‘Now That I Have You’ composer records her own song

Multi-awarded singer-songwriter Trina Belamide celebrates three decades in the music biz with her own version of her original composition, "Now That I Have You."

The track was first released in 1992 by The CompanY as a carrier single of its album Six by 6, which won Best Album at the Awit Awards that year.

The song was likewise recorded as a duet by Erik Santos and Sheryn Regis for the soundtrack of the 2004 movie also titled Now That I Have You, starring John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo.

The hit ballad has since been covered by various artists, including choral versions by the Madrigal Singers and the Ateneo Chamber Singers.

But this year, the song's composer recorded her own version of the 30-year-old tune.

Hobby-turned-profession

Belamide began writing songs professionally in late 1991. She credits Moy Ortiz, The CompanY's musical director, for getting her started.

"He knew I wrote songs as a hobby and encouraged me to submit some songs to Joey Albert, who was working on an album at the time," recalled Belamide.

She added that, for The CompanY's second album, Ortiz "had me pitch my own work. He and their producer Margot Gallardo provided me with guidance and musical pegs. Moy even came to my house and we recorded its original demo using just my dad's double cassette deck!"

"Now That I Have You" climbed to no. 1 on local radio charts and stayed on top for five months. It has become a favorite at weddings and karaoke gatherings.

Belamide hopes fans of the song will like its 30th anniversary edition, which she describes as an update to The Company's classic version.

"Now That I Have You" was followed by more hits by Belamide including "Shine" and "You've Made Me Stronger," both recorded by Regine Velasquez, as well as the World Youth Day theme song "Tell the World of His Love," which was performed during the Philippine visits of Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis in 1995 and 2015, respectively.

Belamide has won in numerous local and international songwriting competitions and written songs for TV and film as well. Sheet music, audio tracks and videos of her works can be streamed and downloaded via her website trinabelamide.com.