Jaya back in concert after almost quitting

MANILA, Philippines - One may wonder how someone with the moniker The Queen of Soul almost ended up quitting the music business and instead settle for a quiet family life abroad. One thing’s for sure, the culprit is not her voice.

For a time working without a manager and booking gigs by herself, Jaya finally found resurrection after signing up with Cornerstone Entertainment which houses some of the biggest singing stars in the country. She’s been under its management for a year now.

That’s how long is the lead-up to her first solo concert titled Jaya: No Boundaries, which happens tomorrow, May 12, 8 p.m. at the Music Museum in San Juan City.

As if the apparent lull in her career didn’t bother her a bit, Jaya showcased the distinctive singing voice she’s known for during her recent presscon at the Icon Hotel in Timog, Quezon City.

When it was time for her to speak, she didn’t let a minute pass by to share what she’d been through. Jaya said, “Yes, it’s true that I almost quit after finding myself in a situation wherein I felt I’ve already lost career direction. By that time, I wanted to leave for the US.”

The daughter of remarkable comedienne Elizabeth Ramsey was for many years a regular fixture on Sunday free TV, being a main host of GMA 7’s noontime variety show SOP. She also had other hosting gigs as a Kapuso talent.

That’s just part of her stardom as her music career is highlighted by record-setting multi-platinum albums, a number of certified-hit singles and her memorable interpretation of Metropop grand winner Sometimes You Just Know.

Her last studio album, though, was released in 2011. And thank God she is working on a comeback album (under Star Music) that is set to meld her Contralto voice to a composition called Kasalanan, penned by Yeng Constantino.

Needless to say, she is now a Kapamilya.

She explained, “I parted ways with my manager of nine years because I felt it was time for me to lay low or totally stop. I do have a plan B. And I understand the nature of this business. You go with the times.”

Yet, while Jaya herself felt it was time to pack her bags and go back to the US where she became the first Filipino recording act to chart in the US Billboard (If You Leave Me Now, No. 44, Billboard Hot 100), two of her industry friends asked her to reconsider and try her shot at working with the same management company they’re with. Those two are Erik Santos and Kyla, both with Cornerstone now.

There was a time when she attended a MYX Music event and was just happily enjoying the company of her showbiz mates, not expecting something big to transpire. Yet, she recalled: “That day ­— it was a Tuesday — changed everything. Before that, I was 80-percent depressed because of what’s happening with my career. I just chose to do what’s right and now I’m with Cornerstone doing a concert with my friends and co-management label mates.”

The much-awaited intimate-venue show this Friday will feature as guests her Cornerstone mates Kyla, Thor and KZ. Producing the show is the tandem of Vinz Abasolo and David Bhowie Cabawatan of Aqueous Entertainment, with co-presenter Star Image and Studio Q. Cornerstone Entertainment is line producing.

Some of Jaya’s classics include Dahil Tanging Ikaw, Laging Naroon Ka and Wala Na Bang Pag-ibig. She currently appears as jury member on It’s Showtime’s Tawag Ng Tanghalan. Back in the day, Bagong Kampeon host Pilita Corales convinced her to return to the Philippines and record here. Her decision to try it out in the Philippines proved alright.

“I don’t put boundaries to what I do as a singer,” she pointed out, “remember that singing is the only job I know, so I have to really stretch out. With this concert, I say I’m glad that I’m singing again.”

Other guest performers for No Boundaries concert are Upgrade, Dancing In Tandem Royalties, Moira Lacambra, Jannah Zaplan, Nick Vera Perez and Reign Basa.

(Tickets are available at smtickets.com and SM Ticket outlets. For further details, call 470-2222 or via Music Museum Ticketron 721-0635.)