Aicelle Santos’ self-penned latest single encourages people to ‘do the right thing’

SANTOS as a guest storyteller in Inquirer’s Batibot Read-Along last weekend. PHOTO BY RITO ASILO

“The single may sound like an election song, but it wasn’t originally meant as one,” says singer-actress

Aicelle Santos of her self-penned soon-to-be-launched extended play (EP) album, “Liwanag.”

The lovely lead star of “Rak of Aegis” and “Katy!” adds: “It encourages people to do the right thing. It’s timely, because it aims to spread hope, love and light. It’s a song out of prayer!”

Then, the career-driven lass humors us by singing snippets of the catchy song: “Sa dilim gumagapang / Lubog ka man sa lusak / Kumapit ka sa tama / Iisa lang ang buhay/ Gamitin mo ng mahusay…”

Aicelle, who took part in Inquirer’s Batibot Read-Along event last Saturday, doesn’t just sing, act and dance. This time around, she proves that she can also write her own songs—and do it well! The EP features six tracks that her fans can already download online.

She may have been in the business for some time, but Aicelle started dabbling in theater only in 2012—when she auditioned for the title role in the acclaimed original Filipino musical, “Katy!” Her follow-up role in 2013 was just as impressive, as Aileen in “Rak of Aegis,” which she says is gearing up for another rerun in May.

She says there are similarities in the coveted roles of Katy and Aileen when she thinks about her own life. Being the eldest in a brood of four, she helps support her family’s finances.

“‘Katy!’ and ‘Rak’ follow young dreamers who want to make a name in the entertainment business, so they can provide for their families,” Aicelle notes. “I see myself in their dreams and struggles, because my family has always been my inspiration.”

For young hopefuls who want to make a career out of performing, Aicelle’s advice is never to lose hope. In her case, she admits that it wasn’t easy in the beginning.

She stresses the importance of perseverance and hard work. “Never give up! If you fail during your first try, do it all over again until you get it right!”

It was in her second attempt to join the talent tilt, “Pinoy Pop Superstar,” in 2005 that she finally won (first runner-up).

After signing a record deal with GMA 7, she became a member of the La Diva trio, along with Jonalyn Viray and Maricris Garcia.

“The best way to get better at what you do is to never stop learning,” Aicelle says. “In music as it is in acting, you have to find your own voice!”

When she was just starting out, she used to copy the late Whitney Houston, but she eventually found her niche. After her stint in stage musicals, she was tapped by GMA 7 to act in the afternoon soap, “Buena Familia,” opposite Julie Anne San Jose.

Aicelle doesn’t mind portraying a kontrabida and getting bashed for being good at playing a baddie—because it means that she’s doing something right! But she says that music remains to be her biggest passion.

She finds fulfillment when she performs for her kababayan here and abroad “because we are given a chance to inspire them through music. Each song or theatrical piece provides a unique connection and interaction with them!”

Her “love affair” with her followers becomes even more special when the connection she forges with them becomes “personal.” She explains, “A grateful and appreciative fan once approached me after a show and said, ‘Your performance reminded me of my tatay.’ It’s a wonderful feeling to touch people that way!”

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FROM singer to songwriter, Aicelle’s latest single is “a song out of prayer.”