But good, Filipino, wedding love songs are few and far between. We don’t recall hearing a new OPM wedding song in recent years. That is why when we learned that a particular wedding song stood out during the run of *"Pag-ibig sa Bayan"* – a musical based on the life of Senator "Nene" Pimentel and his wife Bing in the Martial Law era -- we got curious.

Since we missed the musical play during its four-day run in the Meralco Theatre, we did some research in order to find out more about it. We learned that the senator’s wife wrote its *libretto*. We also learned that Mrs. Pimentel also wrote two other love songs especially for her daughter’s wedding back in 2003. Eager to hear these songs, we took the chance and e-mailed the good senator’s office in the hope of getting hold of his wife for an interview. We thought the idea was pretty far-fetched having to send our correspondence to an official senate e-mail account. But to our surprise, Ruby Villanueva, the senator’s Executive Assistant got in touch with us, and soon after our meeting with the lady songwriter was underway.

*Merienda Cena* *in Marikina*

Since most of the interviews we’ve done for this column were mostly through e-mail or text (for one-liners), we were very anxious as to how our first face-to-face interview would turn out. Our meeting, after all, is with the wife of a prominent political figure who stood for his principles back in the Martial Law days up until the recent 20th EDSA Anniversary celebration.

When we arrived at the Pimentel residence in Marikina, we were personally welcomed by Mrs. Bing Pimentel and immediately felt at ease given her warm, motherly demeanor. We sat and casually talked about her family life, her songs and her hands-on involvement during her daughter’s wedding.

Over delicious *pancit* and *ginatan* prepared by her lovely daughter-in-law *, *we listened to the soundtrack of the said musical. We listened intently to the fourth track called *"Sa Harap ng Diyos,"* a duet by lead actors Marco Sison and Jane Diaz (playing the young Nene & Bing) as the bride and groom exchanged wedding vows. While there is no substitute to listening to the actual tune, we share with you the lyrics:

*Kay tagal kong hinintay ang araw na ito

Ibig kong mangako sa harap ng Diyos

Ikaw at ikaw lamang ang mamahalin

Ikaw at ikaw lamang ang iibigin

Sa harap ng Diyos, nangangako ako

Sa hirap at ginhawa tayo’y magkaisa*

*Tanggapin mo ang puso ko, pati na ang buhay ko

Kahit ano’ng mangyari, ikaw and mahal ko

Kay tagal kong hinintay ang araw na ito

Mahal kita, dapat alam mo

Ang buhay ko’y iyong-iyo, tanggapin mo

Sa harap ng Diyos nangangako ako

Ikaw at ikaw lamang ang mamahalin*

*Eto ang pag-ibig ko, ikaw ang buhay ko

Nangangako ako, uulitin ko

Mahal kita, asahan mo

Magsasama habang buhay

Mahal ko*

What is amazing is that the senator’s wife neither reads nor writes notes. She doesn’t even play any musical instrument. Her most essential gadget is a recorder in order to record the words and melody when inspiration hits her. She has written songs sung by Jose Mari Chan, Rico J. Puno, Freddie Aguilar and even Nora Aunor.

Another noteworthy song she penned is *Stapel Verliefd** *(Madly in Love). She wrote the tune as an engagement gift for her daughter Lorraine and the latter’s partner, Alain, who hails from Belgium. *Tita* Bing said the song is special because it brings back memories of her and the senator during the early years of their courtship. The song was interpreted by Bimbo Cerrudo and included in the wedding CDs that were given away during the couple’s wedding. What we find really interesting is that the song seamlessly weaves three different languages (Belgian, English and Filipino) into one memorable pop ballad. Read the words as it pays homage to the couple making it truly tailor-made for them:

When I saw you from where I stood

I know instantly you’ll be part of my life

First glances, sweet talks

Whisper of goodbyes…

A handshake, a magnet to my heart

I don’t know when, I don’t know how

But I am… *stapel verliefd* – madly in love

*Taimtim na umiibig sa iyo*

*Buhay di kaya kung wasa sa piling mo*

*Stapel verliefd* – madly in love

Miracle in life happens to you

You never get a chance to be what you want

But when you’re madly in love

You paint a picture of your life

Set your heart on fire

Hand in hand walk with your love

*Stapel verliefd* – madly in love

*Kung ito ang pag-ibig*

*Sana habang buhay ganito ako*

I don’t know when, I don’t know how

But I am… *staple verliefd* – madly in love

Truly, Mrs. Lourdes "Bing" dela Llana Pimentel is a rare talent we can truly admire. How we wish that these two wedding songs, along with her other works, would be released soon to be heard by more Filipinos.