An all-star Christmas compilation

MANILA, Philippines - When we talk of a Christmas album compilation featuring famous singing acts in its artist line-up, the most justified move should be the inclusion of certified major stars that can help earn bragging rights to the claim. 

With Viva Records known for having produced some of the most significant local acts ever, going through the track list of the label’s newly released Christmas With The Stars compilation CD is a laudable showcase of a star-studded package. Most of the interpreters, led by premier balladeer Basil Valdez and Sharon Cuneta, belong to the elite group of chart-toppers with numerous hit songs to boast off their catalogues. 

“This new release features new recordings from some of the biggest singing sensations and most memorable catalogue recordings from certified music stars,” said MG Mozo, one of the album’s supervising producers. 

Basil opens the 18-track album with his unmistakable rendition of Pasko Na Sinta Ko, his voice owning the song without stepping anyhow on the famed original take by Gary Valenciano. Sharon, on the other hand, closes it with the Barry Manilow-penned It’s Just Another New Year’s Eve. The track-positioning holds the album on strong ends for impact, like a Christmas gift beautifully wrapped and excitingly noticeable. 

Basil and Sharon are not without company, with other videoke icons Rico J. Puno, Martin Nievera, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Regine Velasquez and Joey Albert also in the album. Rico J. sings, with confidence as usual, the song Merry Christmas Darling. Nievera easily delivers The Christmas Song blessed, of course, with that trademark Chito Ilagan production. Zsa Zsa paints her signature on the Levi Celerio piece Ang Aking Pamasko. Regine carries up her way the sublime O Holy Night. And Joey safely goes through the Moy Ortiz-Edith Gallardo composition The 25th of December. 

The Viva executive added, “It’s easy to sell this album, what with the memorable names and songs that make up the set.” 

The CompanY, Gino Padilla and Raymond Lauchengco are also in the fold with their interpretations of Noche Buena, Silent Night and What Child Is This, respectively.

Younger acts who are stars in their own right are also part of the caravan, with Sarah Geronimo, Rachelle Ann Go, Mark Bautista and Aiza Seguerra providing youth and touch representing the moods and feelings of today’s yuppie generation. Even their song choices are modern pop songs that fit best their voices, especially with Sarah taking on Sana Ngayong Pasko and Aiza finding her style in sync with Miss Kita Kung Christmas. 

Marvin Ong, Anja Aguilar, Charlie Green and Princess complete the album artist personnel with strong picks that keep them in tune with their more celebrated companions.

“It’s a mix of the greatest and latest, so to speak. When we say stars, we mean the brightest,” went a promotional line. 

In essence, the album title, after the first CD-run scrutiny, is on a high note immediately justified.