Mariah as the stars see her

Better late than never as they would say. Mariah Carey came to the Philippines a couple of weeks ago and we are still smitten. A lot has already been said and written about the Manila concert. This piece is about the stars who went to see in full force the diva from New York.

Anyway, it was a cloudy evening when Mariah Carey performed at the Fort Open Field for her Charmbracelet World Tour. It even rained earlier. But the stars came to see the international singing sensation perform in a fabulous musical event.

Seen enjoying the concert were Aga Muhlach and Charlene Gonzalez, Ariel Rivera and Gelli de Belen, Ara Mina, Power Four’s Jay Salas, Greg Martin and Frank Garcia with rumored girlfriend Sunshine Dizon, Aiko Melendez, Jay-R, Angelika de la Cruz, Kyla, Roselle Nava, Bituin Escalante, Anna Fegi, Luke Mejares, Nina, Tootsie Guevarra, Dessa, Bert Nievera, The CompanY’s Moy Ortiz, Andre Castillo and Sweet Plantado, myself, MTV VJ Sarah Meier, RJ Rosales, Franco Mabanta, Eagle Riggs, Richard Gutierrez, Anne Curtis, Bobby Garcia, Dingdong Avanzado and Jessa Zaragoza, Willie Revillame, Bong Alvarez and Almira Muhlach.

Says Ara Mina, "The show was good. Mariah really gave her all. Ang se-sexy pa ng outfits nya! My favorite outfit was the cheongsam which resembled what I wore in Mano Po. But hers was shorter."

Says Dessa, "Mariah was magical and her aura was simply fantastic. It was a worthy experience. I really am her fan."

Meanwhile, RJ Rosales declares, "Mariah is the ultimate sex, soul siren diva! Unmatched and unrivalled. She’s forever my goddess!"

Ariel Rivera remarks, "The show was fantastic! We had a great time and all her outfits were awesome."

Theater actor and VJ Franco Mabanta says, "She has more number one hits than any concert line-up can contain. You can’t go wrong with a repertoire like hers. High moments of the show were when she sang Hero and the band member introductions."

Luke Mejares, on the other hand, says that his "favorite moment was before she sang Through The Rain, when they showed a video presentation about her career. I also liked the part when she sang Vision of Love and I’ll Be There."

Greg Martin of the Power Four says, "My favorite part of the show was when she sensually introduced her band and amazing back-up singers and suddenly, in the middle of it, she was interrupted and said, ‘There’s some kind of bug on stage and it’s kinda scaring me.’ I yelled back, ‘Welcome to Manila!’ But she handled it quite well for seeing what was probably an ipis for the first time. My favorite outfit was the first one she wore – the one with the revealing skirt and very revealing top. Hmmm..."

All in all, it was a memorable concert. Congratulations to Mariah and the producers, East West Global Entertainment. Mariah in past interviews said that in more ways than one, the Charmbracelet World Tour serves as her thanksgiving to her legions of fans, who never wavered in their support for Mariah, in spite of the ups and downs of her colored career. "I am passionate about doing something more intimate for my fans," Mariah told the media. "I’m used to doing arena tours. But this tour is about my music and my fans. It’s my way of thanking them."

There’s always a time for everyone, even for Mariah, to say thank you. And it’s never too late to say thank you to your fans who have made you one of the greatest pop singers of this generation.

And you’re welcome, Mariah!

Stella Ruiz And Her Music

She became a celebrity via the bold flicks. Her launching movie, Sambahin Mo Ang Katawan Ko earned for her a Star Award for Best New Female Celebrity. And after several bold movies, Stella Ruiz decided it was time for her to reinvent herself.

Changing one’s image is not new to celebrities. They recycle themselves for a longer life in this ephemeral business. Pop diva Madonna is number one in the field of reinvention.

Stella does not regret though having made those bold films. "One of the things I learned from my acting career was that the more you bare, the more the audience will ask for more," she says.

But as a newcomer in the ’90s, Stella was a notch higher. Not so many new fledgling stars had that opportunity to be noticed for their acting. Movie audiences expect bold actors to shed their clothes.

"I have nothing against those who have shown more than I did," she says. "Ayokong gumawa ng isang bagay na pilit. Mahahalata ng mga tao."

Thus, when she made a 360-degree turn from sexy films, Stella was firm and resolute in her decision. And she found music.

Stella’s love for singing dates back when she was a teener. She also plays the guitar. "My friends have been telling me that I should have pursued singing noon pa. Nauna sana ako sa iba."

To further hone her craft, Stella reinforced with voice and guitar lessons and bought herself a Yamaha Acoustic guitar that is said to cost between P40,000 to P50,000. Stella has been entertaining people with her acoustic music. Her favorite singers include Alanis Morisette, Michelle Branch, Cindy Lauper, among others. Aside from her solo shows, Stella also has had the opportunity to sing with the country’s music greats like Gary Valenciano, Vina Morales, Jimmy Bondoc, among others.

And how does the audience react to her newfound profession? "May konting resistance. Di sila makapaniwala. Siempre I used to be a sexy star. Pero ako deadma lang. Siguro di nila matanggap na maganda ako, maganda pa ang boses ko," she says in jest.

Yes, she still gets ooohs and aaahs specially from the male crowd. "Ano naman ang magagawa ko? Sexy nga ako. Thank God, wala namang nambabastos sa akin."

"I am very excited with what I am doing. Imagine, it’s only you and the guitar before an audience at walang voice enhancers. Kitang kita ka if you are faking it," she adds.