For a talented singer who fascinates even the international audience, the opportunity to interpret a song written by an OPM stalwart is a major blessing in the same breath as wowing the likes of Simon Cowell and the British crowd, and especially in these difficult times.
Alisah Bonaobra’s latest single “Faithful” has all the markings of an uplifting classic like the all-too familiar “Lift Up Your Hands.” That’s not a far-fetched claim considering that the songwriter behind her new recording is Cecile Azarcon-Inocentes — the same lady who penned the Basil Valdez classic, among other OPM gems like Martin Nievera’s “Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin,” Kuh Ledesma’s “I Think I’m In Love,” Chiqui Pineda’s “How Did You Know,” and “Sana Ay Ikaw Na Nga,” another Basil hit.
“Sobrang overwhelmed po ako sa blessings na dumarating sa akin kahit na may pandemic. Nagrequest po ako ng English song to interpret at ang binigay sa akin ay isang magandang composition na sinulat ni Ms. Cecile,” shared the down-to-earth Alisah who describes her recent digital singles as “very timely.”
Since signing with the San Francisco-based RJA Productions early this year, or just before the country was placed under community quarantine, Alisah has been on a good run, with her lyric videos for singles “Ginto Ang Sandali” and “Gintong Tinig” amassing nearly half a million views together since their release just a few months ago.
For this year’s Yuletide season, despite the troubles the country has faced all-year round, Alisah’s voice stands out as an uplifter of spirits with her song “Kahit Na Malayo Pa Ang Pasko.” She also joined other RJA artists for ensemble-singing in “Ikaw Ang Aking Pasko.”
For her latest feat dropped in favorite digital stores, Alisah shines as a beacon of light empowered by brilliant craftsmanship that has been the Cecile Azarcon trademark. Other standards from the seasoned songwriter’s catalogue were popularized by Jam Morales (“Even If”), Raymond Lauchengco (“So, It’s You”), Iwi Laurel (“Special Memory”) and Gary Valenciano (“Reaching Out”). The rebirth of Kuh Ledesma’s “One More Try,” which became a popular TV series theme, is also her composition.
Now based in the San Francisco Bay Area, the revered tunesmith recalled that she composed “Faithful” “in about 30 minutes and which “came out like a personal prayer to God.” Scheduled to sing at the church where she does worship service on Sundays, she decided to write a song about God’s faithfulness.
She related, “The music and the lyrics just flowed together and fell into place as I reflected on the many times that I have experienced God’s faithfulness in my life. Even in those times when I have not been faithful to Him, He remained faithful to me.”
“May this song remind us that whether we are in good or bad times, God’s caring presence and unfailing love will prove to be our greatest treasure, security and blessing,” she added.
Azarcon-Inocentes continues to dabble in music and produce projects to promote deserving singers and songwriters.
Alisah recalled being speechless while watching the hitmaker’s live, piano-laden run through of her piece. Apart from the privilege of singing a composition from a master’s stroke, she is grateful to have further honed her skill as she tackled the song under the stewardship of vocal coach Arnie Mendaros and Ms. Cecile herself.
The lady icon noted Alisah’s heartfelt rendition of her song, “You can give Alisah any song and she will deliver it and give it all she’s got. That’s exactly what she did with ‘Faithful.’ From a songwriter’s perspective, she was able to capture my sentiments which is actually a testimony of my own personal walk with God.”
The singer who made waves in X-Factor UK and The Voice of the Philippines recently appeared in the popular Eat Bulaga segment “Bawal Judgmental.” It was a happy return trip for her as she was a finalist in the noontime show’s “Just Duet” contest back in 2016.
She attributes her career’s steady rise to being affiliated with RJA Productions spearheaded by pro-artists handler Rosabella Jao-Arribas, and the never-wavering support of her fans. “Huwag po sana magsawa ang Alisah Warriors na suportahan ako. Ako naman po ay hindi mapapagod sa pag-inspire through singing sa mga taong patuloy na nangangarap at kumakapit sa pag-asang makakabangon sa kahit ano pa mang sakuna.”
Alisah’s humble beginnings endeared her to music fans all over the world. Her mother, fondly called Ate Luz around their community, has been selling specially packed food stuff as a sidewalk vendor for the past 30 years. She has always been a homebody, spending much of her time with her big family and her collection of pets. No doubt being at home these days further strengthened her resolve and faith.
ADVT.