A playlist of different love stories

MANILA, Philippines - Her digital album produced only last year by Star Records turned out to be so good  with the single Gisingin ang Puso as the most downloaded tune  that it is only fitting for Liezel Garcia to make a new one. This time, Liezel calls her eponymous album as “a physical album.”

“After I signed a contract with Star Records, the ‘in’ thing then was in digital form so we tried (releasing my songs) it first and, thankfully, it became an instant hit,” Liezel says. “That’s why, they (Star Records execs) decided to have my first album na. At eto na nga (waving her self-titled CD) physical na.”

It’s a dream come true, Liezel adds. She’s been longing to come up with a solo album right after her stint in the ABS-CBN singing search Pinoy Dream Academy four years ago.”But of course, I know I have to wait (for my turn) kasi s’yempre ang priority is the grand winner, si Bugoy (Drilon, her boyfriend for a year and nine months now).”

And Liezel didn’t just get what she wished for. Her songs have also become Kapamilya teleserye theme songs which are included in her new, nine-track album. They are Wag Ka Lang Mawawala for the Coco Martin and Julia Montes’ topbiller Walang Hanggan; Bakit Pa in Kung Ako’y Iiwan Mo; Lumayo Ka Man Sa Akin for PHR Presents; Di Ko Kayang Limutin, which was heard in Kristine; Gisingin Ang Puso, played over again in the Koreanovela Pure Love; and Ngayong Alam Ko Na, the official soundtrack of Two Wives.

With her voice being heard over and over again, people can now easily recognize Liezel unlike before that she had to introduce herself as one of the grand dreamers in PDA. “It’s a great help to me that my songs are being used as theme songs and are now enjoying frequent airplay on the radio.”

Asked if her relationship with Bugoy affects her career and performance, Liezel replies, “For me, there are more advantages. Bugoy and I tell each other’s flaws, yung bang nagpupunahan kami kung ano ang kulang. He tells me if there’s still more to improve and that works beneficial for me kasi syempre I get to know my strengths and weaknesses. The only disadvantage is there are some who compare our singing style.

“And when you’re in love, you’re inspired to do better at nafe-feel ng tao yun. Emotions really affect my performance.”

That’s why, Liezel admits, she had a hard time giving the right tunes to her songs in the album as most of them speak about sad feelings of love. “I had to recall sad memories about the loss of a loved one. Like when my grandmother died, it was really heartbreaking for me because she’s the one who influenced and taught me how to sing. I felt she helped me supply the right emotions to my songs when I thought about her.”

Liezel’s passion for singing started during her elementary days. Her lola accompanied her in joining different singing tilts in Quezon where she grew up. But her singing was interrupted after she graduated Masscom in college.

“I was working as an executive secretary in a car firm in Dubai for two years already when I got to know about the audition for PDA so I tried because sabi ko marunong naman ako kumanta. Fortunately, here I am now doing what I love which is singing.” 

Liezel assures music lovers, particularly the hopeless romantics, can truly relate with her songs. “As Pinoys, we are known to be sentimental and my album is like a playlist of different love stories.”

The album also features covers of Jaya’s Wala Na Bang Pag-Ibig and Marri Nallos’ Alipin Ako. It also has a bonus track titled Dance with Me.

(Liezel Garcia album is now available in record bars nationwide. Digital tracks can also be downloaded via http://www.mymusicstore.com.ph)