Jasmine plays favorites

The first time Jasmine Trias came to the Philippines was in September last year, fresh from her victory as third placer in the third season of American Idol, for an invitational concert at the Araneta Coliseum sponsored by Smart, one of the Philippine products she’s endorsing (also including Bench, McDonald’s and Hapee Toothpaste. She was, as expected, such a hit that McDonald’s named a meal after her, Jasmine Trio (consisting of strawberry float, fries and a sandwich).

Then early this year, she made an unannounced week-long visit during which she recorded a self-titled album for Universal Records, released just recently.

Jasmine is back, this time for a longer visit, for the album promo and, hopefully, to reunite with relatives which she wasn’t able to do due to lack of time during her first two visits. Since her arrival last week, Jasmine has been guesting in TV shows and going on a mall tour (with free shows on Sept. 16, 6 p.m. at The Podium; Sept. 17, 5 p.m. at SM Bacoor; and Sept. 18, 5 p.m. at SM North EDSA).

The album’s carrier single, Lose Control, happens to be Jasmine’s favorite (and you’ll find out why by and by). It’s an edgy, R&B-flavored song composed, arranged and produced by DJ MOD (a.k.a. Noel Macanaya).

Other cuts in the album: Sana Lagi, a Korean ballad with Filipino lyrics by John Barnard Borja and Ito Rapadas; Excuses, which hit the No. 1 slot on the Wave 89.1 FM chart; Inseparable, Jasmine’s signature song in American Idol; Kung Paano, composed by Vehnee Saturno; If I Ever See Heaven by Dianne Warren; DJ Don’t Quit; What You Do To Me; Can’t Hold You Back; Don’t Go; and Once Again, composed by Jay Durias with Sharon Inductivo as co-lyricist, which Jasmine performs with South Border.

Born on Nov. 3, l986 and raised in Mililani on Oahu, Hawaii, by Filipino parents, Jasmine has embraced the Philippines as a second home even before her first visit. "I am proud to be Pinoy," Jasmine echoes the popular DOT campaign slogan. Ask any native and he/she will say that the feeling is mutual.

Meanwhile, as per the request of Funfare readers, here’s a list of Jasmine’s favorites:

• Actor – Leonardo Di Caprio. "I think he really exceeds our expectations whenever he plays whatever role in any movie. He’s a great actor."

• Actress – Jennifer Lopez. "I really admire her not only as an actress but also as a businesswoman. She has her own clothing line and perfume."

• Movie – Lilo & Stitch. "I can watch it over and over again. I just love that movie because it’s about Hawaii. And, you know, it’s about family."

• Singer(s) – Alicia Keys, John Legend, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin and Regine Velasquez.

• Song – "Right now, my favorite song is Lose Control, which is included in my new album. It’s a great song to dance to."

• Author – John Grisham

• Book – "I like suspense-thrillers. The last book that I read was The Street Lawyer by Grisham."

• Food – "I love different kinds of food, especially Filipino food like Palabok, Tinolang Manok and Dinuguan."

• Flower – Jasmine, of course!

• Perfume – "You know, I’m not a perfume person. I wear a lot of lotion. My favorite lotion is Night Blooming Jasmine, from Bodyworks."

• Drinks – "I don’t drink soda. I just drink water, lots of water."

• Fruit – Strawberry

• Color – "None in particular, but I prefer vibrant colors. I stay away from black and white."

• Time Of Day – "Definitely not the morning; I’m not a morning person. Nighttime, yes, when everything is done and I can relax."

• Day Of The Week – Sundays. "That’s when I laze around and spend time with the family."

• Part Of The House – "My jacuzzi. That’s where I relax."

• Part Of Her Body – "Oh, that’s a hard question. Let me see...I guess my eyes."

• Hobby/Pastime – Surfing. "Am I sports-minded? Yes and no. I also play basketball. I was a cheerleader once."

• City – New York. "It’s a happening city; there’s so much going on. I absolutely love that city."

• Hideaway – "Let me think...Oh no, I haven’t thought of that yet. I think I should – soon."

• Sleeping Wear – "A big T-shirt. I’m a pillow person. I sleep with four big pillows."

• Cartoon Character – Mickey Mouse.

• Hero – "My Mom. I really look up to her."

• Saint – "All of them. I pray to all of them."

• Tv Show – Friends. "It’s such a funny show. I can watch it over and over again. I won’t get tired of it."

• Expression – "Nakakaloka!"

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