Rose does it her way

MANILA, Philippines - “Ayan nagkatotoo na. Totoong CD na yan at recording. (My dream came true. I have now a CD album),” proudly says Rose Fostanes, the first X-Factor Israel winner. This validates her entry to the local recording scene and the album is a sneak peek into the music of the caregiver-turned-singer.     

“I would love to be based here and sing for my kababayan,” replies Rose when asked if she is staying for good in Manila. “But I have to fulfill my contract with (Israel’s) Aroma Music.”

The public will only see Rose occasionally like in her recently-held album launch. But she has the CD one can purchase to appreciate Rose’s vocals through soulful renditions of timeless songs, videoke favorites and new tunes.

“On the album, I have My Way and This is My Life,” says Rose, a fan of Charice. “There are also Filipino songs (such as Bakit Ako Mahihiya and Forever’s Not Enough) and original songs written by Israeli composers. They are If This Is Love and Ris. While I was competing (in X-Factor Israel), they composed these songs for me.”

Like any other singers, Rose started young (at the age of six) and was a fixture in amateur singing contests. “Sometimes I would win, sometimes I would lose,” she recalls. These had nurtured her love affair with singing. As an adult, Rose worked in Lebanon and Egypt to give her family a comfortable life. From there, she moved to Israel as caregiver. In her spare time, Rose performed with her band in a bar. Then, the opportunity to join the X-Factor Israel came and the life-changing experience of winning it happened.    

“The Israeli are nice,” says Rose. “And the number of Israeli (who have become my friends) increases each day. That’s why I’m very happy. When I go out and buy something, the supposed to be 20-minute walk will take me an hour because those I meet (on the street) ask for a picture taking.” Rose does not only have adult fans, but also kids, who recognize the Pinay singer wherever she goes. When she visited the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem, Israeli children happily approached her. Perhaps, Rose’s friendliness and honesty are what endear her to followers. Speaking of honesty, the people behind X-Factor Israel know that she has a partner of 31 years. “During the interview which was part of the audition, I told them that I have a partner,” Rose says. “They knew it from the start and they had no problem with it — (someone who is engaged in) that kind of relationship.” In fact, it worked to Rose’s advantage because the LGBT community there supported her, plus the fact that the Israeli votes were split. Her employer was very supportive of Rose and bought tickets for the live shows. The employer wants Rose to continue her singing. Rose, the OFW has already secured an entertainer visa, which is renewable every year.

How is the Israeli audience different from the Filipino audience?

“When you perform in Israel, people will applaud you and show appreciation even if you commit a mistake,” answers Rose. “At tuwang-tuwa sila.” Unlike in here, some are ready to give their two cents’ worth. Getting criticisms, Rose adds, is part of a singer’s job and it comes with the territory. Her newfound fame would be sweeter, Rose says, if her mom were still around. “My siblings and friends are happy because humabol pa ako sa edad kong ito (that I was able to fulfill my dream),” says the 47 year old.

After her visit in Manila, Rose will share the concert stage with her X-Factor Israel mentor sometime this year. She hopes to do more concerts abroad like her performances in Melbourne and Sydney. Distributed under Star Records, Rose Fostanes: My Way will also be released in Israel and worldwide.

(Rose Fostanes: My Way is available in record bars nationwide for only P250.)