Dhel Horest

Peterdelio “Dhel Horest” Horacio (born July 17, 1944 in Panglao, Bohol) is one of the most popular Visayan composers in the Philippines. He has written many hit songs for Visayan artists, most notably Rosalie Robles and the powerhouse alto singer Dulce. The 3rd of eleven children, Mang Dhel got his first big break at age 12, when he won P15 at a singing competition in Butuan City for singing a Jack Jones tune. At 17, he became a radio talent for DYRC Cebu. He was signed by various recording companies as artist, and was at one point being packaged as novelty artist, scoring a hit with the song “Lucing” in 1981. His super platinum hit happened in 1982 with “Matud Mo,” sung by Dulce. A great hit song, he believes, “ay tumatama sa istorya ng panahon. Puwedeng mangyari sa kahapon at ngayon (A great hit song goes with the story of the times and can happen yesterday and today).

Awards

• Best Children’s Song, “Kahit Ako’y Bata Pa,” Awit Awards, 1984
  Interpreted by Michelle Reyes