JUST A THOUGHT: “No story lives unless someone wants to listen.” – J.K. Rowling
* * *
DIVA PROS AND CONS: Are you honored or insulted by the title of your group show, “Divas”?
I asked the four brilliant singers who make up the cast of the one-night-only concert happening on Nov. 11 at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
Kyla, the most senior in the bunch, said she liked the high standard in music set by a diva and this is what she wants to focus on.
“I want to look at diva in a positive way,” she said.
Her take on the subject was shared by the three other girls, themselves acknowledged as among the industry’s current best.
The term diva, originally used with a positive connotation in the world of opera or serious music, has assumed a rather unflattering reputation when it crossed over to the pop scene. Diva insinuates spoiled, bratty behavior in the case of some artists.
Yeng Constantino begged to disagree, claiming that being a diva can set a good example to younger singers to raise their standards in music and performing. “My goal is always to inspire people, whether or not they look at me as a diva,” she said.
* * *
MAY TITLE SILA: “Divas” assembles four music titlists, all products of TV amateur singing contests.
Kyla (“Tanghalan ng Kampeon”) is known as the Queen of R&B.
Angeline Quinto (“Star Power”) is the Queen of Theme Songs.
KZ (“X Factor Philippines”), the Soul Supreme.
And Yeng Constantino (“Pinoy Dream Academy”), the Pop Rock Superstar.
Each offers a unique selling proposition in terms of music genre.
They are also under the same management team, Erickson Raymundo’s Cornerstone Entertainment.
Divas’ original casting included Rachel Ann Go, who had to beg off due to her casting in“Miss Saigon”on Broadway. She was replaced by KZ.
Billed “DIVAS: Live in Manila,” the concert is produced by Cornerstone Concerts and Star Events directed by Paul Basinillo with Ria Villena Osorio as musical director.
The four Divas’ special guests are Regine Velasquez, K Brosas, and Jaya.
* * *
THEIR HIT SONGS: A singer in these parts amounts to nothing if she hasn’t got a string of hit songs to her credit.
The four Divas are not wanting in this department.
Kyla is known for her many hits, the most recent of which are the teleserye theme songs “On the Wings of Love” and “Till I Met You.”
Angeline Quinto is identifiable with her symphony of theme songs from ABS-CBN’s teleserye factory. These include “Kunin Mo Na ang Lahat sa Akin.”
For KZ, it is “Mahal Ko o Mahal Ako.”
Yeng Constantino: “Hawak-Kamay,” “Chinito,” “Ikaw.” (NESTOR CUARTERO)