Jukebox love songs from Eva

Eva Eugenio built a career out of somebody’s done somebody wrong songs. Her women were either betrayed martyrs or tempting sirens. Her men were weak, errant or willing victims. With revealing gowns and a voice on the verge of tears, she has teased, tantalized or commiserated with sentimental souls over the past two decades or so.

And she’s still at it. With her spirits buoyed by the success of the Legends of OPM concert series, Eva decided to also return to recording and sing more of that type of song she popularized years ago. This time around though, she decided to do covers of oldies. What emerged was a collection of popular Filipino songs Eva would love to have recorded had she been given the opportunity.

She finally got the chance late last year. The title of the CD is Jukebox Diva. Years ago it could have been Jukebox Queen. But the queen tag has gone out of style and it is now hip or trendy to use diva with all the opera or rock star power the term is associated with. And so Eva Eugenio is now the Jukebox Diva and she sounds better than ever.

The CD was produced and arranged by Sunny Ilacad who got rid of the jukebox sounds and gave the songs light pop arrangements instead. For her part Eva reined in her lung power and turned nice and easy with the dramatic melodies. And because no Eva Eugenio performance can be considered complete without her signature tune Tukso, her original version of the song was brought in to close the album.

Before you get to that, there are Iisa Pa Lamang by Danny Tan and Jose Javier Reyes originally popularized by Joey Albert; Bakit Pa by Vehnee Saturno and sung by Jessa Zaragoza; Pangako Sa’Yo by Rey Valera for Geraldine and later Sharon Cuneta; Babaeng Makasalanan, Lalaking Salawahan by george Canseco for Imelda Papin; Hindi Kami Damong Ligaw by Sunny and Ernie de la Peña for Didith Reyes; Bulong Ng Damdamin by Mon del Rosario for Marissa.

Init Sa Magdamag by willy Cruz for Sharon and Nonoy Zuñiga; Balatkayo by Tito Sotto and Joey de Leon for Anthony Castelo; Saan Ako Nagkamali by Canseco for Tillie Moreno; Di Ako Iiyak by Danny Subido and Louie Berrie for Susanna Pichay; Di Ko Kayang Tanggapin by April Boy Regino; Ako Ang Nagwagi again by Canseco for Dulce; and Isang Babalikan, Isang Iiwanan by Alex Catedrilla for Cristy Mendoza.

Given the big number of similar tunes out there just begging for new versions, I cannot help but think that an album like Jukebox Diva begs for a Part 2 or Part 3 or more. I would like to hear Eva do Imelda’s Bakit, Didith Reyes’ Bakit Ako Mahihiya or Hindi Ko Kaya by Richard Reynoso or Cristy’s Walang Kaliwaan.

Meanwhile though, those of you out there who want to hear Eva sing these songs plus her other big hits live can check out Legends In Love at SM North EDSA’s Sky Dome. A mini version of the successful Legends of OPM, the show also stars Rico J. Puno and Rey Valera and will be held on Feb. 13, 8 p.m.

It will be a romantic evening of original Filipino music produced by Viva Concerts and Events and directed by Roxanne Lapuz with Gerry Matias as musical director. So bring out all those memories with Rico and his Kapalaran, May Bukas Pa, Buhat, Macho Guwapito and his own version of The Way We Were. Eva also has Tukso, Kunwari ay Ikaw, Ano Ang Gagawin Kapag Wala Ka Na, Pag-ibig Na Walang Dangal and Mahal Mo Ba Sya. Then there is Valera with Walang Kapalit, Naaalala Ka, and Kahit Maputi Na ang Buhok Ko and many. There will also be grand production numbers in the program of duets, trios and stunning medleys.

Legends in Love is presented by PCSO and Mang Inasal, The Philippine STAR, Manila Bulletin, People’s Journal, 93.9iFM; 97.1 Barangay LS FM; RJ100 and 105.1 Crossover, PBO, Viva Prime and Viva Cinema. Tickets are available at all SM Ticketnet outlets. Prices are P2,500 for Gold and P1,500 for Silver. Call Viva Concerts and Events at 687-7236 and 633-3808 for inquiries.