“IT WOULD probably take others more than a lifetime to do all the things I did.”
Looking back on her illustrious career that spans 35 years makes her feel old, according to singer-actress Sharon Cuneta.
Yes, old, but happy and humbled at the same time by everything she accomplished since bursting onto the scene with the hit single “Mr. DJ” in 1978, added the 48-year-old star.
“Some people would tell me that it would probably take others more than a lifetime to do all the things I did… I have this catalog of movies and songs that no one can take away from me. I worked with the best, and it’s something I’m proud of,” Sharon told the Inquirer during a set visit to “The Mega and the Songwriter” studio late last year.
She had starred in movies, recorded songs and hosted shows too many for her to keep count of. And considering her extensive body of work as her personal “treasure chest,” Sharon hopes that one day, her future grandchildren and great grandchildren would get the chance to open it.
“I’m so lucky to be in this field. It’s one of the few ones where people can see how you talked or acted when you were just 15—even if you’re gone. It’s amazing,” related Sharon, adding that her daughter KC Concepcion used to “laugh her head off” at her dancing scenes with William Martinez in “Forgive and Forget.”
Anniversary concert
According to the singer-actress-host, doing a concert this year is perhaps the most ideal way to celebrate her 35th anniversary. “The history you create with the fans is also something that you will keep forever,” she said. “Entertainment for me is more than just making people feel good, cry, or clap. Every song and movie represents a part of your life.”
Sharon currently has two shows on TV5—the feel-good series “Madam Chairman” and the weekly musical variety show “The Mega and the Songwriter,” which she cohosts with Ogie Alcasid. Sharon said she had never been this happy with the Kapatid network, since signing a five-year contract in 2012.
“My character just feels so real and it works,” said Sharon of Bebeth, the character she plays in “Madam.” “I’m grateful I’m here. I love my job because it gives me the license to assume different personalities. Then there’s singing, which allows me to make instant connection with the viewers,” she said.
Sharon however admitted she “hasn’t been happy with her weight for quite a while.” “But I have to take things slowly,” she asserted. “The good thing about doing ‘Madam’ is that people can look beyond your weight.”
Her stint in “The Mega,” on the other hand, made her realize how much she missed having a musical program on TV. For Sharon, hosting the show is a “breath of fresh air” after regular taping for “Madam.” “I couldn’t have asked for a better cohost. Ogie and I always have a good time on the set. The only problem is that our voices get hoarse sometimes from all the laughing!” she related.
One of her dreams for “The Mega” is to do tributes for some of the best singers and composers the country have—and had—such as Gary Valenciano, Regine Velasquez, Martin Nievera, Jose Mari Chan, Rico J. Puno, Basil Valdez, Willy Cruz, Rey Valera and George Canseco.
New album
Aside from her projects on TV5, Sharon said that she was also looking forward to recording a new album under Viva. While she knows that fans expect her to do certain types of songs, she wants to veer away from the usual genres. “I want to do an all-original album. I don’t want to alienate, but I also want to keep up with the times,” she pointed out.
Outside her show biz career, Sharon still has many dreams she wants to pursue. “I want to be an architect, an interior designer, a pastry chef. I also want to study abroad—there are so many things I want to do!” she said, laughing.
“Life is short and I don’t want to waste any moment,” Sharon said.
(E-mail apolicarpio@inquirer.com.ph)