MANILA, Philippines - Japanese singer Tomomi Kahara recently visited Manila for an intimate press conference-cum-mini-showcase at the El Buono Pizza, Asia’s biggest and finest pizza, in Tomas Morato. She shared her passion for music with select guests by performing songs such as I Believe and I’m Proud culled from previous albums released in Japan.
The year 1995 saw Tomomi recording and launching her debut album with the song Keep Yourself Alive; it was followed by hit singles. Her newfound fame led her to grace TV advertisements and to appear in dramas and variety shows. Twelve years after, Tomomi took a breather from the deafening applause of fans and the blinding klieg lights. Part of the much-needed break was living in Manila for a year where Tomomi made a lot of friends and experienced the Filipino hospitality first hand.
Last April 17, Tomomi made a recording comeback in Japan by releasing an album with Les Miserables’ I Dreamed a Dream as carrier single. To capture the emotions being evoked by the song, a 41-piece orchestra was commissioned to back up Tomomi for a heartfelt performance.
“It was my first time recording with a full orchestra,†she shared. “And I was so moved by its power and magnificence. I was able to overcome my problems and sad memories by singing the songs I love. Music really helped me. Because of the pain I went through, I am here today. Every moment until now is just a path to the future… I want to deliver that message through my song. My encounter with this precious song made me one step stronger.â€
The Universal Music artist also looks forward to recording an album and collaborating with Filipino composers.
(Tomomi Kahara’s handler is Sam Calaca. She can be reached through samfajcalaca@gmail.com.)