Hear Ariel sing once again

Ariel Rivera returns to his first love which is singing. He has come up with a new album under BMG Records titled, Once Again. Ariel became a certified hit maker 17 years ago when his first single Sana Kahit Minsan ruled the airwaves. He is a holder of multi-platinum albums and records. Among these are Minsan Lang Kitang Iibigin, Simple Lang, Ayoko Na Sana, Sa Aking Puso. But for a while, Ariel’s singing was sidetracked by his acting. He made films and acted on television. In his new album, Ariel sings nine original compositions and two revivals. Included in the album are Softly Saying Sorry, the carrier single, 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, Ready to Fly. Read on.

What other talent would you like to have aside from music and why?

I wish I had the talent to cook really well because what Filipino family doesn’t love to eat! Great way to pick up chicks, too... hahaha!

What is your most memorable song and why?

From my list of songs in all my albums, it would most definitely be Sana Kahit Minsan, only because it was my first song, from my first album. Hearing it on the radio for the first time was surreal.

Name five songs that best describe your life.

For You (Kenny Lattimore), Of All The Things, Miracle (Martin Nievera), What a Wonderful World (Armstrong), Right Here Waiting for You.

What is your most memorable concert performance?

Future Perfect with Dessa and Calvin Millado at Equinox Disco. First ever concert.

Describe your latest CD Ariel Rivera Once Again

Ballads from wonderful songwriters. Two Cover songs like Go the Distance of Michael Bolton and Kung Ako na lang Sana by Bituin Escalante. I also have a duet in the album with a young Australian lady named Amy Pearson titled Ready to Fly.

Once again, if you can relive one moment in your life, what would it be? Why?

The birth of my two boys because I’ll never have those same feelings again.

If you were to dedicate your new song Softly Saying Sorry to somebody, who would it be? Why?

No one, really because all the people that I love and who are important to me are still a part of my life.

Who are the singer/s do you admire the most and why?

Too many to mention.

If you have wings, where would you go? Why?

All over the world with my wife and kids... even if I have to carry them all myself.

If you were to sing Why You Have to Go, to a particular audience, what audience would that be?

I suppose to an audience who would be looking for a person who will inspire them to move on... to go on with their lives.

Has love ever left you alone? Why and why not? 

No. I’ve had a very blessed life so far.

Who is the best singer of all time?

No such person. Everyone’s tastes and opinions vary. Being the best singer has nothing to do with techniques but expressing songs with passion and heart... my opinion anyway.

What is your all-time favorite song? Why?

Bridge Over Troubled Water because it takes me back to my growing up days in Canada.

How would you title a song about you?

I wouldn’t know. I never look at myself or my life from the outside. I just live it.

When and how did your love affair with music start?

I can’t point to a specific time in my life but ever since I was in grade school I had always loved to play the guitar.

Who are your musical influences?

Martin Nievera, Nonoy Zuñiga to name a couple.

Would you mind changing your music genre to rock, alternative, rap, hip-hop or Pinoy novelty given the changing demands of the music industry? Why? Why not?

Not really because the songs I bring out are the songs I’m most comfortable with and I personally enjoy. Call it growing old siguro! Hahaha!

If you were to write a song, what theme would you write about?

 The theme of “it’s never too late for anything.”

Would you like to perform again in a musical play?

 Sure, if the right project presents itself.

What is your ultimate dream as a singer?

 Nothing really. This whole career of mine, from the very start, has been a wonderful dream already.

If you are a musical instrument, what would you be? Why?

 Assuming a female is playing me, it would probably be a cello because of the logistics when she plays. Hahaha!

If you are given an opportunity to sing with an international artist, who would you choose?

 Norah Jones because she’s hot.

The best compliment about you?

I have a wonderful family.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

 Again, being with family!

How do you want to be remembered when you are gone?

 A Good Guy!

From 1 to 10 (10 being the highest), rate yourself as a husband to Gelli (de Belen) and as a father to your two sons?

 As a husband and father — 7. I’m still learning as I’m going along but I think I’m getting better.

If you can write a song for Gelli, what’s the title and why?

My Life, My Love... No explanation required, right?

If you can eliminate one emotion from your life, what would it be?

Anger

The best and worst decisions you have made?

Best decision was coming to the Philippines.

Worst would probably be wearing satin pants during my early concert years in Music Museum because my wife still teases me about it! Hahaha! (I never regret any decisions I make.)

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Being a loving husband and father

What is your greatest fear?

Death in the family

How do you pray?

With my eyes closed.