Ex-sweethearts still make beautiful music

Chances are there’s a story behind every song, on how
it was written and finally set to music. Just like the song "Tell Me," one of songster Joey Albert’s biggest hits.

"Tell Me" was composed by Joey’s former boyfriend, top musical director and composer, Louie Ocampo, composed. They were sweethearts for four years.

"Contrary to most everyone’s belief, I’m not the

woman Louie had in mind when he wrote and composed that song," Joey laughingly revealed. "When we met, he had just arrived from Berklee, after finishing a degree in music. He got my sister, Marissa (Albert), for his talent manager. She happened to be my talent manager, too.

"That time, he was suffering from a broken heart because he had just broken up with his sweetheart. Ako naman, I was in love with someone else.

"One day, he made me listen to his piano rendition of ‘Tell Me.’ He said he composed it for his girlfriend.

"I liked the song right away. As I was doing my first album with OctoArts Records then, sabi ko sa kanya, ako na lang ang kakanta.

"He immediately said yes."

Both of them never thought "Tell Me" would make history in the recording world. It was not even her album’s carrier single.

"Hanggang ngayon, tuwing naririnig ko ang awiting ‘Tell Me’ being played on radio, or kinakanta ng isang kapuwa ko singer either on TV or at a concert, natutuwa ako. It’s even more heartwarming when a non-singer sings it. I heard it’s a favorite song among karaoke enthusiasts," she enthused.

"Tell Me" is the theme song of the soon-to-be released 14th anniversary offering of Star Cinema, "A Love Story," starring three of the country’s most phenomenal stars, Maricel Soriano, Angelica Panganiban and Aga Muhlach. Director is Maryo de los Reyes.

"When I was offered by Star Cinema to sing ‘Tell Me’ as the movie’s theme song, I was not only excited, but I also felt so honored," she said.

Joey is in town for a couple of shows with Louie Ocampo at the Music Museum. Their shows were very successful, that they will stage another performance on Friday, the day before Joey leaves for Canada. The proceeds of the concerts will go to the building 60 houses in Negros Occidental through Gawad Kalinga.

In Canada, Joey plays a loving wife and a doting mother to two beautiful girls, ages 17 and 14. On the side, she teaches at a pre-school.

"It’s a simple life," she said. "But I love it."

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We asked Joey how it is to be working anew with a former boyfriend.

"Louie and I have remained good friends to date. We are both happily married now. He is married to a beautiful and good woman, Jojo.

"Louie and I are happy for each other," Joey further stated.

Joey revealed she is on remission after a bout of colon cancer. And she really looks good and appears at peace.

Joey need not tell us that there’s a love story involving her and Louie but all that now is a thing of the past.
Ethel Ramos
Malaya