Article posted November 28, 2007
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Aicelle Santos rushed to the Barangay LS studio right after her Unang Hirit guesting, ready to start her second appointment for the day: her first stint in “Fanatxt All Stars!” Read up on what this Pinoy Pop Superstar sweetie dished out to DJ Johnny Baby! Text by Jillian Q. Gatcheco. Photos by Jason S. Lim.
One year in the making
Her debut album Make Me Believe has been in the works since November last year, but Aicelle says it was worth the wait: “We really chose nice songs and materials, and at the same time, I was busy with SOP and balancing everything with school.” Aicelle is currently taking up BS Psychology at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM).
“We were really picky with the songs, and it’s a good thing I wrote two songs already. There is also a track composed by Mr. Vehnee Saturno, and various materials from friends. I wanted to sound different, yung pag narinig mo, ‘Ay! Si Aicelle ang kumanta nito!’”
Her carrier single is “Ikaw Pa Rin,” a last-minute composition that almost didn’t get included in the album. Aicelle recounts the funny story: "Ten na yung songs namin for the album. Nasa SOP kami noon, tapos tinanong ako ni tito Janno (Gibbs), ‘Gusto mo gawan kita ng song?’ Ginawa lang niya yung song on the spot sa cell phone, and he sent it via Bluetooth! Noong magre-record na, tinanong niya kung okay na, pero sabi ko, ‘Tito Janno, wala pang second stanza!’ Pero noong natapos na niya, I felt na ito na yung carrier single ko.”
”Mahirap mag-artista!”
There are two music video versions of her carrier single “Ikaw Pa Rin.” One was shot in Laguna [directed by Milos Curameng], and the second was for the SOP Music Video Awards. She admits that this song is quite difficult to sing live due to its complicated musical range, which is why vocalizing before a live performance is a must. “In time, natutunan ko na yung placement ng voice. Kailangan talaga mag-warm up beforehand para ready yung boses ko.”
Her first video was particularly challenging, especially since it involved trekking up a hill and shooting in the middle of a rubber tree forest. “First time ko ngang makakita ng rubber tree! Iniisip ko, ano ba itsura ng rubber tree?” she says.
Aside from bearing with the travel and the inevitability of insect bites, she had to cry for her scenes. “Ang hirap umiyak! One a.m. na, hindi pa rin ako maiyak! Ang hirap pala maging artista!” But with the help of the director’s wife, Aicelle was able to do it. “Ang sabi sa akin ni ate, ‘Cry with me.’ Nakakahawa!” Does this mean that she can cry on cue now? “I will try my best!” Aicelle says with a laugh.
Inspirations
Aicelle’s showbiz idols include Regine Velasquez (“For the strength of her voice”), Jaya (“For her soul; ang sarap ng feel ng songs niya”), and Kyla (“Ibang klase ang sweetness ng voice niya”). She says that these three singers influence her singing style and she looks up to them for inspiration.
Ballads and love songs may be the predominant genre in Aicelle’s album, but you’d be surprised to find out that her MP3 player is filled with Indie Arie and Lauren Hill songs, which she loves belting out to in the bathroom! She also sings their songs during her gigs, especially now that her schedule is packed with them!
In 2008, Aicelle hopes for a new album, more shows, and possibly a grand concert. When asked if she’d like to venture into acting in the future, she imparts that it would be great if she could try out hosting with her Pinoy Pop Superstar pals.
A year has passed since Aicelle won as runner-up in Pinoy Pop Superstar (PPS) Season 2, but this former indie band member (she was in a band for two years prior to joining PPS) fesses up that she still hasn’t gotten over her shyness. She proves, however, that a lot of determination pays off, despite not ending up as the grand winner in PPS. “Sing and sing, don’t stop singing!” she advises all aspiring singers, “Wag mong isipin na you’re not a good singer. Believe in yourself!”
Check out another iGMA feature on Aicelle!
To believe in Aicelle
Are you going to Aicelle’s gigs? Tell her you’ll be there! Text AICELLE to 4627 to Feel the Fun with Fanatxt! For pictures straight from her phone, text GOMMS AICELLE ON and send it to 4627. (Each SMS costs P2.50 for GLOBE, SMART, and TALK 'N TEXT, while it costs P2.00 for SUN subscribers. Each MMS costs P5.00 for all networks.)
