KARLA Estrada
Although Karla Estrada has been known more as a sexy actress in her younger years, few people know that it was her singing that helped her raise her four children.
“Only a few people knew that. I did gigs in hotels, wherever. I even sang at a wake!” Karla told reporters at a recent press conference for her first solo musical show, “Her Highness: The Queen Mother in Concert,” on April 30 at the Kia Theatre (call 911-5555).
The 39-year-old Karla described her coming concert “a dream come true.” She was given the moniker “The Queen Mother” by fans, because of her son Daniel Padilla who, on the other hand, is considered the “Teen King.”
Karla began her career in show biz in 1987 as a member of the Wednesday group of the youth-oriented variety show, “That’s Entertainment.” She admitted that she was initially hesitant at the idea of holding a concert, especially since she has not had a lot of practice, and wasn’t sure if she had the endurance to pull it off.
Her self-confidence, too, she confessed, was at a low point.
But in her moments of self-doubt, it was Daniel who encouraged her to continue chasing her goals. “He knows that I love singing. Daniel once told me, ‘This is what you want, right? You can’t let that go because you love it,’” recalled Karla, who previously joined the reality talent contest, “Your Face Sounds Familiar.”
She plans to perform hits by the likes of Adele, Madonna and Debbie Gibson in her show. But no, there wouldn’t be any dancing—at least from her end. “Why, do you really want to see that?” quipped Karla, who swims to exercise for her diaphragm. “I want it to be a fun concert.”
The show, mounted by Cornerstone Productions, will feature special guests, including Vice Ganda and Karla’s “Your Face” family. Whether or not her kids would perform with her remains to be seen.