What began as a song commissioned by the late La Primera Contravida Cherie Gil nearly a decade ago is now getting a new life at the Eurovision Song Contest Asia Philippines Selection Night, Pili, Pinas.
During the media conference for Pili, Pinas, singer-songwriter Nar Cabico revealed that his song “Cheri(e)” was originally commissioned by Cherie herself.
“This song was commissioned by Miss Cherie Gil herself, way back in 201(8). Her team contacted me and she saw one of my songs and she was ‘Can you write a song for me because one of my biggest life frustration is, I was always called ‘Cherry’ in the Philippines’ but for all her career, she just wanted to remind people that her name is Che (she)-rie (ree) and hindi po siya ‘Cherry’,” Nar said.
Nar took inspiration from her name, noting that “Chérie” also means “dear” or “beloved” in French: “From that, kinuha ko yung pangalan niya na Cherie and I realized na it also means love in French. It is also a term for endearment. Ginawa ko po yung kanta and sinend sa kaniya.”
Originally written as a four-minute song, “Cheri(e)” was supposed to feature Cherie herself. But following her passing, Nar thought the track would remain unheard.
“Akala ko po when she passed away, the song is just sitting on my laptop and then last March, plinay ko po sa Star Music and kina Sir Jonatahn, and here we are with the song,” he stated.
Years later, Nar finally submitted the song as an entry for the Philippine selection, carrying with it Cherie’s original message while giving the track a new life.
“It is an anthem about love, self-empowerment and how its very important na when people say our anime, they have to say it right because feel ko biblical din kasi it was given to us by our father and mother and we have to honor them by protecting our name and building our name for ourselves,” he described.
In a social media post, Nar also looked back on the unexpected journey of the song and his first meeting with Cherie.
“In 2018, the late Ms. Cherie Gil reached out to me after watching my music video ‘Gaga’. We had dinner in Shangrila Mall and I remember how surreal that moment was. The Filipina icon commissioned me to write and compose a song that would highlight how to pronounce her name properly,” he recalled.
Nar submitted “Cheri(e)” in March 2026 and was later informed that it had made it into the Top 10 of the Philippine selection: “It has been a roller coaster ride for me and I am just trying to stay present for all of it. And though it’s a competition, I promised myself to just focus on my lane and remember that the process is the prize.”
The song has also taken on a new life through its interpretation by young singers Elha Nympha, Esang De Torres, Lance Reblando and Nar himself, with music production by KIKX Salazar.
“The song has become an anthem of self-authenticity, courage and freedom to be seen for who you truly are,” he wrote.
“Cheri(e)” is one of 10 entries competing for the chance to represent the Philippines at the Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026, which will be held in Bangkok, Thailand, on November 14.
The Pili, Pinas selection night will take place on August 30 at the New Frontier Theater in Cubao, Quezon City.
Aside from Nar, the competing entries include “Between Bituin,” penned by Jungee Marcelo and performed by DNA; “Broken Beyond Repair,” written by Angelo Gonzales and interpreted by SAGA; “Di ’Yan (Red Flag),” written and composed by Jason Marvin Hernandez and performed by Jason Dy and Sassa Dagdag; “Good For You,” written by Hazel Faith and interpreted by Ryssi Avila; and “Make It Exist,” composed by Angelo Calucin and performed by AJAA.
Completing the lineup are “Mapadama,” composed by Jungee Marcelo and Jeremy Glinoga and performed by JM dela Cerna and Marielle Montellano; “Reason to Leave,” written by Stephen Tan and interpreted by KHIMO; “Round N’ Round,” composed by Julius James de Belen and John Michael Conchada and performed by Vvink and WRIVE Russu; and “Sobra-Sobra,” penned by Nica del Rosario and Mat Olavides and performed by Carmelle.
Despite the competitive nature of the event, Nar believes all 10 songs can stand on their own beyond the Eurovision stage.
“Sa mga narinig ko pong 10 awitin na ito, I think these songs can also stand on their own even beyond the Eurovision brand. Sa palagay ko po kahit pagkatapos na noong competition, itong mga awiting ito will still find their own audiences and solid po yung mga entries,” he saod.
For Nar, being part of a lineup this strong is already something to celebrate.
“If I were to lose to any of these songs, it is a privilege to lose to these people so I'm just very happy to be here,” he continued.