Sarah’s new challenge

CABANGON. Heartfelt renditions and no-frills singing style.

Carol Buenafe, clerk: “Why did the producers of ‘The Voice’ choose Sarah Geronimo as one of the judges? I don’t doubt her ability as a performer, but does that qualify her as a mentor for aspiring singers?”

Other notes:

Oscar Albina, teacher: “There’s a resurgence of original Pilipino music (OPM), thanks to songwriting competitions like PhilPop and ‘Himig Handog.’

“Sadly, however, none of the entries has become as popular as MetroPop’s ‘Anak’ by Freddie Aguilar or Apo’s ‘Ewan.’ What’s the problem? Perhaps our music experts can shed light on this?”

Gina Franco, student: “I admire stars who make the extra effort to look good onscreen and off. Some of them go overboard, however, by resorting to extreme beauty-enhancement procedures even when they don’t need them! As a result, some of them look like distant variants of their old selves—and, worse, their newly acquired look distracts from their performances!

“Recently, while watching a local film, I overheard these and other pungent comments: ‘Ay, ano’ng nangyari sa ilong n’ya—bakit tabingi? Bakit iba na ang galaw ng bibig n’ya?’ Some stars need to think thrice before going through those procedures, if they don’t want to be a laughing stock inside the moviehouse!”

Punch lines

Tessie Canares, housewife: “Watching old Pinoy films on TV has reminded me of the wacky likes of Chichay and Moody Diaz. They could make me laugh without hitting their punch lines too hard, or contorting their faces. Comediennes these days have a lot to learn from them!”

Reynaldo Benitez, office employee: “I take my hat off to singer-songwriter Noel Cabangon, who defies the perception that only great looks and a passable singing ability can sell records. I buy Noel’s albums because he connects with his listeners. His heartfelt renditions of classic OPMs and his no-frills singing style are music to my ears!”

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