Gretchen Barretto: Truly complicated

MANILA, Philippines - Taking a cue from the carrier single of her sophomore album, Complicated (Star Records), Gretchen Barretto is ready to take a chance again at love. She is not poised to win back someone she has lost. But she is just trying her luck again. Some things do not happen as planned as the actress-turned-singer hinted.

Complicated is composed of 14 songs. Two are original compositions (Complicated and This Far), while the rest of the tracks are familiar tunes. Although she can sing, Gretchen had a vocal coach in Annie Quintos. Her debut album Unexpected already reached platinum.

Below are questions of Open Line readers and Gretchen’s replies to them:

As a singer, how do you rate yourself? One is the lowest and 10 is the highest. And what does singing give you? (Rachel Aloner of Lucban, Quezon)

I’m at six or seven. I think I have many things to learn in terms of techniques and placing my voice. When I think of the emotions (for the lyrics), I tend to forget the placement of my voice.

Singing allows me to express myself. It is an expression of what I feel.

Among the young actresses/stars, who has the most beautiful face? And why? (Grace Academia, Davao City)

I like Angelica Panganiban. She looks sexy and sensual.

What’s your idea of being beautiful? (Arnel Santos, Mandaluyong City)

Simplicity.

Where is your heart at the moment? (Aina Salvador, Caloocan City)

It’s afloat.

What’s your wedding day like? (Amy Bayoca, Sorsogon)

You’ll know when that happens. I don’t want to talk about something imagined. I just want to talk about something that is going to happen.

Do you look forward to it?

Maybe and who knows?

Why do people think that you always make a grand entrance and a grand exit? (Tina Sanvictores, Antipolo City)

Because I’m grand. (She laughs.) — Jerry Donato

(Note: Fans are welcome to send in questions for their favorite stars. Open Line will get the answers for you. E-mail at [email protected] and [email protected].)