Dulce still wagi after 30 years

Last seen on stage in the musical Himala, Dulce marks her 30th year in showbiz with her performance in Hairspray. She plays Motormouth Maybelle, the same role portrayed by Queen Latifah in the movie version. Dulce was divine, as she brought life to the role. She drew wild approval of oohhs and ahhs the moment she stepped on stage. Motormouth Maybelle fits Dulce to a T. “When I watched Hairspray, I thought it was me I saw on TV.” She gets to sing the power ballad I Know Where I’ve Been. Hairspray is on-going at the Star Theater until Dec. 7. Her Hairspray director Bobby Garcia calls her one of the best singers/performers in the world. Read on.

What song did your mother sing to you when you were a baby?

Tugtugin Bukid.

What song rocks you to sleep?

Sleepy shores.

Whose CD is found in your car stereo?

Batya Segal (Jewish worship), Linda Eder (Jekyll and Hyde), Nancy LaMott, Monica Mancini.

How big is your CD collection?

300 plus.

Who is your favorite singer — local and foreign?

Jackie Magno, Pat Castillo, Nana Mouskouri.

What is the song that you will not sing?

Better Days.

If you were to sing a duet with a world famous singer, who would he/she be and why?

John Denver or Marian Faithful. We will share the song.

What song best describes you?

Greatest Love of All.

You are on your 30th year. How has the journey been so far?

It’s like singing Lord Knows I Know Where I’ve Been.

You play the role of Motormouth Maybelle which was played by Queen Latifah in Hairspray. If you were to meet Queen Latifah, what would you tell her?

When I watched Hairspray, I thought it was me I saw on TV.

The best song of all time?

When I Look in Your Eyes.

The bands/singers that you listened to in high school?

Cebu local bands like Hagtus, Spit of the Morning Sun, Satellite.

What are the songs that you sing with your children now?

Somewhere Out there, Only Hope.

The song that you sing/listen to over and over again? Why?

I Want to Spend My Life With You.

What makes a good singer?

One who is true to oneself.

Album sales or good praises?

It is nice to have both.

You are going to compose a song that will describe your life, what would its title be?

Sa Puso’y May Tamis. It is a song I wrote myself.

If you can choose an audience for your show, who would you invite and why?

Children. They are open, teachable and you need no effort to convince them.

What do you think of singing competitions?

Singing competitions became an avenue for me. I appreciate them.

The best concert you have ever seen?

Bocelli in Vegas.

Who is the best Filipino singer of all time?

Pilita Corrales and Celeste Legaspi.

If you were a musical instrument, what would you be and why?

Flute. Lutang na lutang ang sound over mountains and rivers.

Hypothetical, you are to receive a Grammy award, what are you wearing? And who is in your thank-you list?

Ethnic outfit, stylized Filipiniana by Danilo Franco. On my thank-you list are God, who is source of every good thing, parents, children, husband and thousands of other people.

How do you take care of your voice?

I avoid pollution.

What do you do when you forget the lyrics of a song during a performance?

I put in other words. I think of the psalms.

Sex or no sex before a performance?

It’s good to get rest, really.

The first song that you memorized?

Gimingaw ako. (I miss you.)

If you were to sing Paano to someone, who would he/she be and why?

To a person in deep struggle…

If you were to serenade your enemies what song would you sing?

Ako Ang Nagwagi.

The best performance you ever had?

My first time with the PPO in Luneta. I cried the moment I heard the song.

If you were to meet one singer before you die who would he be?

Barry Manilow.

Do you believe in heaven? If yes, how do you get there? If no, why?

Yes. John 14:6.

If you go to hell, who do you want to be with you?

You will be very busy suffering. You cannot think of anything else.

You are at the entrance of heaven, what do you think God will say to you?

I’d like the King of All Kings say, come in my dear princess, take your place in the kingdom.