Ivy’sback!

"it’s so hot outside!" She exclaims as she walks in the cool hotel lobby and settles into a chair. "I mean you can literally melt in that kind of heat!" Ivy Violan takes off her shades and leans back. She is conventionally charming, yet transparent enough that you might not notice her pass by until someone says, "That was Ivy." Chic in a white shirt and dark slacks, her outfit accentuates a nice, slim figure–impressive for a woman already in her fifties. She doesn’t quite look her age, even if she has her arm in a sling.

"I strained a muscle while I was at the gym. But it’s nothing serious. This is only a pre-caution," she explains.

Asked whether the injury might pose a problem at her Valentine’s Day concert tomorrow night at The Peninsula Manila, Violan lets out a chuckle like it was the silliest question she ever heard.

"My whole arm can fall off and I’d still be there," she laughs and wags a finger to dismiss the topic. "I wouldn’t miss it for anything."

Despite the cheesy title, "My Heart’s Love", the concert is still destined to become a highlight in Violan’s long, solid career. For one, her repertoire will include songs from her past albums, classic standards, and even the latest OPM hits. "I’ll be doing numbers by Sarah Geronimo and Rachelle Ann Go!" she exclaims. "Can you believe it?"

The concert will bring back a lot of fond memories as well, with Homer Flores as musical director and special guest Rico J. Puno–the man who launched Violan as a solo act in 1981. "Oh, it’ll be great to work with my old buddies again. It’s going to be sweet and fun... a wonderful reunion."

She adds: "Of course, it‘s a Valentine show for everyone, but it’s also personal. This is my way of saying ‘thank you’ to friends for the many years they’ve supported me, and that they’re all part of my heart’s love."

More than anything else, "My Heart’s Love"–along with plans for a new album before Christmas–will mark Violan’s return to local mainstream music after a long absence.

It has been five years since Violan’s last record, "Ivy at the Movies", a set of popular soundtrack covers. She has been actively performing at corporate shows and such, but Violan has basically faded away from the pop limelight–a fact which she herself readily admits.

"Many will say that I’ve been sleeping all this time because people don’t talk about me or don’t see me on TV, but I think it was a good break to recharge and re-channel my life and re-assess what I really want," she says."Dati kasi, I was all about making it big in the business. Pero nag-iba na ako ngayon, eh. I just want to have fun now. I just want the public to know I’m still alive... that I still sing. So let me share with you the gift of music."

Not many will say no to that.

In a country where singing talents are a dime-a-dozen, Violan has distinguished herself as a brilliant and respected artist. Armed with a soulful and powerful voice and a sharp stage demeanor, she not only captured the local music scene, but proved herself abroad as well, bagging several competitions in various countries.

Having gotten invaluable training as lead vocalist of the Sankatutak Band and the Royal Flush Music Society back in the ’70s, Violan’s foray into recording came with the release of her solo debut, "George Canseco Presents Ivy Violan". A couple of projects followed, but the ’80s were mostly about making waves abroad–taking home top prizes in singing festivals in Bangkok, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur.

In 1990, Violan signed a contract with Viva Records and churned out several albums: "Pangmatagalan", "Ivy Violan IV", "Hanggang Ngayon", and of course, "Ivy at the Movies".

Her achievements have often garnered praise (even if they might not be considered landmarks), and have certainly made Ivy Violan a name that is synonymous with good music. And it is this that has made her a real treasure to loyal fans.

Violan, who has never compromised her dedication to her craft, says that "music is a great passion" because "I get a good high" from it.

This genuine love for song therefore makes it all the more unfortunate that she has never quite reached the level of bankable, A-list stars, but Violan isn’t complaining–at least not out loud.

"I simply adore singing. And I’m pretty happy where I am right now," she says. "To be honest, I didn’t even know this would be a career."

She adds: "To make it in this business is tough. I’ve gone through a lot of downfalls myself, but that’s just how it is, di ba?

"I believe na habang nabubuhay ka kasi, you can be anything you want to be. It will take a lot of hard work, a lot of patience, a lot of time, but it’ll be worth it."

The jury is still out–and probably always will be–over whether she’s merely an adequate singer who was lucky enough to have settled into the realms of mainstream pop or, as Australian conductor Bernie Allen assures us, she’s someone "better than Diana Ross". Or she could probably be both.

"You really don’t have to be on a media blitz everyday. Just be yourself and give it your best," she says. "Everything else will fall into place."

Her life and her music seem to have falen onto a good place. "I’ve been a singer ever since I was in my mom’s womb. Bata pa lang ako I was already into music. And I’m sure I always will be," Violan says, and smiles. "Lord knows I’m old enough to be sure about it."