SARAH Geronimo
“Have you ever been kissed on the lips?” a veteran writer and talk-show host cheekily asked Sarah Geronimo during a recent roundtable interview.
Too stunned for words, Sarah reached for the water goblet in front of her and took a few sips. “It’s too personal!” she finally replied, laughing.
At 25, the singer-actor admitted she was still relatively inexperienced on the ways of the heart, despite rumors she had dated actors Rayver Cruz and Gerald Anderson.
No experience
“I haven’t really experienced being in a relationship na talagang relationship, or being with someone who has become a part of my life—not just through house visits, Skype or text messages,” Geronimo said.
Though very confident when performing, Geronimo comes across as unsure of herself when her love life is under scrutiny—clamming up or bursting into nervous giggles when asked questions about her personal life.
It was no different when show biz scribes tried to get her to reveal the real score between her and rumored boyfriend Matteo Guidicelli.
“I don’t mean to offend anyone, but I don’t want to talk about it. I’m sorry,” said Geronimo, who tried her best, with little success, to focus the discussion on her coming November concert.
She did, however, make a rather loaded statement: “Kung ano man ang meron kaming dalawa, sa amin na lang ’yun.”
On reports that people close to them had already confirmed that they were “officially together,” the singer, known in the industry as the “Popstar Princess,” said, “Any confirmation should come from us, not other people.”
She pointed out that her life had been pretty much an open book since she entered show biz 10 years ago. She thought it was about time to keep some things to herself.
“I’m sorry I’m not as open as I used to be. I don’t want other people meddling in our lives and pretending that they know everything,” Geronimo said.
Envious
Asked if she felt resentful that her three siblings had more freedom than her, Geronimo said resentment was probably too strong a word, but confessed she was a bit envious.
“Honestly, merong inggit,” she said. “But this is the tradeoff for whatever I have now in my career. Some children see me as a role model; I can’t let my emotions get the better of me. Such is the reality of being an artist.”
There have been stories that her mother, known in the industry as Mommy Divine, is overprotective or strict when it comes to Geronimo’s love life.
Not a rebel
The singer was asked if she ever thought of rebelling against her parents? “I hope I don’t reach that point,” Geronimo said, adding that her parents were not as strict as some people believed.
“Tamang guidance lang…I’m a girl; they just want the best for me,” she said.
Her relief was obvious when she was finally asked about her 10th anniversary concert “Perfect 10.” The concert celebrates her musical journey from winning the singing contest “Star for a Night” in 2003 as a 15-year-old to becoming the multiplatinum-selling artist she is now.
She is slated to do two shows: November 15 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and November 30 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Through the years, Geronimo said she learned that a singer was not measured by his/her vocal range or clarity. More than the technical aspects, singing was about expressing oneself and conveying a message, she said.
“I know myself better now as an artist. I’ve been exposed to more genres of music. I’ve had a wonderful journey filled with achievements and challenges,” she said.
Geronimo, who will be returning as a mentor in the second season of the reality singing contest “The Voice of the Philippines,” added that she wanted to be appreciated for her voice alone, not because of fancy production numbers or gimmicks.
Asked by the Inquirer if she had any insecurities or felt threatened by other singers, Geronimo said insecurities would always be present. “It’s just a matter of using them to your advantage. My insecurities inspired me to work harder and improve myself,” she explained.
“Feeling threatened is the ugliest feeling,” she added. “Kung ano meron siya, pwedeng wala ako; kung ano meron ako pwedeng wala siya. It’s just about knowing one’s self.”
“Perfect 10” tickets are available at TicketNet, SM Tickets and Viva Concerts (6877236).