Inside Frencheska's heart

Given the dire straits the local music industry is mired in nowadays, I can truly say newcomer Frencheska Farr is among the most fortunate. The number of aspirants, trying to make it to stardom is unbelievable. Talented or not they come from everywhere. Some get the right breaks. A lot never do and would from henceforth be living with might-have-beens. Farr however, entered the scene fully armed with looks, talent and most important, logistical and artistic support.

Tall, young and pretty, Frencheska was the winner of the TV talent search, The Next Big Star. That earned her a management contract with GMA-7, which meant getting the very important regular TV exposure as in the variety show Party Pilipinas and with GMA Records which ensured the production of her album debut. She got off to a good start starring in last year’s big-budgeted musical Emir that earned her a Best New Artist nomination in the Star Awards. Then late in 2010 came the release of her first album, Inside My Heart.

There are stars and there are stars but for some strange reason local showbusiness holds a special place for girls who can sing. And, very important, those who make the hits. This was the case from the zarzuela days of Atang de la Rama Bayan Ko, to Carmen Rosales, Maalaala Mo Kaya, to Nora Aunor, Sharon Cuneta and recent singing champions like Sarah Geronimo and Rachelle Ann Go. Why, even those who couldn’t sing, like Vilma Santos turned into recording artists. And now we ask, will Frencheska join the list?

She just might if we are to judge by the contents of Inside My Heart. This is a well-made pop album with nice, commercial songs. And I was truly surprised by Frencheska’s singing. She has a wide vocal range, pleasing tones and a very versatile style. Anybody who can go from a Vehnee Saturno ballad Isama Mo Ako to U2, I Still Haven’t Found (What I’m Looking For) has to be good. More so somebody who can stand up well against Leah Navarro’s iconic rendition of Ang Pag-ibig Kong Ito. Frencheska does both. All she needs now is that first big seller.

First single out is the light pop ballad Today I’ll See The Sun. Also included are Inside My Heart, Everytime, Sa Pangarap Ko, This Feeling, Bakit Ikaw and Suddenly It’s Magic which I think will make a good follow-up release.

Top 20 videos of the week

From MYX, the Filipino music channel, here are the top 20 videos of the week in the Pinoy MYX Countdown: Walang Natira by Gloc-9 and Sheng Belmonte; Sino Nga Ba S’ya by Sarah Geronimo; Wag Na by Yeng Constantino; Linda Blair by Tanya Markova; Hanging Habagat by Champ; Mahal Kita (Di Mo Pansin) by Kyla; Lagi by Kiss Jane; Meron Akong Ano by Kamikazee, Chito Miranda, Reg Rubio and Ian Tayao; Song For The Suspect by Franco; Patunayan by Silent Sanctuary.

Larawan by Eevee; Liwanag by Callalily; Pagkakataon by Shamrock featuring Rachelle Ann Go; Drive by Chris Cayzer; Ain’t A Crime by Amber Davis; A Friend Like You by Charlie Green; Kahit May Mahal Ka Nang Iba by Mark Bautista; Today I’ll See The Sun by Frencheska Farr; Ituloy Mo Lang by Siakol; and Synesthesia by Mayonnaise.

Incidentally, there is a new category in the MYX Music Awards 2011. This is the Favorite K-Pop Video. This means that instead of being considered international as in the American and the British or occasionally a Swedish or Japanese, videos from Korea now compete in their own category. I do not know reason behind this decision. I am glad to see that Asian artists are now getting recognition around the world. But I am saddened by the thought that Filipino artists are now faced with added competition during this difficult time for the music industry. And MYX, the Filipino music channel, is all out in support of K-Pop.

After The Loving

For those who want to continue the celebration, you might want to check out this post Valentine’s season show. This is After The Loving at Arts in the City, located at the Fort, just across from the NBS Tent on Wednesday, Feb. 23. The concert will feature ’70s pop hits interpreted by Eugene Villaluz, Jacqui Magno, Pat Castillo and Ding Mercado former members of The New Minstrels and the Circus Band. Call or text 0917-8105654 for tickets. These cost only P1000 each and include cocktails and top quality entertainment by local music legends.