Paolo Contis: In love but not crazy

I wish Paolo Contis becomes a bigger star in 2002. The boy has enough bravura to make him the next big thing in showbiz.

He is raw, honest and seasoned at 17. Onscreen, you can feel his passion. I just hope he’s given more roles in films that would allow him to display his acting prowess. Tabing Ilog is fine but there are bigger rivers and oceans where his talent should be put to good use.

Paolo has not also been exempt from nasty rumors. His girlfriend Desiree del Valle allegedly left the country because she was pregnant and her parents do not approve of her relationship with Paolo.

In my last interview with Paolo, he intimated to us the devotion they have for each other despite the physical distance. He wakes up everyday to Des’s photo which he kisses without fail. But somewhere during the conversation, you notice that yes, he’s in love but he’s not crazy. He gives me the impression that if they’re meant to be, so be it. He will fight for his love. But if she falls out of the relationship, he would move on no matter how difficult. But yes, when he’s of age, Des is the girl he would like to marry.

Well, when you’re 17 and in love, who cares about Shakespeare?

Good luck, Paolo. We’ll be watching you spread your wings and soar.

The CompanY’s Storybook

The country’s premiere vocal group, The CompanY releases their first all-OPM album in six years – Storybook. It is released under Viva Records’ newest label, Pop Art Music.

After a hiatus of two years in the recording scene, the CompanY is back again with brandnew original music, a new record company, a new record label and of course, in the typical CompanY tradition – a new look.

And in my opinion, Storybook is the best album of the CompanY!

"Since 1993, we’ve made a conscious effort to be chameleon-like with our approach to our music and our image. We’ve had fun reinventing the sound and the look of the group everytime we come out and we’ve pushed the envelope more than a couple of times too. However, just when people already expect that each album release is going to sound and look really theatrical and artsy, we decided to go to the other side of the continuum. Let’s just do things the way we did when we first released our first two albums. Let’s just rely on the beauty of the song and the singing to sell the album and nothing else!" explains CompanY artistic director Moy Ortiz.

Storybook features poignant short stories in song form as written by Edith Gallardo, Babsie Molina and Moy Ortiz. The song features mini movies or vignettes depicting the different aspects of love (i.e. joy, regret, sorrow, contentment etc.) arranged in different music genres: pop, adult, contemporary, smooth jazz, country pop, a capella and pop-rock.

Pag Nagkataon is the first single off Storybook. Reuben Laurence (the voice behind the hit songs Pakisabi Na Lang, Special Memory, Afraid for Love to Fade) once again sings lead on this sure-fire chart topper. The heartwarming pop love ballad is from the makers of this year’s gargantuan hit – Pagdating Ng Panahon, with lyrics penned by Edith Gallardo and melody by Moy Ortiz. Multiple Producer of the Year Awardee Margot Gallardo produces Storybook. In fact, all three are behind Viva Records’ newest label, Pop Art Music.

Other tracks of Storybook are Minsang Isang Araw, Baka Ikaw, I’ve Been Here Before, Gusto Ko Ng A Capella, Alam Mo Ba?, Sabi Ko Na Nga, Ikaw Pa Ba Yan, Kung Kailan Pa, You Made Me The Best, Between the Lines and A Little Love Goes A Long Way.

The CompanY is Sweet Plantado, Annie Quintos, Cecille Bautista, Reuben Laurente, Andre Castillo and Moy Ortiz. For further information about the CompanY, you can visit their website at www.geocities.com/the company/index.html.

Storybook is available in all record outlets in Metro Manila.