Ariel in his element

Given a choice between singing and acting, Ariel Rivera will always choose the former. After all, it was through his distinct baritone that he made a name for himself. Singing is also his first love that’s why he will never totally abandon it in favor of another pursuit.

“Acting is really profitable,” Ariel maintains. “I’ve been getting a lot of offers on TV that keep me busy. But singing gives me a different kind of fulfillment.”

Ariel has been a regular face on GMA 7 primetime telenovelas, where he has displayed his acting flair. To date, he has been seen on Forever In My Heart, Narito ang Puso Ko, Sugo, Atlantika, Fantastik Man, Kamandag and the current Luna Mystika.

“I’m fortunate that I’m always given a project by GMA 7,” Ariel says. “TV also keeps me busy, although doing a soap is not easy. But I’d like to believe I am, first and foremost, a singer.”

Seventeen years ago, a balikbayan from Canada was discovered by prolific songwriter and hitmaker, Vehnee Saturno. Ariel was merely vacationing in the Philippines and was asked to sing in his cousin’s wedding. Vehnee, who was in church, readily made a demo recording for Ariel and brought the latter to the executives of then BMG Records Pilipinas.

Ariel’s self-titled recording debut spawned the hit carrier single, Sana Kahit Minsan, and became a multi-platinum release. The CD, which was certified triple platinum (with more than 120,000 copies sold), yielded other endearing ballads like Wala Kang Katulad and Sa Aking Puso.

Subsequently, Ariel was christened Kilabot ng mga Kolehiyalas, becoming heir to the throne earlier occupied by Hajji Alejandro. Since then, there was no more turning back for the former architectural technology graduate from Toronto’s George Brown University.

Ariel makes calculated moves for his career. He remains one of the most sought after male singers in the local entertainment scene, with a steadily flourishing career. His musical artistry is proven by his multi-platinum hits, well-received concerts and record awards.

“I take it one year at a time,” Ariel asserts. “But I am already looking forward to my 20th year in the business. My career has been very fruitful. I am just so thankful.”

After tying the knot with Gelli de Belen, Ariel has prioritized his family over his career and business endeavors. The couple has been married for 11 years, although they’ve been together for 17 years since the time they became sweethearts. They have been blessed with two boys — Joaqui, 10 and Julio, 8.

“Family always comes first,” Ariel says. “Even if I am presented with the best project in the business, if I think it would interfere or adversely affect my family, I will not accept it.”

Being a dad has admittedly mellowed him, too. “There’s nothing exciting in my life because it has all been family for me since I got married,” Ariel allows. “Gelli and I are totally hands-on when it comes to parenting. At least one of us makes it a point to bring the kids to school every morning and pick them up later in the day.”

From the start of their married life, Ariel and Gelli made a conscious effort to avoid showbiz functions to stay out of intrigues. “Gelli also sacrificed a lot to make our marriage work,” Ariel grants. “Now when she looks back, she realized she did the right thing.”

The family spent the holidays in Canada, where Ariel’s parents and siblings are based. Ariel discloses they plan to eventually migrate to Canada where they want the kids to spend high school and college education.

Ariel was sidetracked from recording after being busy with acting assignments. Recently, however, the dusky crooner released his latest album, Once Again, under Sony BMG Music. The CD took one year in the making, but Ariel cannot be thankful enough that he has a brand-new album in the market.

On Once Again, Ariel proves his vocal versatility anew in 11 tracks that will easily remind the public on how he was catapulted to singing stardom. The CD contains nine originals, bannered by the carrier single, Softly Saying Sorry, written by John Borja.

Also included are two revivals — the Tagalog ditty Kung Ako na Lang Sana and Michael Bolton’s Go the Distance, the theme from Disney’s well-loved animated flick, Hercules.

Other tracks are When I’m With You, Kakayanin Ko Ba?, Love Won’t Leave Me Alone, Why You Have To Go, Kaya Lang, Minsan Pa Lang, Bridge to Forever and Ready To Fly, a duet with Amy Pearson.