MANILA, Philippines – It’s so rare and refreshing when a singer-actress takes the high road. Now 25, the first Ultimate Survivor of GMA 7’s StarStruck has released her latest offering, Forever By Your Side — a proof that the singer returns with an album that is altogether different from anything she has ever done before.
The six-track album kicks off with lead single Hindi Ka Na Mag-iisa with her vocals in a perfect ballad composed by Arnie Mendaros. Forever By Your Side hit the stores last July 23 and debuted at No. 4 of Astroplus’ sales chart after its first week. It is also available on www.mymusicstore.com.ph and iTunes for downloads.
“I have been comfortable working with PolyEast Records, in terms of recording and picking the best songs for the album. Every song is dedicated to a certain level of experience and story to anyone who can relate,” Jennylyn Mercado (photo) says.
Jennylyn now sounds like a mature woman following her own intuition and muse as she interpreted songs by such accomplished singer/songwriters as Wency Cornejo, Nyoy Volante, Francis Salazar and Gabby Alipe, to name a few.
“I am very proud of this project because I was challenged with a much fresher sound — definitely new to my old brand of singing,” she says.
Album highlights include the title track and bouncy straight-forward pop Forever By Your Side, as interpreted in English by Wency adapted from a Japanese song Kizuna (in English means United); Parang Kailan Lang and Ganun na Lang Ba soar into contemporary ballad treatment composed by Francis Salazar; Jennylyn’s personal favorite, Mahal na Mahal, composed and arranged by Nyoy Volante; and soulful and sweet number Halik sa Hangin composed by rock group Urbandub vocalist, Gabby.
“I actually started singing, not acting and my first love is music” Mercado confesses as she remembers her early days guesting as a singer at Café de Malate—the same bar where Kyla started out—where she was asked to do regular gigs when she was 17 years old.
However, Jennylyn has received more attention for her film work and hosting on TV but the new album released by PolyEast Records invites a closer look at her musical palette, which has broadened considerably since her bubblegum-flavored debut, 2004’s Living The Dream which was reported to have sold 30,000 units. She has also snagged two albums from GMA Records and Viva Records which have popular singles such as Sa Aking Panaginip, Moments Of Love collaboration with Janno Gibbs, Maybe This Time and Kahit Sandali.
Her critically-acclaimed performance in a period movie, Rosario has made her one of Philippine’s most desirable actresses. Her TV appearances include soap operas like Encantadia, Super Twins, SRO Cinemaserye: Suspetsa, Ikaw Sana and Sine Novela: Gumapang Ka Sa Lusak, among others. Jennylyn stars in another drama series on GMA 7 titled Hindi Ka Na Mag-iisa with co-stars Sid Lucero and Frank Magalona.
She has recently branched out into TV hosting, leading up the GMA 7’s Protégé: The Battle for the Big Break with co-hosts Ogie Alcasid and Dingdong Dantes. She also co-hosts Party Pilipinas and HOT TV (Hindi Ordinaryong Tsismis).
Jennylyn says that in the two years since she released her last album, a lot has happened in her life, which also will serve as inspiration for her new songs. She feels it is time to begin the next chapter of her career by returning to her roots: Singing. She says, “Making this album has been the most creatively satisfying experience of my life.”
“I wanted to sing songs I have a real connection to. Songs that have moved me — made me think about loss and ultimately finding joy. Essentially, tell the story of what love really is — with all its pain and promise,” she says.