Michelle sings for dads

MANILA, Philippines – On her third solo show, Michelle Junia paid tribute to her dad, businessman Ray Junia, and to all daddies with the launch of her debut album, Back in Time. Titled Daddy’s Favorites, the concert and album launch was held last June 26 at the Music Museum in Greenhills.

 “What more can a father ask for? The album has my favorite songs, those I grew up with and still cherish up to now. I’m blessed,” says Ray.

Michelle performed all the songs on the album, which include upbeat renditions of Connie Francis’ Stuck on You, Return to Sender and Lipstick on your Collar; and bossa nova versions of Elvis Presley songs Jailhouse Rock, Blue Suede Shoes and Don’t Be Cruel, among others. Music genius Kettle Mata did the new arrangements and composed an original titled Lambing, a song about longing for someone special but needed to be part of one’s past. It will soon be aired on radio stations as a carrier single.

Michelle started singing at a young age and was inspired when she experienced a show by Lea Salonga, then still a child performer. Michelle has trained with Ryan Cayabyab and became one of the original members of the 14K.

Before she graduated from high school, she has toured the US with Fr. Sonny Ramirez for a series of shows featuring inspirational songs. Instead of pursuing the conventional career path for local solo singers, Michelle opted to stay in school and graduated cum laude at the University of Sto. Tomas Conservatory of Music with a Bachelor of Music degree, major in voice. — Riya Mata-Cagahastian