Odette Quesada

Odette was born in the Philippines to the late John Flewelling, an American originally from New Jersey, and Thelma Quesada, of San Juan, Metro Manila. Her full name is Odella Vania Quesada Flewelling. “I used Odette Quesada because it was easier to pronounce,” she explained.

She spent her childhood years abroad, traveling with her mother who was a jazz singer and pianist. Odette recalled, “When it was school time, I was shipped back to my Lola in the Philippines. When my mom remarried, she lived in Hawaii. I lived there on and off until I decided to stay put in Manila in 1982.”

The permanent move proved fortuitous to Odette who studied music composition at the University of the Philippines but did not graduate. She went on to become one of the Philippines’ youngest and most prolific singer-composers whose other credits include “Don’t Know What to Say (Don’t Know What to Do),” “Farewell” and “Friend of Mine.” She released six albums.

In April 1993, Odette married Bodjie Dasig, also a singer-songwriter, whom she met through a mutual friend, fellow songwriter Christine Bendebel. The two have a son, Darian.

The popular songwriting couple and Darian moved to Los Angeles for good in 2001. “It was Bodjie’s idea,” Odette said. In March 2012, Bodjie passed away from cancer. Her Lola died in January 2000.

Read more: https://entertainment.inquirer.net/182708/fil-am-orchestra-honors-composer-odette-quesada#ixzz6BNTQbQyV
Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook