Demystifying the myth of Kris Aquino

MANILA, Philippines - On a warm, quiet Sunday afternoon I listened to Kris Aquino’s fifth, full-length studio album under Universal Records titled Kris Aquino: My Heart’s Journey.

Before I plunge in, let me tell you that my initial intentions for perusing the album were strictly of a professional nature. But — and this was pleasantly unexpected — what started as a routine task gradually metamorphosed into a deeply spiritual and transformative experience, one that I can surely say will have a profound effect on how I enjoy music from now on.

Listening to the first track had an immediate effect. I was being drawn in to Kris’ world. I was being made to embark on a journey with her. It was a journey of self-discovery. It was as revelatory as a confessional, but told in music form. As I vicariously accompanied Kris in re-visiting seven of the definitive journeys that she has taken in the various stages of her prodigious life, I slowly began to understand the triumphs and pitfalls that came with each phase of regret, renewal and resurrection.

Kris sets the mood as she talks about the uncertainty of life and how the very nature of this uncertainty navigated her through a breathtaking roller coaster of emotions that took her to the debilitating depths of despair to the exhilarating heights of joy and triumph. She thanks her public for identifying with her and for allowing her to speak in their behalf through the great blessing of being the country’s Queen of All Media. She also expressed her gratitude to those who are more than willing to listen to what she has to say and stand by her no matter what.

As a loyal disciple of Pinoy pop culture and local entertainment, I must admit that I am one of the millions who look up to Kris not only for inspiration and pleasure but also for my strong desire to escape the realities of my own personal life. Like the throngs of Filipinos who adore Kris to an almost religious level, I have always pictured her in both mind and heart as a divine being who is oblivious to what us “normal folk” go through on a daily basis. I guess the collective consciousness of a lot of Filipinos somehow elevated her to a celestial pedestal that in a way alienates her from what we sometimes perceive to be normal.

I now realize that I am greatly mistaken.

The first segment in the CD is My Journey: The Broken Road. Contrary to what the title may seem to suggest, the chapter documents the paradoxical nature of Kris’ life which is characterized by the right blend of trials and triumphs which essentially fuels her immense love for life. Here, Toni Gonzaga performs God Bless The Broken Road and KC Concepcion delivers a soulful rendition of What About Love.

In My Journey: The Road Of Love Kris opens up her heart as she narrates the strong interconnection between love ballads and her romantic experiences in the past six years. Kris valiantly attempts to uncover the mysteries of falling in and out of love. In the process, she eventually emerges victorious by accepting both the pains and joys of falling in love.

Christian Bautista gives a masculine twist to Julia Fordham’s Love Moves In Mysterious Ways while Jed Madela dishes out a chilling interpretation of Only Love and To Where You Are. Karylle re-interpreted and breathed life to Roxette’s seminal classic It Must Have Been Love.

My Journey: The Road To God expresses Kris’ spiritual, almost transcendental, journey as she completely surrenders her life to the infinite love of God. Similar to her current Petron Gasul endorsement, Kris professes that the ultimate example of her being a segurista is her absolute faith in God. Here, Gail Blanco performs I Will Be Here and In Your Eyes while the inimitable tandem of Regine Velasquez and Lani Misalucha shines in their rendition of When You Believe.

Kris demystifies the misconceived notion that she has everything anyone could ever dream of by baring her deepest hopes and aspirations. My Journey: The Road Of Expectations clearly proves that first and foremost, Kris is human, and more importantly a woman whose sincerest desire is to be loved, valued and respected for who she is and nothing else. Zsa Zsa Padilla gives a deliciously soothing rendition of I’d Really Love To See You Tonight.

Kris’ emotional maturity and wisdom which is the result of many years of heartbreak and heartache is communicated in My Journey: The Road Of Understanding as Nina belts out I Want To Know What Love Is.

Kris celebrates the healing power of letting go and moving on in My Journey: The Road Of Forgiveness as Jed Madela performs Healing.

Jed’s reading of Beautiful In My Eyes sums up the great possibility of Kris to fall in love and accept romance in life once again in My Journey: The Road of Redemption. Christian performs a bonus track dedicated by Goldilocks to Kris for her birthday titled Araw Mo.

I am quite certain that this current instalment may spawn a sixth franchise and I hope that other singers will be featured in the succeeding incarnations of the Kris Aquino spoken word CDs. The CD assembled the some best singers in the country but there are other great singers worthy of the roster whom I hope can perform for Kris in the future. Also, with the current influx of young songwriters, it will be ideal to showcase the talents of Filipino songwriters since Kris is in the position to give aspiring young writers the mainstream break and recognition that they certainly deserve. Over-all, however, the CD is sheer genius in delivering its objective of presenting Kris in her most human state, so to speak.   

As a mere mortal, Kris may have achieved immortality and royalty through her multi-platinum spoken-word CDs, transcending the limits of impermanence and commonality. The deafening applause of her fans and the blinding flashes of lights that engulf her are a testimony to the kind of adulation she inspires; the kind that surpasses time and presence.

After listening to Kris in My Heart’s Journey, I realize that the greatest artists are not really the super men or women and demigods or goddesses that they are perceived to be. Like any woman, Kris is vulnerable to the most basic of human emotions: anger, fear, sorrow, and joy. But remarkably, it is also through her sheer humanity that she has managed to transcend all known boundaries to achieve what is merely a dream to many: Unparalleled success.