
The celebrated singer-songwriter will be honored as one of the Pinoy Playlist Music Festival Ryan Cayabyab Music Excellence Awardees.
Odette Quesada is a celebrated Filipino singer, songwriter, and music producer, widely recognized for her influential contributions to the Philippine music industry. Often called the “Queen of Philippine Pop Ballads,” she gained fame with her powerful voice and deeply emotional performances. She is known for her evocative songwriting, making her songs timeless, and continues to be beloved by generations of fans.
Beyond her success as a performer, her impact extends through her role as a mentor and advocate for the local music scene. Her soothing vocal talent and unforgettable songs continue to inspire and shape the careers of future generations of Filipino artists.
Because of this, Odette will be honored as one of the Pinoy Playlist Music Festival Ryan Cayabyab Music Excellence Awardees today, Jan 16 at the BGC Arts Center.
And on Jan 17, 18 and 24, Odette will be celebrating her 60th birthday at the same venue where she had her very successful homecoming concert five years ago – the BGC Arts Center, too. Tickets are available at Ticketworld.
And as a treat to her fans, Odette gamely answered the 10 questions we posed to her on the Golden Celebration.
What makes this particular visit to Manila very special?
Odette Quesada: Celebrating my 60th birthday with lifelong friends and performing an intimate concert of my favorite songs. Songs I listened to, artist I have admired and emulated.
What can people expect from “Odette Quesada Hits 60”?
OQ: Expect an intimate evening where I’ll share songs that have deeply resonated with me throughout my life, alongside my personal renditions of current OPM favorites
After your very successful 40th anniversary concert, you opted for an intimate series, why?
OQ: This concert is a love letter to my fans and a personal celebration of music. At 60, I feel a renewed sense of purpose and want to share these songs while my voice is still strong. I’m a pragmatist, and I understand that as a singer, time is precious. I want to do these songs I grew up listening to, before I get too old to sing them.
What is it about 60 that excites you – in what way… and why?
OQ: At 60, I’m incredibly humbled by the number of concert offers I’m receiving. It’s a true testament to the enduring legacy of the songs I’ve written and the powerful connection they continue to have with listeners and audiences. Every show feels like a celebration of that connection
At 60, what else do you want to accomplish?
OQ: There’s a list somewhere, tucked away in the deepest corners of my mind…Revealing it might jinx the magic
What are you most thankful for in your 60 years of existence?
OQ: That my mom is still around to see me perform my music. She never really got a chance to watch me do concerts when I was younger, having been away, living in the States most of my life.
How do you intend to celebrate your actual 60th birthday?
OQ: Just an intimate dinner with friends.
If “To Love Again” was your song for your 50s, what is that song that can best usher in your entering the 60s and why?
OQ: Maybe “My Favorite Story” cause doing this concert will be one of my favorite stories to tell.
Just how important is “Odette Quesada Hits 60” to you?
OQ: This concert is a celebration of my life, my 60 years on God’s green earth, my music, and the incredible life I have had that molded me into the person I am now. I’ll be performing some of my favorite songs, both old and new, along with some special surprises. I hope you can join me for this unforgettable evening. It would mean so much to have you there to share in this milestone with me.
You are being awarded the Ryan Cayabyab Music Excellence Awards on your 60th, too. How does that feel and what does this honor mean to you?
OQ: The timing couldn’t be more perfect. I am truly blessed to be around to receive it in person. I am not sure what I did to deserve it, but I will surely treasure this one. I have been a fan of National Artist Ryan Cayabyab for decades and to receive an award named after him, from him, personally, is truly an honor.