A new voice waiting to be heard

MANILA, Philippines - One listen to her at The Library and Jobert Sucaldito became an instant fan.

Billy (real name: Marisol Padillo) was singing her heart out in a range that could rival Lani Misalucha. She was even whistling like Lani. And yet, she was gliding through the highest notes, tension totally absent in her calm face.

“I’ve seen so many pretty and handsome faces, but without talent,” recalls Jobert. “Here is somebody with the talent and she can also look good.”

He changed his mind about not managing talents and sticking to hosting and producing concerts.

So the next day, when Jobert saw Billy again, this time at The Music Box stage, he decided to make his move.

“It was as if fate was bringing us together. I gave my card to her and asked if someone’s managing her,” Jobert recalls.

 It wasn’t the first time someone offered to manage Billy. But so far, the persons involved — one of them a known songwriter — disappeared after talking to her.

Billy therefore said yes, she would consider the offer. Problem was, she was heavy with child.

Jobert was unfazed. They came up with the name Billy, after Billie Frank, Mariah Carey’s character in her screen debut, Glitter.

Jobert made Billy guest in Richard Poon’s concert and won another fan: Eric Raymundo. A mere week after giving birth, Billy sang again, this time out of town.

“Childbirth didn’t change her voice one bit,” said Jobert.

Then he felt it was time to launch her in a show all her own.

The show, Prima Diva Billy, guests Richard Poon, Duncan Ramos, Jimmy Bondoc and brothers Rowell and John Quizon.

“Billy will adjust to the guests’ style because her voice is flexible,“ promises Jobert.

“I feel nervous,” Billy says of her show on Feb. 26, 10 p.m. at Zirkoh Morato. “People might watch the guests, not me.”

“That’s the challenge,” Jobert points out. “She’s out to prove her worth.”