB
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