THE PRINCES OF OPM

(JAY R, CHRISTIAN and MARK BAUTISTA)

Biblically, number seven (7) is a perfect number. Musically – in the entertainment print media, number 7 is a perfect number for this issue studded with perfect vocal bigwigs.

It’s a perfect number for your OPM Music Authority’s 7th Anniversary Issue.

Pinoy Song Magazine is blowing her seventh birthday cake together with the invited guests to serenade her birthday bash under party poppers and blithesome celebration – only and only here at the hefty pages of our magazine.

The burning torch of enthusiasm and ardor for our service has never faded since Pinoy dared paddled her canoe during her maiden voyage on the entertainment panorama. We never promised, though, to please everybody, considering our human contingencies – but rest assured – you’ll see fire in our eyes!

In our own little ways we are amenable to have given leeway for our local artists to be heralded to their fans and followers. We’ve made their voices heard as far as our words about them can nimbly be scribbled on our pages and our actions affect every fiber of the entertainment industry. It is made possible because of you receiving us at the rare end of the balance. We, therefore thank you from the bottom of our hearts. God bless you!

In this issue we fished out from the ocean of the OPM dept few of the crowned pearl voices who have stirred the waters of Filipino music to a different level. May we have the pleasure to serve on the golden platter the Prince of Soul – Jay R (Sillona III), the Asia’s Pop Idol Christian Bautista and the Pop Heartthrob Mark Bautista.

We thought of them as the Princes Of The OPM that charmed and helped in the metamorphosis of the OPM industry. They’re not to kiss a frog prince to make a magical transformation of anything else but to begin in themselves to give what they have and will have instead.

Gaudencio Aquino Sillona III, more commonly known as Jay R as his music metonym, is one of the sing and dance sensations of the local music industry. He is the man coupled with the coveted voice in his high-rated and best-selling cover album “Soul In Love.” He was the man who plights music in two different shores; since he was born in California and made his first spark of enthusiasm in that foreign land. He momentarily entertained being a Computer Engineering student before he carries the passion statement to where he is now.

Jay R has been into a lot of collaboration and performances to different places in the US. Nonetheless, he found himself sipping his cup of tea most of the time here in the Philippines. He speaks fluent Tagalog as an additional bit of him.

With no much further ado, next in the line of the triumvirate is Christian Joseph Morata Bautista, commonly known by his screen name as Christian Bautista. He is a Landscape Architect by academic profession and a singer, actor and product model by preoccupation. If you have been vigilant of how Christian Bautista trod the OPM highway, he was one of the finalists of the Star In A Million, a reality TV show conducted by one of the media giants in the Philippines, ABS-CBN. He took the fourth place after the big winner Erik Santos.

Being in the fourth place did not halted Christian from putting his best foot forward such as making his contract with Warner Music Philippines opening the floodgates of opportunity of hitting a multi-platinum album, fame and fortune. Embarking on his ship he made sails to distant shores. Christian’s hit song “The Way You Look At Me” harbored on Indonesia’s shorelines. It enjoyed numerous airplays on the radio stations in Indonesia where fans are thrilled of seeing him in person. Nonetheless, Christian never prolonged their agony – he showed up in that place and conquered their hearts to fonder.

Christian is off shore and is flagging down his songs to other Asian countries such as Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.

Next to nexus Pinoy’s anniversary chain is Mark Bautista, known by the same birth name at the industry. His surname has nothing to do with that of Christian Bautista although they both have vocal prowess given them. Mark passed similar forging as Christian Bautista does. He won second to a grand winner in the reality TV search Star For A Night Sarah Geronimo.

Mark is rather shy during his cocoon years in Cagayan De Oro where he was born. He was awakened in a family where financial earning is a hard won reality. His father stopped working because of a bad physical condition. He has four siblings to deal with on his shoulder. With such lingering financial burden came his voice as a treasure chest to him and his family.

Mark started to shake-off inhibitions and start flapping his wings following the glory of his fate till he found himself bringing home the bacon for his loved ones. Mark won several oratorical competitions and bagged cash prices which then enabled him to respond to the demands of the daily bread of his family.

Mark also ventured to acting and hosting which added more spice to his brewing career. His acting stint as Lastik Man brought him a little louder to the senses of the masses together with his hosting career in Search for A Star In A Million (season 1 and 2). Mark is now with GMA-7 for a three year contract.


TAKE IT FROM THEM

Several times we see performers burst with power and energy during their performances. How I wish you’d see them at their unguarded moments shrugging their shoulders getting even with the little flare of energy left behind – as human beings they did exhaust their sinew both physical and emotional. When and where in the point of their life do they get the energy to once again get through the demands upon waking up out of bed?

“Definitely work 'coz that's my passion when I'm down. It's all about music. It's about expressing yourself through your creativity, through writing a song and through just singing out loud,” declares Jay R.

Christian Bautista credits his source of inspiration and will to power to his Divine Master, “It's always been God, whenever my situation is, sa kanya ako umaasa. He is my inspiration to do my best all the time.”

Mark on the other hand pulls his inspiration from his family, “naku ang dami. Unang-una 'yung family ko 'coz I support my family. Iniisip ko 'yung future ko kung ano 'yung mangyayari. Ayoko kasing mawala 'yung passion sa akin for music. So far 'yun”

Besides being the agent of seeking their own force to go ahead, they are at the forefront of directing their musical welfares. Most of them ride on the thought of creating their own quality music like the one that would hit shores to shores, talents after talents and souls to souls.

“My musical direction will be definitely original R&B music that is quality and will hit here in the Philippines and also in different territories that I can getting into,” attest Jay R

Christian explains his own thrust, “writing my own songs. Maybe experimenting on different kinds of music, collaborating with more international artists. And probably I can try on producing concerts or finding other talents of some sort.”

Mark ponders on the joy of penning his own songs and song for others too. “Sa bago kong album ngayon may mga compositions ako na ginawa. Nararamdaman ko na ang sarap magsulat ng songs. Gusto ko pang magsulat ng magsulat and hopefully makapagsulat rin ako para sa ibang artists.”

Just like anybody in the mantle of the earth they have fears in them in the industry like pouring your everything and it goes to limbo – much more if yourself gets against you and dramatically munch up your passions. I guess anybody would break down flat on the floor.

“My biggest fears is not accomplishing my goals. There are a lot of goals actually,” says Jay R.

Christian explains his fears of having his effort shut to nothingness, “I think when you've done everything but no one recognizes and appreciates it all. I'm not up for recognition but syempre kapag may ginagawa ka, gusto mo ma-appreciate ng ibang tao like your fans. Hopefully huwag mawala 'yung season na ganun pero kapag dumating na 'yung season na kahit ano na ang ginagawa mo tapos unti nalang 'yung nakaka-appreciate sa'yo, it's time to move on pero ayokong dumating nga d'un sa point na ganun.”

Mark fears of losing interest to his craft as it is being the bearer of his light to the humanity, “siguro 'yung fear ko na mawala ang passion sa craft ko. Sa akin kasi feeling ko 'yun iyong importante as an artist.”

Do you find covering songs easier or harder to do compared to creating your own music?
JAY R: I think it's easier to cover songs kasi meron ka nang basehan, ginawa na 'yung kanta, music at chords, kumbaga naka-set na lahat, it's all up to you to put your own style into it. Unlike when you're making your own song you have to think the music, melody, lyrics and the vibes. So it's a lot easier for me to do revival songs.
CHRISTIAN: Covering a song definitely because you don't need to think anymore. Maganda na siya, you just need ways para mas mapaganda at ma-improve pa siya. I'm not saying much better because nothing beats the original. But hopefully different in a way that you can add a flavor to show your versatility that the fans will really enjoy.
MARK: Alam mo sa panahon ngayon mas mahirap pa rin talagang mag create ng bagong music, ng bagong tunog at mag-introduce ng bagong tunog especially sa OPM kasi maraming kalaban. It is easier for me to sing covers. Mas may recall at mas familiar 'yung song. Like ngayon, may ginagawa akong album puro originals. Kailangan ko na rin kasi ng original songs na talagang tatak Mark Bautista.

What’s the worst headline you’ve read about yourself?
JAY R: The worst headline I've read about myself was a fan whom I get pregnant, ang tagal na nun.
CHRISTIAN: There's a lot actually; that I'm gay or may pamilya akong tinatago, may anak ako sa ibang babae tapos nagkamali ako sa national anthem (laughs).
MARK: Naku medyo marami na rin akong masamang headlines. Siguro 'yung about sexuality so far 'yun pa lang.

Nowadays it is almost an absolute necessity for singers to appear on variety of programs. Do you have any plans to appear on sitcoms, teleseryes, movies or shows?
JAY R: Right now kung bumalik 'yung Take Me Out, definitely I'll plan on that but right now, I am focusing more on my music instead of teleseryes and shows alike. Of course if something comes along but I like kasi a reality and game shows type. Kapag walang project, I'll focus on my music na lang muna.
CHRISTIAN: I had a couple already, now I had Your Song with Carmen Soo. I'm doing a movie now with Miss Regine Velasquez entitled “Mrs. Recto.” And I wanna do more acting projects in the future. I wanna cast in a 'smart thinking' movie that solve a crime size ala CSI.
MARK: Actually kage-guest ko lang sa isang sitcom. Meron akong movie with Regine and Aga, I'll be part of that and hopefully mailabas na. Siguro more on guestings muna.

Which style of music do you want to do in the future?
JAY R: Definitely I would like to invest in other genres if not, work with other artists as well. 'Yung R&B kasi there's a lot of styles; there's pop R&B, soul R&B. So in a way for me maybe I'll stick within the R&B rhum and as far as with different artists, I'm totally open working with alternatives, hip-hop and whatever comes along.
CHRISTIAN: I wanna experiment on a little R&B, a little rock para lang magkaroon ng ibang flavor 'yung mga ballads ng unti.
MARK: Siguro kung ano ang sinumulan ko, Ballad. Siguro I'll try also on different genres 'yung mas fast, and upbeat songs. I want to introduce a new Mark Bautista song that's fast and with a little bit of dance routine.

In the music field, which image do you want people to remember about Christian, Mark and JayR?
JAY R: I want to be remembered on my originality na kahit cover songs ang ginagawa ko parang I make it my own and I make my original music. I want them to remember me as the guy who produced and wrote hit songs.
CHRISTIAN: I want to remember me sa magagandang love songs na tagos sa puso.
MARK: Ako naman, I would still wanna be remembered as a balladeer kasi 'yun naman talaga ako. And at the same time an artist who can sing and dance.

Have you ever used your fame to your advantage, like getting a good table in a restaurant?
JAY R: It's inevitable that it's gonna be useless but not that I am using it to benefit from it. Parang dito sa Pilipinas automatic na 'yun, hindi ko ginagamit pero it comes to me. But given a situation that I have to use it I think I would, kasi medyo na- spoil na ako that I'm expected in a certain way that I'll be able to get a good sit in a restaurant or in a club for me.
CHRISTIAN: Kapag kailangan lang (smiles). Kapag emergency, gagamitin ko siya pero kung hindi naman gusto ko pa rin talagang maging normal.
MARK: Naku marami. 'Yung mga perks kapag celebrity ka VIP ka sa airport, sa gas station.

Do you feel like you’re living in a bit of a bubble? Can you enjoy any normal existence?
JAY R: Yeah, I'm not like the famous, famous stars like Gary V or Sharon Cuneta that they cannot go anywhere without mobbing. For me, sakto lang sa akin that I can go to a mall anytime and have a good time. There are instances that some people they wanna take pictures with me pero hindi naman dumog or something. I think I can enjoy pa naman.
CHRISTIAN: Kapag nasa showbiz ka na, it's not normal anymore. You just have to do your best to try to make it normal by connecting to your old roots; family, friends and mga taong totoo sa'yo. Anything that involves a lot of people or public places medyo mahirap na, you're not gonna do it normally. I appreciate when they recognize me but you cannot do some things as easy as before. I'm not saying it's hard pero ganun, iba na talaga.
MARK: Hindi naman. Ako naman p'wede akong maging normal na tao. Nagagawa ko pa rin naman 'yung mga gusto kong gawin it's just that limited lang din. Nakakapag-mall pa naman ako, nakakanuod pa naman ako ng sine.

Did you ever imagine, a few years ago, that your life was going to turn out this way? Was that your dream, or were you thinking of doing something else?
JAY R: Eversince I was a kid, I wanted to be a singer. And I always wanted to be in the showbiz-ness. Of course, there's a time when I'm growing up parang I felt like na hindi mangyayari 'yun but it always stick with me that this is what I wanted to do. So I think yes, I've seen myself in this position.
MARK: Ang dami ng beses na natanong 'yan sa akin. Kasi unang-una n'ung sumali ako sa contest hindi ko in-imagine na magiging recording artist ako or mapapasok ako sa showbiz. Talagang naniniwala pa rin ako na everything happens for a reason and in God's perfect time nangyayari lahat ng bagay.

If you could take away your fame for just one day, how would you spend that day?
JAY R: I would spend it with my family, my mom and dad, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles.
CHRISTIAN: I'm going abroad or Paris maybe and then I'll just have a good time there.
MARK: Sa buhay ko naman everyday hindi naman hindrance sa akin kung anuman fame meron ako kasi unang- una kaya kong gawin ang ibang bagay na normal kahit sa normal na araw ko so hindi applicable sa akin iyan.

Introduce us to your latest single and anything new that we should be a lookout.
JAY R: My latest single is “Ikaw Lamang,” my second single still from Jay R Sings OPM Love Classics album and I have just finished recording a song in Bahasa, it's Indonesian and we also shot a music video of it. And we're gonna release it in Indonesia. Aside from that, I'm also working on original album but before that the Christmas album, I'm working on it since the holiday season is just around the corner, it's called the Holiday of Love, it's gonna came out again and also I wanna try to distribute it in Indonesia as well. So I hope it all happens.
CHRISTIAN: It's still “I Remember the Girl” out from my Romance Revisited: The Love Songs of Jose Mari Chan album and we shot our music video with Christine Reyes. So sana nagustuhan nila 'yun. It used to be Joey Albert's “I Remember The Boy” written by Jose Mari Chan. That's my 5th and last single from that album.
MARK: Mayroon akong album na tinatapos. Palabas pa lang 'yung album ko hindi ko pa alam kung ano 'yung first single pero sana abangan nila. May be this month or this year.


K-POP NEWS AND VIEWS

How do you feel about the K-pop invasion in the Philippines?
JAY R: It's very inspiring because there's a lot of different foreign music penetrating our music scene and it makes me think about Filipino music. It's very inspiring to see Christian Bautista making moves into other countries. I also want to try what they're doing.
CHRISTIAN: Okay naman, we should appreciate all types of music. Hindi naman dapat natin 'yun pigilan. Kung sa OPM, dapat mag-stepped up tayo so we can produce good and quality music that will appreciate by the listeners. I welcome it 'coz it gives new blood to the music industry at the same way it challenges the OPM na i-angat sa world standards 'yung music nila.
MARK: Nakaka-inspire kasi dati hindi naman tayo involved sa Korean Pop or hindi naman natin sila na-appreciate or never naman silang naging sikat dito. Tayo ang nagdo-dominate dito. Ngayon parang mas grabe 'yung perseverance and grabe 'yung pag-aaral nila para sa craft nila para ma-achieve nila 'yung ganyang kasikatan. Naging kilala sila dito. Nakaka-inspire bilang artists. Gusto ko ma-explore 'yung Korea or iba't-ibang bansa sa Asia at makilala rin 'yung mga Pinoy kasi kung kaya ng mga Koreans I'm sure kaya rin nating mga Pinoy. Hindi naman tayo nagpapatalo. Sana hindi ma-over power 'yung Philippine music - OPM.

Do you listen to korean music? Why and why not?
JAY R: No, actually I haven't come across any music as of now yet about korean music. I guess because I'm so busy with work and when I'm not working I'm still working, so there's no time to explore the listening pleasure of Korean pop.
CHRISTIAN: Hindi ko maintindihan eh (laughs). Aminin natin na ang Kpop ang fan base n'yan mostly babae talaga. I'll be watching Wondergirls or Girls' Generation kasi ang ganda-ganda nila plus their music is very catchy. I'm also happy with my collaboration with One Way. They're great guys and maybe we might work on some songs together in the future. So I appreciate it also.
MARK: Hindi kasi unang-una hindi ko naintindihan pero ang naalala ko 'yung Nobody ng Wondergirls. I also look up to Rain. Si Rain kasi nakarating sa Hollywood tapos siya 'yung parang Usher ng Korea at ang galing n'yang sumayaw. Napapanuod ko siya pero never talaga na lagi kong pinapakinggan 'yung music n'ya.

What do you think about their music?
JAY R: So far, all I heard is dance music and it's great. And people like it, it keeps them moving and start dancing. They have a nice beats.
CHRISTIAN: It's very fun, very catchy. It's perks you up, when you watch their music videos it's a multi-million videos. Bilib ako sa kanila.
MARK: Magagaling sila in terms of technical. Magaling silang gumawa ng music videos and I believe sobrang trained sila. Sobrang training ang ginawa nila para sa mga projects nila.

Any favorite Korean song?
JAY R: None at the moment.
CHRISTIAN: Right now, it's One Way 'coz I was able to work with them. May flavor sila ng R&B. I appreciate all kinds but nothing specific.
MARK: Wala.

What do you think about the Korean artists like Rain, 2ne1, Super Junior who's really big here?
JAY R: I'm very thankful to them because they serves as an inspiration to us musicians; to be more creative and be more original.
CHRISTIAN: Magaling sila sumayaw, kumanta at maganda 'yung mga music videos nila. Their music are very well produced and they're people to look up to.
MARK: Sabi ko nga si Rain ang galing n'ya kasi na-penetrate niya ang hollywood, nagkaroon siya ng movie at pangalan. 2NE1 na-appreciate ko sila kasi sa kabuuan kasi masipag sila at iba 'yung passion nila sa music na talagang naka-concentrate sila sa trabaho nila. I'm sure malaki ang influence sa kanila ng Western Music so sobrang pumapantay sila sa hollywood when it comes to music.

If you had to join a Kpop music group, what group would you like to join?
JAY R: Not probably with a group but given a chance I would like to collaborate with Rain. He has a very deep, and rich voice and amazing dancing skills. He is a good performer.
CHRISTIAN: I appreciate Kpop as a whole, nothing specific. I welcome them all.
MARK: I want to collaborate with Rain.

What kind of Korean “things” have you seen/heard of?
JAY R: I heard of Jin-Young Park, he produced some of Rain's first couple albums and he made “Nobody” by Wondergirls. I recorded my second album at his home in Hollywood. He became the first Asian producer to successfully cross over to the U.S. , producing music also for Will Smith, Mase and Cassie. So he's like a legend in Korea, he's nickname is JY. But yeah, just being in his house is inspiring 'coz it's like really big house on the Hollywood Hills that has a recording studio at the basement. I want to get into that level also that this korean guy doing music in Korea and you get so expense so much that he's able to buy a house in the Hollywood Hills which is millions of dollars.
MARK: Favorite ko talaga ang Korean food like kimchi. Gusto ko talaga 'yung food nila.

Did you have or bought any korean album?
JAY R: No, but I would love to listen to Rain's album.
CHRISTIAN: It's One Way 'coz we had a collaboration together.

What do you think about the Korean artists coming over? Do you think you have an edge over them?
JAY R: I don't think I have an edge over them, we actually have different styles. You can't really compared their edge over mine. They got their own genre and own market. It's like, if you gonna thrown my music into their genre, it's not gonna make sense 'coz it's pretty much different. So I don't think I have an edge over them.
CHRISTIAN: I appreciate the 'wave' na pumapasok ngayon. Let's welcome all kinds of music, let's do our best in every genre where in. So I'm encouraging the OPM to grow and level up to produce good and quality music kasi kayang-kaya rin naman natin. Hindi natin mapipilit ang fans na 'uy kami naman ang pakinggan n'yo.' Kailangan gumawa tayo talaga ng mga magagandang kanta para ma-appreciate nila. I think it's time for everyone to starts doing originals. I think we Filipinos has a lot of potentials, a lot of different flavors to offer so I encourage them including myself for the next projects, mag-original na tayong lahat.
MARK: Well may edge ako sa kanila kasi Pinoy ako. Iba pa rin ang Pinoy music and it will stay forever. May tiwala ako sa OPM.

For Christian, what was is like being an opening act for Rain during his recently successful concert here?
I was very nervous to be a front act in any concerts, nakakakaba palagi. N'ung nag-perform ako and na-appreciate naman nila 'yung songs ko, natuwa ako. 'Yung nakuha kong girl sa stage, korean pala and na-appreciate n'ya 'yung “Beautiful Girl” and he kissed me. So talagang natuwa ako. Then when I left, their clapping and applauding. And I'm really thankful sa mga kpop fans for accepting me that night, very thankful and hopefully I could collaborate more with other Korean artists also.

If you're given a chance to have a collaboration with any kpop artists who will it be? Why?
CHRISTIAN: I would like to collaborate with Rain, One Way, Super Junior or Ukiss. Kung babagay lang din mahirap din naman ipilit. Kasi collaborations pave way for both.


HOLIDAY FEVER

Favorite Christmas carol?
JAY R: My favorite Christmas carol would be “White Christmas.”
CHRISTIAN: Of course, “Christmas in our Hearts” by Jose Mari Chan. It is the best-selling, best-loved Christmas duet of all time.
MARK: “White Christmas.” Gusto ko 'yung melody. Malungkot na song pero hopeful.

Favorite Christmas memory?
JAY R: My favorite Christmas memory will be last year when I took my whole family to Big Mountain when it was snowing and we shot a music video for my Christmas album. My whole concept is about family; I gathered my whole family, they had all makeup, clothes, we setup the lights and my entire family dances, we're having dinner and I'm taking pictures. Basta, it was a good family bonding experience to shoot three music videos with them.
CHRISTIAN: Every Christmas I have a new Christmas memory. We're always with my whole family clan, laging masaya , kwentuhan, we're like 30 people celebrating the Christmas; different cousins, unties, titas, ninangs and lolas. They're all there.
MARK: Actually n'ung bata pa ako 'yung nagka-caroling kami sa mga bahay-bahay, hinahabol ka ng aso, binibigyan ka ng limang piso. Sobrang saya sana maulit 'yung time na iyon. 'Yung experience na 'yun hindi ko makakalimutan.

What does your family do?
JAY R: The same as any normal family do; we open gifts, we had dinner and we pray. We just spent time together, love and appreciate each other.
CHRISTIAN: We're celebrating it at Cavite. Lahat kami kumakain, nagga-games, kumakanta, sumasayaw..masaya lagi. Ako, mas nagbibigay na ako ng regalo ngayon, kahit embrace na lang okay na sa akin. Pero kung gusto nilang magbigay ng regalo wala rin problema pero mas nasa mode ako na kailangan ako naman ang magbigay sa dami ng blessings na natanggap ko.
MARK: Hindi nawawala sa amin 'yung handaan. Lahat ng kamag-anak nagsasama-sama sa isang bahay. May bunutan at exchange gift.

What do you think of Christmas in general?
JAY R: I love the Christmas holiday, it gives you a warmth feeling especially when you're a kid that's what you look forward to in a year yung pagbubukas ng mga regalo, 'yung kainan, basta yung vibes ng Christmas lang ang hinihintay mo when you're a kid. Eversince you're a kid you just had a good feeling when Christmas comes around.
CHRISTIAN: Christmas is a time to really remember that it's the birth of Christ. Then it's a time to love people around you because God's love us first, that's my core of Christmas.
MARK: Alam naman natin na 'yung spirit of Christmas about love and birth Christ. Ito 'yung time na happy lahat at excited parang nakakalimutan mo lahat. Happiness, love, sharing, being generous. Kahit wala kang pera kailangang magbigay ka. Happy ka kasi nakapagbigay ka ang sarap na ng feeling.

What are you looking forward to in 2011?
JAY R: Definitely my new album is coming out, my original album and doing music videos. As always I wanna focus on my music in 2011. Any major concerts? P'wede din but before any major concerts I just got to have a hit song again. There's a couple of out of the country shows but there's no fix schedules because usually they usually come and go like this year, every month from January I'm going back in forth to the States so it's been a good year.
CHRISTIAN: Hopefully more acting projects, a hit mostly original songs album and more collaboration with different artists.
MARK: Probably, magka-teleserye ako and movie. A major concert next year. Hopefully magtuluy-tuloy 'yung shows abroad and sana magkaroon ako ng solo show abroad.

♫♫♫

Especial thanks to: Pinoy Song Magazine

JAY R: SINGS OPM LOVE CLASSICS

Prince of Soul JAY R Unfolds A New Chapter As He 'Sings OPM Love Classic'

Everybody knows the face of the star well-known as the Prince of R & B in the country now as the Prince of Soul. Jay R is finally getting ready for his big come back via his new album that soon be hitting the record stores nationwide within this month.

After giving us his biggest hits ‘Bakit Pa Ba?’ written by veteran songwriter Vernee Saturno and ‘Ngayo’y Narito’ his debut album Game Face was Platinum (nearly hitting the double Platinum status). His 2008 release ‘Soul in Love’ awarded Platinum just last year. There are lots of astounding things about JayR; he writes, produces his own songs and his talent in singing and dancing is unbeatable. He never gets tired of improving himself not for once. Now he’s back again to give us another hit album.

The concept of his upcoming disc ‘JayR Sings OPM Love Classics’ was really knew to him. But it’s another additional milestone in his career.

"Jay R Sings OPM Love Classics" Tracklisting :

1. Himala (Originally popularized by Rivermaya) – CARRIER SINGLE OF THE ALBUM
2. Ako'y Sa 'Yo, Ika'y Akin (Originally popularized by I-Axe)
3. Ikaw Lamang (Originally popularized by Zsa Zsa Padilla)
4. Paalam Na (Originally popularized by Rachel Alejandro)
5. Muli (Originally popularized by Gary Valenciano & Regine Velasquez) with Nina
6. Kahit Kailan (Originally popularized by South Border)
7. Huwag Na Lang Kaya (Originally popularized by True Faith)
8. Sa Isip Ko (Originally popularized by Agot Isidro)
9. Sa Kanya (Originally popularized by Ogie Alcasid)
10. Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin (Originally popularized by Martin Nievera)
11. Sana Ay Ikaw Na Nga (Originally popularized by Basil Valdez)
12. Wala Na Bang Pag-ibig (Originally popularized by Jaya)
13. Hagkan (Originally popularized by Sharon Cuneta)


Jay-R once again graced your OPM Authority with his soulful presence among us. It's not a usual day-in day-out at the office meeting a celebrated celebrity like him, though we've met him several times. Air-conditioning at the studio is at its best hitting us cold, his presence keeps it warm and bubbly.

He’s at the high of his senses courtesy of his (upcoming) album “Jay-R Sings OPM Love Classics.” Few of the few others were giving opportunities to do a step like this – only if you are like Jay-R.

Jay-R made few favors this time. Few other songs were enlisted because they were of his parents choice and others are just details, nonetheless those are songs they all agreed upon singers and producers alike. Besides songs went through 'rigorous' dry runs and auditory check from home to car stereos to wherever it reaches as long as the feedback come back.

It's an all-tagalog rendition divergent from his past albums which are mostly whipped with accented English lyrics, obviously Jay-R grew up in America for quite some time. It's a truly new innovative musical prowess his putting at the seat of his voice. He's making it as his own and out of something there put his own musical badge definitely called - Jay-R.


THE ALBUM

This album will perhaps be the most noticeable of them all. It takes Jay-R to the new dimension of musicality. The album is composed of an all 13-track songs, all tagalog, all OPM – all handpicked. Under the creative tentacles of the Platinum producer Ito Rapadas, Jay-R celebrates music with his new brainchild “ Jay R Sings OPM Love Classics.”

On the other hand, it is a sort of a tribute to some of the OPM bigwig such as Basil Valdez, Sharon Cuneta, Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano, Regine Velasquez, Jaya, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Ogie Alcasid and even the bands like Rivermaya, True Faith, I-Axe. His album bears few other collaborative effort with other artist such as with the First Female Diamond Artist and Soul Siren Nina in the track “Muli.” The carrier single is Rivermaya's ever famous “Himala.”

Not known to the minority, Jay-R was crowned “Prince of R&B” because of his bland and emotive vocal rendition of every fiber of the songs he sang. Thus, few of his albums have cached several buys and is now certified platinum such as “Gameface” and “Sould In Love.” This is where Jay-R shines the most making him more comely to some movies, endorsements, gigs and regular TV stints.


ON THE RECORD

Jay-R takes the clay into his hand used to give it new shape, the way his artistic sinew can do. Without losing the the real theme he puts his own color to the song with the original jiving with the Jay-R essence. “For me when I'm making a new record, I wanna make it as my own. I stick to the same format of the song but I will create and develop it on my own style for all the songs,” he commenced.

In choosing the songs, Jay-R considers few individuals to have their taste suggested to his menu, “The one you've mentioned earlier, “Ikaw Lamang” 'yun ang pinaka paborito ng mommy ko. Kinakanta ng mom ko 'yun lagi. Kinakanta n'ya 'yun kapag 'yung dad ko nag a-accompany sa piano. So “Ikaw Lamang” is a personal song for me, he said. They were really his parents favorites so he consented, “most of the songs included in this new record gusto ng parents ko kaya I was inspired to do it.” No doubt, mother knows best. Nonetheless, despite being cumbersome at some other Tagalog terms, Jay-R take it as a whole saying, “hindi naman.. You speak yourself in the situation lang sa song, 'di ba each song may story? Naintindahan ko naman (laughs) though there are some words that I don't get pero 'yung buong kanta I get the gist of it. S'yempre alam ko naman 'yung sinasabi sa mga kanta.”

He explains how it would be naturally difficult to record songs, the way it is. “Actually “Muli” kasi ang taas t'saka 'yung timing iba talaga 'yung ginagawa ni Gary V. At the same time sobrang idol ko si Gary V. the way I sing “Muli” parang Gary V. style. I've known the song ever since I was a kid so ang hirap na gawing style ko because I'm used to doing it as Gary V. style.” Besides making it to his own, few other hassles dashed in such as, “yung time frame. Actually I've recorded the entire album in less than a month kasi sobrang daming trabaho n'ung December of last year so 'yung mga equipment ko dinadala ko na sa mga gigs at sa mga tapings ko. Minsan nagre-recording ako sa hotel while doing other work at the same time. It's like every seconds counts.”

Some artists like to test their new songs in their car stereos or invite friends to the studio to hear playbacks. How did you listen to the album when it was a work in progress?
Ako lang I just monitored it myself. I wasn't able na maparinig kina Kris Lawrence or Jimmy Muna. Every minute in December was scheduled. No time for listening or anything. Ako na talaga ang nag-monitor of the entire album.

So you just released the single, "Himala” What was the inspiration for the song?
We wanted to do it na tipong 'yung kanta na “Kiss From A Rose” ni Seal. We wanted to do it something like that because ang ganda nung kanta pang-soundtrack talaga so we wanted to do something like that with “Himala”. Plus I think everyone can really relate to the message of the song.

In this album, you've got a chance to have a duet with Nina. How did you choose who you wanted to have on the record?
Yes, we did “Muli” which was originally done by Gary V and Regine Velasquez. She was actually recommended by Universal Records. I hope they will like the song, it's something new and it's my first time to have a duet with her although we haven't able to record the song together because of conflict of schedules at that time. She's also busy and me so we just recorded it's other parts.

Were you aiming for a specific audience when recording your CD?
Yes. I think we're going for the strictly Tagalog song listeners market. 'Yung mga nakikinig sa Soul in Love that's more of parang high end. Now we're going towards “masa” crowd kasi with each album we wanted to stick to RnB pero marketed to different crowds para lumaki lalo 'yung market namin.

You've done a lot in terms of evolving; you've gone into originals, revivals for Soul in Love and now you sings OPM classics. We're just curious, what keeps Jay R evolving?
I think creativity keeps me evolving. Each time I do an album, I make sure that I always want to do something different after that. I want to reinvent my music. I don't want to repeat things that I already did. I would like to have fresh and new every time I do an album. I never wanted to be the same. So after I do Soul In Love which is all English this time it's all Tagalog naman. And probably after this no more revivals for a while. I wanted to do an all original one. I always something that keeps me going so the fans keep listening to me, not the same consistent sound na nagiging boring after a while. I'm always looking for that new sound in RnB. And there’s still this burning urge to outdo myself with every album I make.

You've done a number of cover songs. What do you enjoy about playing covers?
It's easy to gather kasi kapag original you can record 50 songs tapos dalawa lang nagustuhan mo d'un 'di ba. Covers kasi gawa na siya at nag hit na siya kaya kapag ginawa mo 'yung cover you adopt the “sikat-ness” ng song.

How do you decide on which songs would work well as Jay R songs?
I leave it all with everyone in Universal Records. They all meet about it and they all look at the different aspects. Pero sa akin, kung anong ibato sa akin na kanta dapat 'yung gusto ko, gusto ng parents ko at 'yung kaya ko i-evolve in my own sound.

Is either part of this album closer to where you see yourself going in the future?
Tagalog is definitely possibility for the future kasi Filipino tayo s'yempre. Pero in the future I see myself doing more original Tagalog.

What's the response been from fans who have heard the new material?
So far the response is from you guys only. Hindi ko pa pinaparinig sa iba kayo palang ang nakakarinig and according to you guys, it's a good album.(laughs)

Did you have an idea of what direction you wanted this album to go in or did you just jump in and see what happens?
Yes, we knew exactly what we wanted in this new record like what we did with Soul In Love pero all Tagalog songs this time around. We make sure that before we did it , we had a concept and what direction we're going.

In this decade it seems like it’s been very, very difficult for any artists to continue the momentum of success. They have one album that blows up and then they seem to fade. Why do you think that is?
I think the mentality of the artist should be really strong, feet on the ground and should be working hard always. He/She always wanting to stay on top because they always say it's not hard to get into number 1 but what's hard is staying in number 1, and that's why it's more work to stay there than getting there kaya siguro there are artist nowadays na when they get into the top they get comfortable with it tapos nawawala 'yung fire to work and be on top. So I think that's why they fade out.

Of all the songs you did, what particular song would you like to be associated?
I think “Bakit Pa Ba” would be the song for me. 'Yun talaga ang nagpasikat sa akin and I'm proud because it's original and style ko talaga.

Why should we need to buy your album?
Kasi artist like me, we keep OPM alive 'yung mga classics talaga na kanta so if you buy my album parang you're going back into the future of the old songs.



INSIDE OUT

Inside out, Jay-R drew sympathy to the world’s crackled face like the tragedies around the globe. “All the tragedies that's happening in the world. Like ngayon, may tragedy na naman sa Haiti. It's like the world is really changing and we just have to live in it. Be happy and live it as if it's like your last day,” he asserts.

Getting into maturity with the songs and with oneself is a gradual process, so is Jay-R coping changes and grateful with the help he receives, “I have grown a lot since Gameface and ang daming tumutulong sa aking mga producers at songwriters until now. Although I have been doing cover songs but when I do my original music I myself making my own music na, producing myself and writing it myself na. So I think I've grown as a singer-songwriter-producer.”

More on him...

What else do you have planned for 2010?
I'm planning to release two artists under my record label, Homeworkz and hopefully distributed by Universal Records if they want (laughs). I'll be having concerts and tours lined up in the States. We have this project that we're going to reunite all the RnB artists here and put them all in one concert.

You're shows are so spontaneous and fun. Do you ever get nervous or forget what you're doing on stage?
I always get nervous every show. Minsan what I forget is 'yung lyrics 'yun ang madalas kong nakakalimutan. Kasi minsan iba talaga kapag 'yung energy ng tao masaya parang na-overwhelm ka kaya minsan nakakalimutan mo 'yung lyrics. (laughs)

What is your favorite aspect of being a solo artist?
You only wait for yourself. You don't wait for anybody. And everything is on your terms talaga, you don't have to ask for permission kasi kapag banda dapat lahat alam, lahat on time, maghihintay ka minsan. Kapag solo ka, medyo cool ka lang at walang masyadong inaasikaso.

What are you most excited about artistically in terms of the future?
I'm looking forward to the evolution of music in the future because you know that's what producers like myself are always looking for, you should up to date on what are the sounds today para you have to stay at the top of your game. You always do the research and I always look forward to seeing on how and what kind of music is going to evolve. 'Di ba 'yung Black Eyed Peas they just change the whole hip-hop, RnB, pop and they like fuse it all together? And it just change the music so I can imagined how it's gonna be on 2012, two years from now.

When can we expect an all original songs from you since you're a songwriter at heart?
My next album after this is all original most definitely. Next year na siguro 'yun. I made Ma'am Kath (of Universal Records) promise me that after this album, all originals naman.

You've been working so hard on your album and doing things and going places. If you could go home and relax, what'd be the first thing you'd do?
First thing I would do is go home and relax and go eat and out burger, that's my favorite ever. (smiles)

If you were to pick 3 of the most memorable things over the course of your stay in the industry, they would be...
My first Platinum record for Gameface. The Awit Awards of course and my first show sa Los Angeles with Jasmine Trias in 2006. It was very memorable s'yempre hometown ko 'yun, in a very big venue and it was really a big thing. It was a successful show. My whole family was there to watch me perform for the first time as professional artist in the industry. It was truly memorable.

Other artists are transferring from one label to another, what made you want to stay with Universal Records?
Loyalty is the best policy (laughs). I've been with Universal Records ever since I started in the industry. No, honestly I really do believe in loyalty definitely kasi you're not gonna get anywhere kung palipat-lipat ka. You have to establish a relationship. For me, Universal Records are treating me well and we're making good music so why leave. I believe loyalty is the best because that's where you develop a relationship and you become friends.

And finally, do you have any goals you want to reach before you turn 30 in a few years' time?
I would like to sell a million records worldwide in two years time.

♫♫♫

Special Thanks to: Pinoy Song Magazine

ERIK, RACHELLE, JAY R, SITTI and CHAMP: A COLLAGE OF VOICES

FIVE MULTI-PLATINUM ARTISTS GATHER FOR PINOY SONGMAG 6th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL!

It's another round-up from your OPM Music authority this 6th anniversary issue as we gather some of the best, if not the finest pearl of our OPM shores. In a clamshell, they are the “mix of voices.” In a potpourri, they are the mix of aromatic herbs and seasoning that exudes a whiff of vocal synergy and performance that breaks a leg.

This mix of voices garners the R&B Prince Jay-R, the high-hitting vocal Rachelle Ann Go, the Bossa Nova heroine Sitti, the soulful balladeer Erik Santos and the Hale front man Champ. They all together pay tribute to this special issue that we have and you have right now, while we give them our salute on the same hefty pages of your OPM Authority.

It’s not just another music magazine you flip and spin into your shelves and then bites dusts!

Here, we’re doing it with authority and therefore we speak with authority. Strictly, no copycat, just the original. The scepter’s power came from the fact that we’ve robbed face to face and skin to skin with them – once, twice, trice and perhaps counting. They have our words and we have their inner thoughts shared to us up close and personal – and its official.

Each of them has stories to tell, questions to answer and something to deny, but duh, you’ll get it as they’ve said.

In this issue, nothing else matters but the hottest, the latest and the satisfaction you’ll get as we have tried our best, and we hope so it pays justice.

Know about how these guys and gals face big or small things in their life, how they have stayed that long in the industry despite the mushrooming contemporary competitions or competitors. You’ll be glad to know how much time, sweat and tears they have spent just to come up with their crowned jewel – their albums. Even more, we’ll learn how they have made it to the top of their individual career so that you and I might as well learn that the more a thing is coveted the more that it’s a hard-won reality to invest in this life. Nonetheless, it isn’t impossible.

The Mix Of Voices will tell you how it is possible…


ON THE RECORD

How is everything? What big things have you been doing lately?
JAY-R: Everything is going well and busy. The biggest thing na ginawa ko so far is 'yung "Kaya Natin Ito" project led by Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez. We had 75-80 singers sa Pilipinas. Lahat sila pumunta sa studio and it was pretty exciting. I'm working on a couple of albums right now. Tinatapos ko 'yung Peace and Inspirational album and the Christmas album is coming out next month in the stores.
RACHELLE ANN: Well, kakatapos lang ng concert “True Champions.” I’m very happy kasi parang kami y'ung nag-direk n'ung show. Kami ang pumili lahat ng lineup.After that project, I’ll be having a meeting with Boss Vic (del Roario of Viva) for my next album. Wala pa kaming plano if all original y'ung album. And I think baka by next year na y'ung out n'un.
SITTI: Maraming nangyari sa akin na super big, big talaga. I tried theater for the first time. We had 12 shows sa RCBC in Makati n'ung September to October. The experience is really something that I'll always treasure. Sobrang dami kong natutunan with regards to theater.
ERIK: My album, the Jim Brickman Songbook, naka-release s'ya sa ten countries in Asia. Yun, that's what makes me exited about my album.
CHAMP: For Hale, we've been promoting heavily "Bahay Kubo" and so far it really paid off. So far, it received massive airplay on different radio stations and the video reached number 1 for three weeks. It's been a good run. Now, we're getting ready to release the second single "Kalesa". For Treehouse (his production outsfit) naman, we conducted an outreach program for Ondoy and Pepeng victims. It's been a productive couple of months for Hale.

To what do you owe your longevity? And how do you hope to achieve longevity in this business?
JAY-R: I think as a singer, dapat gumawa ako ng magandang music lagi to sustain my career.
RACHELLE ANN: I owe it sa mga taong sumusuporta sa akin, given na d'yan y'ung family ko, mga fans ko na tinatawag ko ng friends. Sa kanila talaga ako sobrang nagpapasalamat, nad'yan sila for me. Mahirap din kasi kunin ang loyalty dahil sa daming lumalabas na new artist ngayon. So nagre-reinvent din ako ng sarili ko.
SITTI: S'yempre maraming puyatan at sakripisyong ginawa. Sa akin kasi matagal akong nagtrabaho so I huggle my time between my studies and singing.
ERIK: Of course to my family, then of course to my manager.
CHAMP: First to the whole band, I think I always say this the strength of Hale is each other. We work as a team, we work as a group so I think as long as we keep that intack that formula, that chemistry, we will continue to produce good music and at the same time fans, friends and colleagues who support us.

With such a successful albums, did you feel pressure from the business to be conservative and stick with a formula that worked?
JAY-R: Most of the time 'yung ginagawa ko gusto ko, so happy ako. Hindi ako mahilig kumanta ng ibang genre. I have plans of trying other genres pero not for myself para sa iba siguro. Hindi ako mahilig kumanta ng ibang genre kundi RnB lang pero my niece 'yung banda nila Clay is alternative. I'm producing them so we are doing a lot of alternative live music and recording. I guess I'm open to try other music pero hindi para sa akin para sa iba.
RACHELLE ANN: May formula ba? Gusto ko gawin y'ung music ko talaga na gindi ko pa nagagawa. Honestly, y'ung type of music ko hindi ko ma-explain kung medyo jazzy, na may konting blues na reggae na halo-halo siya. Pinarinig ko nga ito sa aking management medyo alanganin pa sila kasi nga dito sa atin mga Pinoy hindi pa gan'un naa-accept y'ung ganung type of music. Basta ayaw ko kasi y'ung mag-stick lang ako sa isang genre. Gusto ko mag-experiment ng ibang klaseng music. Masyado na kasi ako masyadong nata-typecast as belter di ba? Mas masarap kasi ang feeling as an artist y'ung nagagawa mo y'ung gusto mo at masaya ka.
SITTI: Right now, 4th studio album ko na ito and then all of the albums that I've made, they were all majorly covers konti lang 'yung original songs so for the next album talagang I'm really really looking na more original contents sana. For me, kahit na it will take two years or mas matagal kasi right now ang intervals ng albums ko 1 year apart then may ire-release na kami. Sa akin walang pressure from the industry to conform so sana 'yung next album ko more original contents and I'd really prepared for.
ERIK: As a balladeer, wholesome kasi y'ung image, then 'yun y'ung minahal sa akin ng tao eh. And I'm willing to reinvent and I'm ready for anything na pagbabago sa music at kung ano y'ung (gusto nila) kumbaga p'wede naman tayong sumunod sa uso eh.
CHAMP: You always have to consider the business side of music which the recording has not fail to address but as a musician the core should always be above creativity. If you just recycle music and just stick to one formula that is not being creative or innovative.

Comparisons are inevitable and people are always comparing you to your contemporaries. What are your thoughts on those comparisons?
JAY-R: We all have our own trademarks even if we get compared to our contemporaries but its fine with me, I consider it as healthy competition. I'm glad to see my fellow contemporaries doing good as well.
RACHELLE ANN: Given na y'un, kasi ganito naman talaga sa showbiz. Kung sino y'ung nauna i-compare sa bago. Ako umpisa pa lang kumabaga sumabak na ako sa gan'ung thinking ng tao. Kaya nakapag-adjust agad ako sa gan'ung thought ng mga Pinoy. Pero it's a healthy competition naman hindi namin dahil gusto kong angatan y'ung isa. Pero gusto mo ipakita kung ano y'ung kaya mong gawin.
ERIK: We cannot avoid naman yung comparison ng isang artista sa isang artista or singer sa isang singer. For me kasi, mas nagpo-focus ako sa kaya kung ibigay, sa magagawa ko kaysa mag-focus ka d'un sa rivalry mo with other artist. Dapat mag-focus ka d'un sa what you can give to the audience. I think that's the most important thing na gawin ng isang artista o ng isang singer na katulad ko.
SITTI: Hindi ko siya maiiwasan gan'un naman talaga ang mga Pinoy, they usually compare the singer's styles and band styles to others. Sa akin, I don't really pay much attention to this. Pinagbubutihan ko na lang 'yung music na ginagawa ko. Kahit kami lang ng mga ka-banda ko basta nag-eenjoy kami sa tugtugan kahit walang nanunuod basta masaya 'yung tugtugan masaya ka na rin.

A lot of people think you basically came out of nowhere not knowing how hard you really worked to get where you are today. How hard was it to actually "be successful"?
JAY-R: In the beginning parang naka-tsamba lang ako that time kasi, walang male singer na Rnb so n'ung nilabas ako parang everyone was interested. It was easy actually but the hard part was jumping into it. You embrace the whole industry kasi it's my first time doing something like this mainstream kasi ang Pilipinas so ang daming trabaho kaagad. Everyday interviews and photo shoots, recordings and tapings...lahat pati rehearsals. So the hardest part is to sustain it. To keep working and not get lazy and keep giving the fans the music they like pero it's pretty hard in the beginning though parang naka-tsamba lang ako but sustaining it, is the hardest part.
RACHELLE ANN: For me its not that hard, hindi ko naman sinasabing successful ako ngayon pero I’m happy kung nasaan ako ngayon. Since nagsimula ako sa mga singing competition hindi naman y'ung sinasabi ng iba na sinuwerte lang 'yan. Sa akin naman talagang pinaghirapan ko rin naman. Sa mga paghihirap kong y'un nag-e-enjoy naman ako. Sa bawat step na y'un, I really enjoy it, bawat album at concert na ginagawa ko. Dahil masaya ako doing it kaya hindi ko nararamdaman na nahirapan ako.
SITTI: May mga times na nagi-gig kami 3 set sa isang gabi minsan wala pa ngang nanunuod. Laging puyat ka minsan nababawasan na 'yung time mo for your family and for yourself. Nagkakaroon din ng challenge na make every performance a unique one especially right now na parang repetitive na 'yung mga songs ginagawa namin so importante na I don't get burned out kasi if I get burned out baka 'yun ang makita ng mga tao sa akin when I perform. Kung wala 'yung mga sumusuporta sa akin wala rin ako dito ngayon.
ERIK: Ako naman I've never planned all of this to happen siguro it's God's will na mangyari ang lahat ng ito. Of course medyo mahirap for me, because I came just from a normal student. Then I joined Star In A Million, I won , then everything started from there.
CHAMP: That's true, the fact that we just popped-out of nowhere has its pros and cons. 'Yung pros n'ya, s'yempre everyone was curious about us. 'Yung negative naman 'dun there were a lot of criticisms and cynical people saying that we didn't earn our keep at the underground scene which is not true naman. Everyone starts indie and spend time sa underground scene and we were just fortunate that our creativity paid off and a label was just willing to sign an unknown band and heavily promote it. So it's not our fault if they gambled on us.

Can you share a sad experiences before you become successful to who you are right now? What have you learned with that experience?
JAY-R: Before na pumunta ako dito ang buhay ko music talaga kahit na hindi pa ako mainstream andoon ako sa States sa bahay ng nanay ko. Sa kwarto ko I have my own studio and my life revolves on music. And then it came to a point that I was hearing from my friends and different family members na parang wala namang nagyayari sa music ko so they were pursuiding and advising me to go to school beacuse I was still very young, around 19 or 20 at that time. So I took Computer Engineering but I've never satisfied. I just kept doing music even while at school, then then I got my break but the sad part was I came to a point that my hopes were really down and I was ready to give up.
RACHELLE ANN: Siguro y'ung mga tao sa paligid. S'yempre that time kapag nakakarinig ako ng hindi maganda about me, s'yempre bata pa ako n'un, pumapasok talaga sa puso ko y'un. So that time iniiisip ko siguro hindi nga talaga ako magaling. Kasi nga ang daming pumupuna. Mahirap y'un pero pinakita ko na lang sa tao na kaya ko ito. Actually, mahirap din naman kasing i-please lahat ng tao eh. At the end of the day naman ikaw din y'ung pagod. Ipakita mo lang kung ano ang kaya mong gawin ng wala kang natatapakan.
SITTI: Wala akong naiisip na very sad experience except siguro n'ung college ako na medyo natakot lang ako na I might not be able to graduate on time or I might not be able to finish my studies. Before I was gigging everyday 5 times a week and then I had to drop off some subjects and some units so 'yun siguro ang pinaka biggest scare for me pero I started singing Bossa without any expectations that I will make it big. Siguro malaking factor 'yun na n'ung biglang nag-hit 'yung album I was just going with the flow, wala namang expectation na kailangan ganito, kailangan ganyan basta nag-eenjoy lang ako.
ERIK: In my six years here in showbiz, I learned to be more patient, to be more kind to people, I've learned to appreciate every single thing that God has given me. At mas naapreciate at minahal ko y'ung pamilya ko at mas minahal ko y'ung trabaho ko.
CHAMP: I'd have to say when Omni (their former drummer) left the band. I was just really devastated and at the same time it made the whole band matured and learned from everyone's mistakes.

The music business has changed so much with illegal downloading and such. Has that forced artists like yourself to change their approach to their product?
JAY-R: Very true especially for the record label kasi kung walang record label walang magpro-promote sa amin so you have to listen to the record label pero sa akin, I just want to put my music out no matter what inspite of piracy. I'm against piracy of course, pero most people here in the Philippines are at the level of poverty and not everyone is capable to buy the original CD di ba? Lahat ng record labels ngayon ang marketing approach ay sa packaging. Walang bibili ng album kung hindi maganda 'yung packaging.
RACHELLE ANN: Yeah. Kasi sa pirated naman walang naman silang special packaging eh. Now kasi yung mga new albums na lumalabas talagang kakaiba na rin eh. Iba nga ang laki, libro na siya (laughs) and actually we as artists we are force to do that na rin just to compete with the piracy naman. Kailangan maganda y'ung album packaging para ma-attract agad y'ung bibili.
SITTI: I think that's something for the record companies to really cope with. When I came out naman kasi although hindi pa gan'un katalamak 'yung piracy I knew how to deal with it already. Minsan naiinis ako na sana bumili naman kayo ng original pero naiintindihan ko sila kasi kung iyon lang lang 'yung budget nila e gusto ka nga nilang pakinggan. Hindi ko masyadong prinoproblema.
ERIK: That's beyond our control eh. Siguro y'ung recording label namin, where we are in, siguro sila y'ung medyo may say about downloading. That's the in thing today, paran dyan na papunta eh. Pero parang tinatanggalan din kami (rights), kumbaga may epekto 'yan sa hanap-buhay namin bilang singers, ganun din, talagang it's beyond our control, all we have to do is pag-igihan pa namin y'ung ginagawa namin.
CHAMP: Definitely being a musician is very hard. Unlike in 2005 and 2006 it's very hard to sell albums. Now, as an artist you just have to cope up with what's happening. You have to innovate and make yourself marketable. You have to create more ideas, you have to be more catchy and more unique songs for you to stand out so it's very hard. I think the music industry now is in a precarious situation but then as a musician this is what we do, this is our passion we just have to cope up with it.

What were your biggest influences, lyrically & musically, for this new record?
JAY-R: In the new record, its actually the Black Eyed Peas definitely y'ung "Where Is the Love" nila. It has a good message and they want to spread good music and happiness to everyone and 'yung mga "We Are The World" mga gan'un theme, inspirational and peace especially after Ondoy y'ung mga typhoon na nangyari. For my album this time, may collaboration ako with Kyla this time, si Q-York, si Jimmy Muna, Gloc9, Kris Lawrence. Dalawang album ang ginagawa ko ngayon 'yung isa ako ang nagpro-produce y'ung isa si kuya Ito (Rapadas of Universal Records).
SITTI: I really listen to the Bossa Nova classics like Jobim and Gal Costa. 'Yung influences ko more or less gan'un pa rin, Kevin Luis Pah, Patti Austin and Norah Jones kumbaga hindi siya nagbabago and per album hindi siya 'yung iba't-iba ang pinapakinggan ko para makuha 'yung something. More of sa kanta, I research on the background of the song, kung paano siya kinanta, bakit siya sinulat. I really try to put myself on the life of the song.

Is there anyone whose career you emulate , particularly someone like you who's trying to bridge audiences and phases in your life?
JAY-R: Sina Regine Velasquez at Sharon Cuneta. The most common trait about them is that they work hard until now and still humble. They are the highest ranking singers in our country pero they still work hard sina Ogie, Gary V, Regine and Sharon.
RACHELLE ANN: I think pagdating sa style, pagre-reinvent si Ms. Redge (Regine Velasquez) talaga. Kapag tiningnan mo from the year she started ibang klase. Pati y'ung music niya, hindi siya nag-stick. Natutuwa ako, sana maging ganun y'ung maging dating na mag-reinvent para hindi magsawa y'ung tao. Pagdating naman sa performance wise si Ms. Lani (Misalucha). Parang all type of music, rock, opera, ballads as in sobrang ang galing. Silang dalawa talaga.
SITTI: Wala naman, nag-eenjoy lang at sobrang going with the flow lang talaga. May mga super idol ako sina Jackie Magno when it comes to voice. Performance naman si Vernie Varga and vocal energy. 'Yung mga gan'un lang talagang nag-eenjoy lang ako.
ERIK: Marami, the likes of Martin and Garry V. Malaki ang naging epekto nila sa akin. At ang musika ni Basil Valdez. Their music are my foundation as I grew up and as I learn more new things as far as my singing is concerned.
CHAMP: I try to emulate Coldplay as a band. They stick together as a group. There is no superstar in the band. Everyone tries to delegate a specific task so its a collective effort and they don't force anything. They take things at their own place. I think they're planning on taking another break of years to spend time with their families. We see that its a balance work ethic in personal life and work life so I like that.

How did you grow as an artist since you started?
JAY-R: I think I grew a lot. My eyes are wide open now more compared to when I'm just starting out in the industry. And as time goes by, you'll learn a little of tricks. So as far as my artistry definitely I have grown a lot and it's like everytime when you're in the studio and you do an update, parang you make new music and it gets better and better all the time so I think I've grown in that aspect too.
RACHELLE ANN: I dont know (smiles). Personally, iba na y'ung emotion kasi kapag pinapanood ko y'ung performace ko dati parang very technical siya, walang puso and makikita y'un sa mata. Sabi ko, napaka wala kong kwentang kumanta (laughs). Ngayon talaga ibang-iba na, siguro kasi with all the experiences naman may napaghuhugutan na ako ng emotions ko when performing. I think y'un ang pinaka importanteng nagbago sa akin as a singer. To put an emotion for every song that I sung.
SITTI: If you consider 'yung tunog n'ung album na Contagious medyo naiiba siya sa tunog n'ung iba kasi I think with Contagious nadagdagan siya ng konting depth. Nadagdagan siya ng konting kalungkutan kasi d'un sa mga previous parang happy-happy 'yung tunog.
CHAMP: As an artist, you're more appreciative of your blessings. You're more grateful and thankful for the opportunity given. A lot of people are saying we came out strong with "Bahay Kubo" and that's a very good sign and we're just thankful that we were able to do that kasi I think this album is really very special so we want to give justice to the album.

Which song of you , that you always looking forward to perform the most? Why?
JAY-R: I like "Back In Time" with Kyla because we have a great chemistry on stage.
RACHELLE ANN: I think y'ung "Don’t Cry Out Loud" talaga, hinahanap-hanap ng tao. Alam mo ba that song sa sobrang palagi ko siyang kinakanta dumating talaga y'ung time na y'ung lyrics nagra-rumble na sa utak ko. Sa isip ko nagsasawa na ata ko to sing that song, pero ngayon sabi ko hindi p'wede kasi y'un talaga y'ung song ko, kaya inayos ko talaga. At yung "Bakit" din na song ko, it's an original kasi. Y'ung mga bata sinasabayan talaga nila y'un.
SITTI: 'Yung "This is Love" and "Adia". "This is Love" kasi nakikita ko 'yung reaction ng audience kapag naririnig nila 'yung lyrics and then 'yung progression n'un song parang kinikilig sila. "Adia" naman naniniwala kasi talaga ako sa message n'ung song na kahit na may mga nangyayaring masama sa mundo we're still all beautiful and pure.
ERIK: Syempre yung "This Is The Moment". It is the most important song in my life.
CHAMP: "Sandali Na Lang" and "Bahay Kubo". "Sandali Na Lang' because it's new and good song. "Bahay Kubo" because I wrote it and I listen to it a lot in my iPOD which I rarely do kasi minsan weird kapag pinapakinggan mo ang sarili mong kanta pero with "Bahay Kubo" paulit-ulit ko siyang kinakanta at pinapakinggan. I was just so happy with the arrangement and with the execution - the recording.

Are you happy with your position now and everything you have achieved?
JAY-R: I'm happy but I'm not satisfied kasi I'm still growing.
RACHELLE ANN: I’m happy sa lahat, I feel so blessed kasi hindi naman lahat sinu-swerte dito sa business na ito. Talagang ang hirap makarating dito. Kapag sumasali ka sa competition ang hirap manalo, mahirap makita ng mga producers. I’m happy kung saan man ako ngayon, nasa ASAP ako, sa sobrang daming artists at nabibigyan pa kami ng break kahit papaano. I’m so thankful talaga.
SITTI: Yes, I'm happy and enjoying pero marami pa rin akong gustong gawin. Gusto ko talagang makagawa ng album na mas marami 'yung original songs. Naghahanap pa ako ng mas ma-explore ko pa 'yung sarili ko 'yung mga kaya ko pang gawin hinahanap ko pa 'yun and I'm excited na para d'un. I need someone to guide me or someone who will push the bottom kasi alam ko meron pa akong mailalabas.
ERIK: Yes I'm happy, actually isa yan sa mga natutunan ko, to learn to appreciate nga what you have kung ano man y'ung blessings na ibinigay ng Diyos sa akin ngayon, I am contented and I am happy. (But) I'm open to opportunities also so I strive more harder.
CHAMP: Definitely! No regrets. When we came out naman just do your best, no regrets and make everything worthwhile.


KNICK-KNACKS

What are your other extravagances?
JAY-R: 'Yun project ko sa banda ng pamangkin ko, Clay. We are entering them for a contest y'ung Jeepney Music, record label of Apl de Ap. We are doing a lot of recording and we're finishing an album for them. I'm going to shoot my music video for my Christmas album for next year. We're going to do it sa States pag-uwi ko sa December. We will also do a music video for Clay and that will be under my record label Homeworks Records. Materialwise, hindi ako mahilig sa gamit its all studio equipments. Pang-music lang talaga like pianos and keyboards, mixing equipments, speakers and computers. I like to spend my money on that.
RACHELLE ANN: Kuripot kasi ako eh (laughs) ano ba? Mahilig ako sa shoes pero hindi talaga ako mahilig sa mga branded. Alam mo y'ung mga LV, Gucci, na ang ma-mahal, hindi ako ma-ganun. Mas very practical (smiles) I buy y'ung unique na mura, dati bumili ako ng branded pero sale y'un. May pinag-iipunan kasi ako ngayon eh, y'ung bahay (smiles).
SITTI: More of eating out and dinning out with friends, family and colleagues then more of travelling.
ERIK: Food (his actually filling up while answering the question).
CHAMP: Electronics and mga gadgets. Ma-gadget akong tao.

What music do you listen to yourself and who do you admire musically?
JAY-R: Stevie Wonder, Luther Vandross. Right now in my CD player I have Mario, his first album. Locally, sila Ogie, Gary and Regine.
RACHELLE ANN: Y'ung music na gusto kong gawin, y'ung medyo jazzy like the music of Kerri Novel, Michelle Featherstone, Regina Specktor, yang mga ‘yan.
SITTI: 'Yung music ko nag-eevolve lang d'un sa mga pinapakinggan ko more or less Bossa nova and Jazz. Minsan may punk, pop-rock. I love watching Yosha play para siyang acid jazz plus punk local band underground siya. I really enjoy local artist like Urbandub ang galing ng lyrics nila. With regards to like who I listen to vocally, sa local si Jackie Magno sobrang ganda ng boses niya sobrang galing.
CHAMP: Aside from Coldplay, I listen to Reggae music when I take a bath. Masarap promise.

Is it hard dealing with fame? Do fans act crazy?
JAY-R: Behave mga fans ko kasi I know a lot of my fans. Kapag crazy sila alam nila magagalit ako or they will hear from me.
RACHELLE ANN: Sa akin hindi naman sila ganun eh. Kasi nakakapag-mall pa naman ako, wala naman chaos na nangyayari, normal pa rin naman. Y'un nga lang kapag merong bagong dumating na intriga, kapag nag-mall ka titingnan ka nila pero ako deadma na lang. Pero okay lang naman, dapat act normal lang.
SITTI: Sa akin kasi what you see is what you get. Tahimik lang talaga ako pero kapag tinopak ako topak talaga ako. Nakakatawa nga kapag nag-mall show kami sa mga probinsya, grabe silang mag-assign ng security, ako naman hindi naman ako pinagkakaguluhan masyado. There was a time before na naweirdohan ako na kapag kakain ako biglang may magpapa-picture. Before may weirdness ngayon nasanay na rin ako.
ERIK: Each artist naman has his or her own concept of fame, it depends on my own concept of fame. My concept of fame is so related with success. So, parang it depends on the level of success that a certain artist achieve. And being the same person as I used to even before na wala pa ako sa showbiz, pero 'pag sa labas, of course I've got to meet a lot of different people. So, dapat kailangan palaging positive y'ung outlook mo para maging positive din y'ung mag-rereflect sa'yo. Kasi you're being idolize eh, you are being put on a pedistal ng mga fans mo. You have to set a good example.
CHAMP: As long as you don't let it get into your head. You always have to be level headed and grounded. Our fans get excited but not act crazy.

What's the one misconception you feel people just don't get about you?
JAY-R: The mayabang-ness just because I'm from the States.
RACHELLE ANN: That I am a snob (laughs). Lahat sila kapag tinanong mo sila Erik, Sarah, Yeng, Jed lahat ng ka-trabaho ko ngayon tanungin mo first impression nila sa akin ganun. Si Yeng nga sabi niya 'di daw niya alam na magiging ka-close kita. Sabi ko bakit naman? Sabi niya, feeling daw niya ang supla-supalada ko. Kasi hindi ako y'ung ma-chika agad. Ayaw ko naman kasi masabihan pa ako ng ‘feeling naman nito’ y'ung ganun. Unless they would get to know me na, magbabago na y'ung impression nila sa akin.
SITTI: I think some people think that I'm a manufactured Bossa nova singer when in fact I've been singing ilang taon.
ERIK: Akala nila suplado ako, pero hindi.
CHAMP: I can't think of any.

Is there anyone you would really like to work with or meet?
JAY-R: Si Gary V and Regine Velasquez. Sa younger generation si Charice Pempengco and Sarah Geronimo.
RACHELLE ANN: Si Rico Blanco. Gusto ko siyang maka-trabaho. Sinabi niya sa akin na magtulungan kami sa isang kanta. I told him kasi na sumusulat ako ng kanta, Anyway, gusto ko y'ung music niya, y'un lang (laughs).
ERIK: Siguro in the future international artists. Kaya lang patay na y'ung gusto kong makasama. Sino ba? Jayson Mraz, Usher and Josh Groban.
CHAMP: I'm planning a collaboration with Parokya Ni Edgar by mid next year. We're just finalizing everything. Sana matuloy.

How much does your family depend on you and how much do you depend on them?
JAY-R: I depend on them a lot in terms of moral support such as love and understanding. I talk to them a lot and get some advice.
RACHELLE ANN: Ako sobrang I depend on them talaga lalo na ngayon na marami akong pinagdadaanan sa buhay ko (laughs). Mahirap din kasi basta magtiwala. And y'ung mga true friends ko naman sobrang busy rin. Sino pa ang lagi kong kasama kundi my family lang talaga.
SITTI: My family depends on me a lot morally kasi parang ako 'yung nagiging nanay sa bahay namin. I also depend a lot on my family when it comes to guidance and spirituality.
ERIK: Lahat na ng support; financial, moral, spiritual, lahat na ng support na I can give them.
CHAMP: As my support system, my family is very important. When you're feeling down and you need someone to talk to it's always family and friends. So it's very important that you have a strong support system kasi we're only humans. We have times when were down and lost so having family around is a big help.

What are the plans for the rest of the year? What is up next for you as far as music in concerned?
JAY-R: My plan is to make OPM rise again. Do an all-original music again. I want to penetrate Asia with my music.
RACHELLE ANN: I’m not so sure actually (smiles). Pagdating sa acting wala akong naririnig. And kung ako rin y'ung tatanungin I’m not that interested. Siguro talagang focus lang ako sa music. Ang plano namin dalhin sa US yung ‘True Champion' na concert. And mukhang magkakaroon ng repeat (laughs). We will be touring sa mga provinces, sa Canada and then sa States. Pagdating naman sa album, we will be having a meeting by next week (as of press time) nothing definite pa naman about it. So far siguro y'un muna. But I’m hoping sana puro composition ko na (laughs). Parang story of my life (smiles).
SITTI: May upcoming US tour kami with ASAP sessionistas. This November 21 may back to back show kami ni Erik Santos sa Aliw Theater, 'yun 'yung pinaka-major event namin this year. It's my first time to perform at the Aliw Theater, excited ako d'un. My album is still out in the market. We're not working on a new album as of the moment.
ERIK: I just want to stay in the show business. Goal ko lang talaga is to sustain whatever career I have right now, para masustain ko y'ung pag-support ko sa pamilya at ma-sustain ko rin y'ung support na binibigay ng fans sa akin.
CHAMP: For this year, we just want to close the year right. Playing as many gigs as possible. We are really happy that the album is doing well. We just want to share the music - tugtog lang ng tugtog. Release the second single which is "Kalesa" and make a very nice music video and hopefully next year will bring more blessings.

♫♫♫

Special Thanks to: Pinoy Song Magazine

JAY R - A PRINCE'S SOUL IN LOVE

The R & B prince Jay-R or Gaudencio "Jay R" Sillona III, finds his way to Calibre Studios where we are doing our set for a pictorial sessions whenever there is. His presence graced your OPM Music Authority with two other music champs, Jed Madela and Richard Poon. Jay-R , as we see it, is at the blithe of his senses; making his own thing, turning the pages of his musical career bit by bit and into their right perspective.

He started to kindle the torch of his career at the vast plains of Los Angeles, California where at school he was taking a Computer Engineering course. Fetching himself for the Philippines, he made northward direction of his career.

In retrospect, he was a member of a 5 member singing group called First Impression (FI), respectively; Jimmy Martinez (who made it with Jay-R to Manila), Alex Bacani, Mike Gabriel, Owen Amurao and he himself. Kris Kadevida, another talented singing hunk entered their fold when three of their members disbanded. Jay-R, Jimmy and Kris went on their way looking for fame through sharing their musical talents and acumen, even making it to other states in America.

Jay-R also sings with the band lead by his uncle Robert Sillona. His uncle became part also of the production of his “Soul In Love” album. Besides, Jay-R loves collaboration with other local artists that we have such as Gary Valenciano, Regine Velasquez; on bands he loves to rocks with Bamboo and a duet with Sarah Geronimo. He goes, “my dream collaboration definitely Gary Valenciano and Regine Velasquez. Sa mga bands, si Bamboo. With the younger generations I would love to do collaboration with Sarah Geronimo.” Just one regret and frown on his face, “now, I regret not doing a song with Francis Magalona so we are supposed to do a song a lot of times hindi lang natutuloy.”

Jay-R wished he would be associated with the song such as inculcating peace, endorsing unity and proclaiming love such as the song “We Are The World”by USA for Africa which is actually an All-Star collaboration of various black and white music heroes and heroines. “What about a song that hasn't been made yet. I wanna be part of the song like a world peace song like the song “We Are The World”. I wanna a song like that with a very heavy promotion to spread peace throughout the Philippines and the world,” he wished. Nonetheless, he made it his own by picking a song from his 'lists.' “But with my songs y’ung “Back In Time” y'ung duet namin ni Kyla. I can associate that with me kasi that song is about me,” he said.

His inspiration to just get better and better every day of his life is his fellow artists and musicians. He sees them as good as they are doing their own piece, and so he is inspired to emulate their hard works. Says Jay-R, “It's definitely inspiration to become a better artist, singer, producer everything kasi when you're on SOP with great musicians, you would want to do better, you wanna be like them. You would want to sing as high as them.” Divergent to other artists’ point-of-view about competition, Jay-R sees them as healthy to each and every one's career. “All your creative juices just come out so it's good to interact with different artist that are really really good. There is friendly competition, a healthy competition but nothing competitive in any negative way though. Being competitive is healthy to get better.”

He feels that his family is instrumental to his success as well as his real friends, maybe, in letting his feet on the ground despite growing fame and success, “I hang out with my family and talk to them and my real friends. As an artist you have to be responsible to keep your head on the ground.” He is far more at ease staying of Philippine ground due to his coolest experience just being here, “living here in the Philippines is the coolest experience ever kasi this is like a whole new world compared to the States its like a dream playing.”

Outside music, he loves playing basket ball or going to the gym, to tighten up few muscles probably. Far from that, he's planning for a brand new album, no other than an all-original songs in an all-original album. “My next original album. An original album that will sell a lot of records and everybody will like.”

Before entertaining further inquires, Jay-R shares his sentiments about music piracy and actually just getting used to it. “It's not going to change. I think what we have to do is get used to it. And about the art is being taken away kasi you put what you want on the album for people to see and people aren't going to see that 'coz you're downloading but I really think that we can't do anything about it. We just have to accept it. For the record labels it's really bad but for the artists though, its actually good. For the fans because you can have the music of your favorite artist for free just download it and if you're an artist you wouldn't actually mind that coz you want your fans to hear your music. It's not all about the money naman eh, it's about the fans.”

ALBUM TALKS
How did you prepare for 'Soul In Love'?
We grabbed my favorite songs that we used to sing with my uncle's band, The Howlers usually 'yung mga songs d'un are 70's songs. We put together that concept for this second album and a lot of practicing then we recorded it.

What made you decide to come out an all revival songs this time?
The real reason is because of the fans, of the audience this is what is selling e. This is what other people would want to hear. At first, I really don't want to do it kasi I'm all about original but I realized that the fans would want to hear this kind of music and so I just gave it a chance and did it.
What factors did you consider in choosing the songs that are included on the new record?
Those are the songs that I used to sing with my uncle's band back in the day before I started show business.

Since you've done cover songs, what do you enjoy about playing covers? How do you decide on which songs would work well as Jay R's songs?
For one thing the songs that I'm really hype kasi mahirap kumanta ng mga songs na matataas parang si Jed and so I choose the songs na mas mababa ng konti at saka y'ung mga songs na paborito ko. Pero y'ung mga best favorite songs ko I sing it live.

How do you feel this album differs from your previous album production wise?
This time someone handled the production for me usually I'm handling the production for my album so this time for the revivals Ito Rapadas ( OPM Label Manager of Universal Records) handled the production. He got all his musicians and his production team and his own resources.

How do you feel you've grown as an artist since recording 'Soul In Love'?
A lot actually this is something really new to me recording cover songs. It really thought me a lot. It humbled me because I'm not doing whatever I want to do; I'm really following what people want me to do.

Nowadays a lot of artists are doing cover songs, what is your point of view regarding this?
I'm actually happy it's been done so much that people are starting not to want that anymore. So I'm kinda happy about it kasi it's overdone na now is really the time for us artists to start stepping up and start writing songs for ourselves and be creative for the industry. It's a good time right now and soon enough it will be all originals na.

Do you have any sort of tentative time frame in coming out an all original album again after 'Soul In Love'?
Yeah, I do have a time frame in two years. Maybe one more year pa kasi we're doing a part 2 of the “Soul In Love” pa e. It will be out in four months so after that definitely I'm doing an all original album naman.

What prompted you to come out an all revival songs this time?
It's what the people want to hear right now and I wanted to try something new talaga. Something that I've never done before.

How did you motivate yourself for each song on the album?
There was not much motivation kasi it was fun singing it kasi all the songs that were chosen were the songs I used to sing with my uncle's band.
Do you think that there’s an advantage in going out and playing gigs and generating a buzz before actually releasing your album?
Most definitely yes. In that way people will know about you.
How do you approach studio recording? Do you attempt to recreate your live sound on the record or vice versa?
Live sound and the record and stuff although like the sounds right now but I definitely like the live performance.

Are there any other new instruments that you experimented with on the new album?
Yes a lot horns.

Of all the songs that you have on 'Soul In Love' is there one song that means more to you than the others?
I think “One Hundred Ways” just because it’s one of the songs that I grew up with. When I'm alone I just stay in the dark and listen to that song.

How do you prepare for the new record?
Vocalizing, practicing and getting my range higher and trying to do something really different.

How your album does reflect your personality?
My voicing – my kulot and RnB style.

How easy or difficult did you think it was to do your album?
No it wasn't difficult because I love all the songs in the album.

Did you have a lot of creative control with this album?
Yeah pero not that much.

What moods do you want your listeners to take away upon listening to your album?
I definitely want them to be relaxed and happy lang. I wanted to change their mood if they are in a bad mood.

'No One Else Comes Close' and 'Tender Love' are two of our favorite songs on the album. If you had limited power to make a video for the song and cast anyone in the lead role, who would the girl be?
Scarlet Johanson coz I know she's gonna give me a million hits on YouTube. Hilary Clinton just to be different. Locally I definitely prefer Kyla and Regine.

♫♫♫