He'd rather be loved than feared

Paul Murphy visited me in my dressing room one Sunday afternoon as I was preparing for my afternoon Sunday show The Buzz. He was with his lovely wife Gemma. He gave me a CD he recorded in Canada. It contains popular Frank Sinatra songs. Paul’s love of music came at an early age. At home he was exposed to all types of music from Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Dinah Washington, Neil Diamond to John Denver, among others. He started performing before audiences while still a teenager dishing out old standards like For Once In My Life, Come Fly With Me, Call Me Irresponsible, as well as newer classics like That’s Life and Me and Mrs. Jones.  A born showman, Paul believes entertaining is about pleasing an audience. “My job as a singer is to take the audience away for even just a moment, each one feeling I am singing to him alone,” he said.

By the time you read this conversation, Paul, may already be in Canada. But he must have left his heart in Manila as he promises to comeback, and maybe, launch a career here. Read on.

1. Would you rather be feared or loved?

Loved.

2. Which period in the past would you like to visit? Why?

My teens, all my idols were alive.

3. What song will you not sing?

A song with controversial words.

4. The most photogenic face in the world?

Sharon Cuneta.

5. If you were a song, what would you be? Why?

A song with a lot of passion, because I am passionate and confident about what I do.

6. What color describes your life? Why?

Green, because I like to be an evergreen person.

7. How would you describe your state of mind?

Cool.

8. Why do roses have thorns?

So we can appreciate their beauty more.

9. If you were a fictional character, who would you be? Why?

Superman, because he helps everyone.

10. If you were to confess only one sin to God, what would it be?

I think too much sometimes.

11. If you can compete one on one with any single athlete, who would it be? Why?

Wayne Gretzky. He was the best.

12. What is your greatest fear?

None.

13. The best place on earth? Why?

The Philippines. The people are wonderful and so caring.

14. Who is your greatest musical influence?

Bing Crosby.

15. Your biggest regret?

That my family isn’t here with me.

16. Who are your favorite singers?

Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Ray Charles, John Denver, Bobby Darin.

17. What do you value most in friends?

Honesty and compassion.

18. What is your favorite flower? Why?

Rose, it smiles even with thorns attached.

19. Historical figures living or dead that you despise?

Bin Laden.

20. What supernatural gift would you like to have?

Make people happy.

21. The best thing said about you?

Great entertainer with compassion for others.

22. What do you like most about your work? What don’t you like about it?

I love being on stage and don’t like it when I have to get off.

23. What makes you angry?

Hypocrites.

24. If you have wings, where would you go?

All over the world.

25. The movie that made you cry?

Brian’s Song.

26. What is your philosophy in life?

Live and let live.

27. If you were a tree, what would you be? Why?

An apple tree so I can share with everyone.

28. What do you think of organized religion?

I respect all religions.

29. How do you want to be remembered?

As a great entertainer, but most of all someone who wanted to help others.

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

A carpenter so I could build houses here in the Philippines for families who need them.

31. The sexiest part of your body?

My voice.

32. If you were to change one part of your body what would it be?

My nose.