Jamie Rivera, 30 years later

Jamie Rivera

For Jamie Rivera, who’s marking her 30th anniversary in the industry this year, her show biz career lasting for as long as it has is one thing, but making a mark is another.

“It’s not merely about longevity. It’s also about touching people’s lives. The Lord blessed us with talent to share with as many people as possible,” Jamie told the Inquirer in a recent interview.

Jamie, 51, has built quite a resumé over the past three decades. Her hits, “Hey, It’s Me” and “I’ve Fallen for You,” are considered OPM classics.

Playing Kim in the West End production of “Miss Saigon” is another feather in her cap, she said—a rare opportunity that allowed her to represent the Philippines on the world stage.

But of all the things Jamie has accomplished, it’s her inspirational music that she considers her main contribution—her legacy—to the music biz.

Jamie looks back fondly at the times she performed for two pontiffs: St. John Paul II in 2003 (via livestream) and Pope Francis in 2015.

Jamie has just been feted with the tribute album, “Hey, It’s Me, Jamie,” by Star Music. It features her most popular songs, sung by artists such as Ogie Alcasid, Vina Morales, Jed Madela, Juris, Janella Salvador, Bailey May and Ylona Garcia.

The album also contains the song “Thank You,” an unreleased composition. “Not everyone gets to have a tribute album. I was touched and even cried when I first heard the recordings. I felt so loved,” Jamie said.

The album will be available in her coming concert of the same title tomorrow at the Music Museum (call 891-9999).
She’ll be joined onstage by guests Jona, Bailey, Janella, Pinky Amador, Ito Rapadas, Jenine Desiderio, Bimbo Cerrudo, Klarisse de Guzman, and Jason and Joshua Zamora.

Jamie is not one to plan too far ahead when it comes to her career; she believes in letting things run its course naturally. She doesn’t feel like she has anything left to prove either. But as long as people believe in her and her music; she will stay.

“Recently, during an appearance in ‘ASAP,’ Rey Valera told me that we continue to perform and make music, because this is the best job ever—and it’s true. When you do something you love, you’ll barely notice the passing of time,” Jamie said. “I don’t even feel I have been here for 30 years already!”