Making Momma prouder than ever

MANILA, Philippines - M.Y.M.P. (Make Your Momma Proud) has a new voice and vocalist in Juliet Bahala after Juris Fernandez decided to go solo. The band is singing a different tune this time around.

“I’m from Davao City,” Juliet introduces herself. “I met M.Y.M.P. through Thor, an R&B singer and joined a singing contest where Chin (Alcantara) was a guest.”

In the said 2007 contest, Juliet became grand champion of NCCC Star of Davao and e-mailed her profile and demo tape when the then aspiring singer heard that M.Y.M.P. was looking for a new lead vocals.

“When I listened to the demo for the first time, I told myself this is what I want,” Chin recalls. “But we still considered other singers before making a final decision.” Juliet’s audition pieces were If I Ain’t Got You and No Ordinary. It was Juliet who got M.Y.M.P.’s nod.

Asked what it’s like to be vocalist of M.Y.M.P., Juliet replies, “I had jitters. I’m clueless what you (the press) will ask me. So be kind. As a member, I will try my best and do everything for the band. I’m willing to explore everything.”

Juliet showed her versatility as a singer during the band’s recent launch at Centerstage, a sneak peek at what M.Y.M.P. will do in M.Y.M.P. Now: Prouder Than Ever tomorrow, Feb. 12, 8 p.m. at the Music Museum.

Although there are instances when the new singer sounds like Nina and Juris, both former M.Y.M.P. vocalists, Juliet has a strong voice and knows how to use her pipes. She can belt out a song without straining her vocal cords. Thus, Juliet’s is a singing not a shrieking voice. She’s in control.

She performed Taylor Swift’s Love Story, M.Y.M.P.’s Get Me and Tell Me Where It Hurts and ‘80s hit Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now. Juliet also sang a classical piece to the delight and amazement of the audience. She hit the high notes with ease.

“(We looked for someone) who can sing our signature songs,” Chin shares. “Juliet sings them in her own style. There are songs we can do with her and which fit her voice. We have to use Juliet’s full potential and we cannot limit her to acoustic alone. She can do Beyoncé Knowles and Alicia Keys.”

With Juliet around, M.Y.M.P.’s music has evolved from rock-R&B to acoustic ballad and now R&B with belting as well.

How’s Chin’s relationship with Juris?

“Honestly, we’re fine,” answers Chin. “(The friendship) is still there because we’ve been friends for 15 years. As for the decision not to change the band’s name, it is easier to book because M.Y.M.P. is (a familiar name) and it is hard to start from scratch.” Chin also hints that he and Juris never sat down and formally talked about the split-up.

Can Chin and Juliet work onstage with Juris?

“I will still be comfortable with her because we worked before,” replies Chin.

“It’s my pleasure doing a duet with her,” says Juliet. “Her voice is sweet and angelic.”

Other members of M.Y.M.P. are keyboardist Hannche Mikoyan Bobis, drummer Jefferson Lima and bassist Bern Hardt Cuevas.

Watch M.Y.M.P.’s concert to see how the band’s Romeos sound good together with their new-found Juliet — and how they will make their mommas prouder than ever.

(For details, call 891-9999 or 721-6726)