OPM icon and LGBTQIA+ trailblazer Ice Seguerra turned emotional as he unveiled “Being Ice,” his first full-length album of all-original material in a decade, and announced a two-night concert memoir, “Being Ice: Live,” happening this September 12 and 13 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.
The twin release was held July 31 at Noctos Music Bar, co-presented by Fire and Ice Music and Star Music, the album’s official distributor.
Ice performed three of his newest compositions, “Shelter of the Broken,” “Nandiyan Ka” and “Wag Na Lang Pala.”
“Nandiyan Ka” is a tribute to his late Daddy Dick. In his tearful introduction, Ice spoke candidly about his regrets and realizations after his father’s death in 2020.
“He always took a backseat just to make sure Mama could take care of me,” Ice said. “Siya ‘yung nagdadala ng gamit ko, nagbebenta ng CDs ko sa mga officemates niya. Ang sakit lang na na-realize ko ‘to nung may sakit na siya. This song is my way of saying thank you. While I carry regrets… I’m still grateful. Because even if I didn’t always see it, nandiyan [sya[. And I know he still is.”
Ten years in the making, “Being Ice” marks his first original studio release since his 2015 collaboration with Ryan Cayabyab. Released under his own label, Fire and Ice Music, it is also the first album to bear his name, Ice Seguerra.
Featuring eight deeply personal tracks, the album spans themes of depression, grief, love, queer joy and self-discovery. Ice collaborated with longtime creative partner and wife Liza Diño on production, and brought together OPM pride Jonathan Manalo, Top Suzara, Mike Villegas, Vince de Jesus and Trisha Denise.
At the launch, Ice bared the emotional blocks he often encounters in songwriting. “Opo, lagi akong namemental block, as in siguro kung sa 100%, parang 80% percent dun mental block, 20% ‘yung hindi. Hinahayaan ko lang kesa naman ipilit ko.
“I just make sure na kapag nakawala ako … I’m ready with paper or at least notes ko para maisulat yung naiisip ko. But I think that’s also one of the good things about working with a collaborator. I’m blessed na ‘yung asawa ko is a good writer. Kunyari may idea ako, ibabato ko sa kanya, tapos kapag na-feed niya ‘yon, biglang magkakaroon na naman ako ng bago. It bounces back and forth.”
Sadness, he revealed, has often brought forth the songwriter in him. “Kasi parang kapag okay, kapag masaya, hindi ko ma-put into words yung nararamdaman ko. Pero pag malungkot ako, parang ang dami kong nakukuhang words na pwede kong ilagay dun sa kalungkutan ko.”
Ice also addressed the internal pressure that delayed the release of his new material. “I’d be lying if I say na hindi ako nadepress or even now, I feel that. Because wala naman akong ibang ginagawa kundi ito. Wala naman akong kabuhayan, ‘di ba? This is my bread and butter. Like if I don’t succeed in the album… But I am consciously trying my best to take out that pressure sa sarili ko. That’s the reason why it took me a long time to release my originals — that pressure. ‘Oh my God, dapat mag-hit ’to. Oh my God, dapat ganito.’ Kaya ako natagalan. I want the album to do good, to do amazing. But I am trying to release myself from that pressure. Number one, my mental health won’t be able to handle that. Number two, if I continue to give myself that pressure, babalik na naman ako dun sa dati, na I’m singing other people’s songs — which I still do, and there’s nothing wrong with that — but ngayon nandito ako sa point ng buhay ko na gusto kong mas makilala niyo kung sino ako sa pamamagitan ng mga kantang naisusulat ko.”
After the release of “Being Ice” comes “Being Ice: Live,” a two-night concert. September 12 features “Ice Seguerra: Videoke Hits,” which is Ice’s tribute to his Mommy Caring, who passed away last June 27 and had always considered “Videoke Hits” her favorite concert of Ice’s.
September 13 will see “The Ice Seguerra Experience,” which features a 12-piece band and performances that range from folk-pop and jazz to alt-rock and acoustic storytelling.
How does he think will he perform as he grapples with grief?
“Ewan ko. Honestly, hindi ko alam. I’m sure I will always do my best. But I’m sure I’ll be very raw,” he admitted. “Siguro if there’s one thing that I’m confident about, nakatatak din kasi sa ‘kin ‘yung professionalism. Na alam ko, lumaki ako sa era ng ‘show must go on’ kahit ano man ‘yung pinagdadaanan mo, kahit ano pa man ‘yung nararamdaman mo. If you’re on stage, you give it your best. Siguro I’ll be more vulnerable, which might help. And feeling ko, if I perform anything less than my 100%, babatukan ako ng nanay ko. Kasi siya yung nag-train sa’kin nun. Na walang rason para hindi mo ibigay para sa tao ‘yung best mo — every time.”
Both nights will feature appearances from two of Ice’s most influential mentors and father figures — Gary Valenciano and Vic Sotto.
As he enters his 42nd year — and his 38th in the industry — Ice looks back with gratitude and forward with courage.
“I’m so grateful to all of you — my fans — for standing by me. This is already my 38th year in the industry, and yet, you’ve never left. You’ve always been there. And now, as I fully embrace who I am as Ice Seguerra, I’m sharing with you the most honest version of myself — through songs I finally had the courage to write. I hope you’ll still be there. I can’t wait to share the stories I’ve kept for so long. Stories only music could tell. Stories only you deserve to hear. See you at the concert. And yes, it also happens to be my birthday. Let’s celebrate life, truth and all the versions we’ve survived to become.”
“Being Ice” will be available starting August 8 on all major digital platforms. “Being Ice: Live” happens September 12 and 13 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. Tickets are now available via TicketWorld, including two-night passes, VIP bundles and barkada promos.
