Vic del Rosario Jr., the hitmaker

Vic del Rosario Jr., has parlayed a P4,000 investment with his cousin Orly Ilacad into building an entertainment powerhouse in Vicor Music Corporation and later in Viva Films. The latter is now known as Viva Communications, Inc., where he is chairman and chief executive. He is now an acknowledged pillar of Philippine show business.

Del Rosario has accomplished a lot. Think launching into stardom three of the country’s top singer/actresses and box-office queens in Sharon Cuneta, Regine Velasquez and Sarah Geronimo. Action stars like Bong Revilla Jr. and Robin Padilla, comedians like Joey de Leon and Andrew E., cultural icons like the Bagets, directors like the internationally-acclaimed Joel Lamangan, Eric Matti, etc.

There is a lot more. But beneath all that and certainly the seed that grew into everything he has become is the music. Boss Vic, as he is now fondly called, has never sung a song, let alone compose or arrange one. But he has a fantastic feel for finding hits and the artists who can create them for him.

Did you know that National Artist Ryan Cayabyab made his recording debut at Vicor as musical director of Victor Laurel’s Cocoy Live album? Did you know that the guys of the Apo Hiking Society were all set to leave their music for the corporate world until Boss Vic convinced them to give it another try? He also recorded the then underage Marvic Sotto who could have been our first international pop idol had he accepted the offer to relocate abroad. There are more.

What about composer George Canseco? He was a copy editor for the Associated Press until Boss Vic brought him to Vicor. Or Willy Cruz, who was studying at the Asian Institute of Management until Boss Vic drafted him to producing for Vicor. He also convinced Jose Mari Chan to come out of semi-retirement to perform Can We Just Stop and Talk a While at the Yamaha Song Festival in Tokyo. And there are so many more, so many who have created the soundtrack of our lives these past 50 years or so.

Vic del Rosario Jr. had a hand in bringing to us the songs identified with the Golden Age of Philippine Music that began during the ‘70s on the Vicor label. Kapantay ay Langit, Pilita Corrales; I’m Sorry My Love, Victor Wood; Maria Leonora Teresa, Tirso Cruz III; Rain, Boy Mondragon; Sixteen, Vilma Santos; Himig Natin, Juan de la Cruz Band; A Samba Song, Bong Penera and Batucada; Can We Just Stop and Talk a While, Jose Mari Chan.

The Way We Were, Rico J. Puno; Philippine Geography, Yoyoy Villame; Ngayon at Kailanman, Basil Valdez; Bonggahan, Sampaguita; Balatkayo, Anthony Castelo; Saranggola ni Pepe, Celeste Legaspi; Anak, Freddie Aguilar; Masdan Mo ang Kapaligiran, Asin; Saan Ako Nagkamali, Tillie Moreno; Gihidlaw Naintawon Ako, Max Surban; Dito Ba, Kuh Ledesma; Be My Lady, Martin Nievera.

Laki Sa Layaw, Mike Hanopol; Kahit Konting Pagtingin, Ric Segreto; Katawan, Hagibis; Mr. DJ, Sharon Cuneta; Maging Sino Ka Man, Rey Valera; Growing Up, Gary Valenciano; Don’t Say Goodbye, Pops Fernandez; Manila, Hotdog; Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko, VST & Company; Ikaw Pa Rin, Tito Mina; Farewell, Raymond Lauchengco; Hiram, Zsa Zsa Padilla.

The hits continued at Viva Records. Humanap Ka Ng Panget, Andrew E; Only Me and You, Donna Cruz; You are My Song, Regine Velasquez; Ikaw ang Aking Pangarap, Ogie Alcasid; Before I Let You Go, Freestyle; Forever’s Not Enough, Sarah Geronimo; Hanap-hanap, James Reid and Nadine Lustre.

As far as finding music for the ages is concerned, there is really no stopping Del Rosario. Now 75 years old, he is still at it. He is surrounded by a line-up of young talents with new exciting sounds, who are now creating the big-selling songs.

Kabilang Buhay, Bandang Lapis; Kahit Ayaw Mo Na, This Band; Higa, Arthur Nery; Marikit, Juan & Kyle; Hindi Tayo Puede, The Juans; Di Na Muli, Janine Tenoso; Dalagang Filipina, Allmo$t; Kahit Ayaw Mo Na, This Band and others. Why, he is now in the process of grooming an incredibly talented 17-year-old named Rob Deniel with a song titled Ulap for idol stardom.