A closer encounter with Andrea Bocelli

The first time I did an exclusive one-on-one with Andrea Bocelli two years ago, he was just a voice on the phone – and what a voice he was! He was at his home in Italy and I was in Manila. The 10-minute phone interview was arranged by Ramon Chuaying whose MCA-Universal Records was then releasing Bocelli’s album Cieli Di Toscana. Bocelli, turning 46 on Sept. 22, spoke good if halting English and he had such infectious sense of humor. I could hear his two kids yelling at play in the background.

Last Thursday, I had a closer encounter with Bocelli at his suite at Mandarin Oriental where he and his entourage were billetted during his concert last night at the Araneta Coliseum, his second in Asia (the first having been last year in Shanghai where Rose Marie "Baby" Arenas finalized Bocelli’s Manila gig).

Throughout the 10-minute one-on-one, Bocelli didn’t show any sign of jet lag even if he just arrived at 10 that morning, logging an exhausting 16-hour flight from still-cold Italy right smack into scorching Manila. He was nice, as usual, nodding and smiling as he shook my hand when I was introduced to him. This time, he had an interpreter.

I told Bocelli that our interview would have nothing to do with his music but about Bocelli the person.

"It’s okay," he smiled, fixing the scarf around his neck.

Shoot!

So here are the who’s, what’s, where’s, when’s and how’s in Bocelli’s life:

Who are your heroes?

"I don’t have any hero. I have masters and role models but no heroes."

Who is God to you?

"I believe in God."

Who is your favorite singer (aside from yourself)?

"My favorite singer has always been Franco Corelli."

Who is the most unforgettable person you’ve met?

"Honestly, I have a good memory and I remember many people whom I’ve met. But it’s difficult to say who’s the one."

What is your greatest fear?

"The stage. Yes, up to now I have stage fright."

What is your most precious possession in life?

"People in general. Human beings."

What do you like and/or dislike most about yourself?

"I’m happy that I’m secure with myself, even if I know that I have defects."

What do you find sexy in a woman? (He was chosen by People magazine as one of the sexiest men a few years ago.)

"It’s a hard question. I’ve met so many women in my life and I can’t tell exactly what. I have to think a lot before I can answer your question."

What is your fervent wish?

"To be always in good shape and to give the audience the maximum that I can."

Where are you most comfortable?

"At home."

Where are you going after your concert in Manila?

"I will have a concert in Hong Kong and Singapore."

Where is your most sensitive spot (in his body)?

"My ears."

Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

"Still performing but less than what I am doing now."

When did you realize that you could sing? (He’s a certified lawyer.)

"I don’t remember. Singing has always been a challenge, so everytime is like the first time. I’ve always been singing so I don’t remember the first time."

When was the last time you said "I love you"?

"Not a long time ago." (Asked to whom, he smiled. "It’s quite personal.")

When was the last time you cried?

"I never cried. It’s hard for me to cry."

When are you happiest?

"When I’m with my family."

When are you loneliest?

"When I have to leave for shows abroad and I have to leave my family behind for a long time."

How do you pray?

"I meditate. I talk to God directly. I could be seated here and pray at the same time."

How do you protect your voice?

"By being silent. Staying in silence for many days. Not talking."

(E-mail reactions at [email protected])