What Juris does during ‘hugot’ moments of ‘emo’ songs

Juris (left) with hubby Gavin, daughter Geordi and son Giddy

Juris was in her element during her recent concert, “Medleys of My Heart,” at the Music Museum. It was sort of a comeback for the singer on the concert scene after she took a hiatus to give in to the call of motherhood.

Her adorable babies, Giddy and Geordi, were in the audience that night. Juris says it’s hard for her to sing sad songs when she sees the faces of her kids and hubby Gavin during a show, so she has to look away from them during “hugot and emo” numbers.

I’ve known Juris since her MYMP days. I used to watch her band’s gigs at Aruba bar regularly. How sweet of the songstress to make special mention of me during the show when she reminisced about her early years on the band scene.

Back then, I already knew that she would make it big. Her crystal-clear voice never, ever falters. Marriage and motherhood have made Juris bloom all the more as a singer.

Interestingly, Aiza Seguerra was one of Juris’ special guests. During their onstage banter, Aiza’s punchline cracked everyone up:

Juris: Please welcome my good friend, ang nag-iisang Aiza Seguerra.

Aiza: S’yempre ako na lang ang nag-iisa, kasi ’yung isa, nag-iba na ng pangalan (I’m the only one left—the other one has changed his name).

Aiza was apparently referring to Charice, who’s now known as Jake Zyrus.

Here’s my chat with Juris:

What was going through your mind when you got emotional during your show? Knowing my family, friends, people I’ve worked with and my supporters were all there, I got “senti” singing all the songs that were part of my journey. They’re blessings to me. I’ve missed performing.

What do you remember the most about your MYMP days? The fans’ overwhelming support.

Would you advise band vocalists to go solo like you did? My going solo was unplanned. It’s either I continue singing or retire early. I didn’t want it at first because the idea that I’d be performing onstage alone made me feel uncomfortable.

I would advise band vocalists to go solo if they have to. In my case, I had to—and I’m thankful it happened. If you have the right reasons, your band will understand. There’s always a risk in taking chances. If God wills it, it will happen.

How do you balance being a wife, a mom and a singer? Family comes first. I’m grateful that I still get offers to share my talent. So, for it to work, proper time management is important.

What makes your marriage work? By doing things we enjoy together. Prayers help us deal with our differences.

What’s your advice to contestants in singing contests on TV? Take it all in and practice what they’re being taught. Understand the song and express it like they’re having a conversation with someone—at least, that work for me (laughs).

How do you take care of your voice? Enough sleep. When I feel I need it, I take pure ginger tea.

Guess list
Flirtation is inevitable during the long shooting hours of a teleserye or movie—especially between its lead stars, who portray lovers or a married couple. They can sometimes get carried away in intimate scenes, no matter how hard they try to avoid it. Blame it on human nature.

But usually the flirtation is coterminous with the movie or TV show. Although there are some cases when the flirtation goes on long after the project has ended. Just like this married actor and his former leading lady, who have gotten too close for comfort. Will he “pack up” his marriage and change casting? Stay tuned.

Personal: Birthday cheers to my BFF Buboy (Cesar Montano), whom I love like family.