Claire: From Soul to Bolton

Last year, Claire dela Fuente scored a “coup” when Richard Carpenter gave her the go-signal to re-record Something In Your Eyes for her Timeless album released by Viva Records. It’s the same song Richard composed for his sister Karen Carpenter and first recorded by Dusty Springfield. Touted as Karen Carpenter of the Philippines, Claire readily impressed Richard with her singing which, I’m sure, reminded him of his dead sister. Richard even came to grace the album launch later in the year.

Several weeks ago, Funfare reported the “scoop” that Claire has recorded a duet of Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang? with David Soul (the voice behind Don’t Give Up On Us) for her new Timeless, Songs Of My Life album, also by Viva Rcords which has just released it. Through the magic of technology, Soul recorded his part in London and Claire did hers in the Philippines...the same technique used by Natalie Cole in her duet of Unforgettable with her father, Nat King Cole)...and the product is just amazing.

No, Claire hasn’t stopped there. Her foray into the international market continues. Recently, she recorded Christmas Song with Michael Bolton for her The Christmas Album and Bolton himself will include it in his Christmas album. In short, Claire’s Karen Carpenter voice will be heard worldwide twice, first with Soul and soon with Bolton.

How did Claire bag the deal with Bolton?

Two months ago, record producer Christian de Walden (who paved the way for Claire’s recording the Karen Carpenter song) had a meeting with Bolton and his manager at the Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills for Bolton’s appareance in an event celebrating the great Italian tenor Enrico Caruso slated last month. De Walden gave Bolton a copy of Claire’s Christmas CD and broached the idea of him doing a duet with Claire. A few days later, Michael’s manager e-mailed de Walden, informing him that Bolton liked Claire’s voice and agreed to record Christmas Song with her.

Several days ago, Italian engineer Luca Vittori arrived in Manila with the tracks that included Bolton’s voice. It was Claire’s turn to dub her voice into the tracks. Presto, the duet was complete.

Incidentally, Claire’s Timeless, Songs Of My Life album is her most personal so far.

Part of Claire’s self-penned liner notes in the album reads:

Behind the glitter, glamour and glory, we have more pains than laughter and a lot of challenges. From the beginning of my career, I have kept my personal life private, though most often in vain. Having gone through life and loving, losing and letting go, I feel that I am a better person now and in a better position to share with everyone glimpses of those treasured memories which are embodied in this album.

In spite of the varied interests I am always busy with, I will never turn my back on showbiz. This is a most important part of my life and passion which has continuously given me so much.

It is a very effective medium to communicate with people. All my joys, heartaches, triumphs or disappointments are easy to convey in my songs. That’s why I always perform from my heart and soul which never fails to give me fulfillment and happiness.

* * *

Last July 17 to Aug. 9, Robin Padilla visited India upon the invitation of his long-time friend Sameer Raza, an Indian national who regularly shuttles between Manila and India. Raza’s family owns R.R. Foundation, an information-technology school affiliated with Noble School, which is located in Bangalore, said to be the Silicon Valley of India.

Robin got a royal treatment. Upon his arrival, he was given a wreath of red roses, an Indian shawl of the finest wool and a trophy. Schoolchildren honored him with a parade, gave him a sterling silver plaque and led him on a tour around the school. The Raza family welcomed Robin like a long-lost son.

“We chose Robin as speaker for our school’s foundation day because he’s a good example of a good Muslim,” Raza was quoted as saying.

Besides being a popular endorser, Robin also put up Liwanag ng Kapayapaan, an elementary school where the tuition fees of students (of different faiths) are wholly or partially subsidized by Robin’s endorsement earnings. R.R. Foundation has 1,000 students, from pre-school to college.

During the three-week visit, Robin found time to visit the Taj Mahal. He also enlisted with Gurukul Swakar to study yoga and martial arts, particularly Kilari fighting or sword-fighting in Kerala.

“I fell in love with Taj Mahal,” Robin said, “so I went back the next day. I have travelled to Europe, Asia and Africa, and Taj Mahal is the most impressive sight I’ve ever seen.”

All in all, Robin summed up his trip to India as “spiritually-uplifting.”

“I will go back there someday,” he added.

What’s up?

• From left: Bb. Pilipinas beauties Ruffa Gutierrez (World, 1993), Charlene Gonzales (Universe, 1994) and Miriam Quiambao (Universe, 1999) are hosting the Miss Universe 2009 primer next Monday, Aug. 24, 8:30 a.m. immediately before the live telecast of the pageant from the Bahamas. Former Miss Universe Zuleyka Rivera of Puerto Rico is one of the judges. Zuleyka is rumored to be the girlfriend of Ruffa’s estranged husband Yilmaz Bektas.

• Could it be true that Actress “C” did have a brief intimate encounter with Actor “J”? According to Funfare’s DPA, the two stopped seeing each other after that. “Maliit na bagay para gawing issue kung bakit nawalan ng interes ang girl,” said the DPA.

• Andeng Bautista-Ynares and good friend Philip Cuazon, together with Rowell Santiago, were among the well-wishers who purposely went to Camarines Sur to greet Aga Muhlach on his 40th birthday last Aug. 12. Instead of taking the plane, they drove all the way, taking them nine hours to reach CamSur.

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