One may know Hannah Precillas as the biritera behind the well-loved theme songs of Kapuso shows. She also conquered the international stage and won second runner-up last year at the biggest dangdut music talent show in Indonesia, Dangdut Academy (D’Academy) Asia 5, a clear validation that this girl is certainly one to make room for in the industry.
Despite this, the Kapuso OST Princess was admittedly afraid to step out of her comfort zone when it comes to experimenting with other genres aside from the ballads she is most comfortable with.
“I used to have doubts about myself na baka hindi ko kaya at hindi magustuhan ng mga makikinig. So I was really afraid and nervous,” explained Hannah during the recent virtual presscon for her newest single, the catchy and upbeat Sabi Ko Na Nga Ba, which is far different from the ballad and belting songs she usually performs.
“Actually, it was difficult at first kasi nandun yung kaba at takot pero habang tumatagal, I just reassured myself na challenge lang ito sa akin so kelangan kong gawin at mag-effort para magustuhan din ng tao yung kalalabasan.
“Hindi naman pala ganun kahirap yung kanta that’s why I’m willing to try other genres such as R&B which people haven’t heard yet from me. I want to explore the things that I am afraid of and hopefully overcome them. In other words, I did this single because I want to provide the public something different so that they won’t lose interest in me. But it doesn’t mean na iniwan ko na yung genre ko before.”
Sabi Ko Na Nga Ba, composed by Jerry Olaguer, is a novelty song that narrates the sappy story of a person who can’t express his/her romantic feelings. It is available for download and streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music and other digital platforms worldwide.
Hannah added the song is apt for millennials and she can relate to it so well.
“Syempre dumaan din naman ako sa ganung bagay… yung mga crush-crush na yan (laughs) so while singing it, I was imagining my teenage life. The song also conveys that as long as you have the chance to express what you feel to your loved ones then do it kasi ang hirap na nasa huli ang pagsisisi, so for me, that’s one thing that I can relate the most.”
When asked if her plans to pursue a career in Indonesia will push through once the pandemic situation has improved, Hannah said it is possible. After all, she has already gained an Indonesian following called Hannah Fantastics Indonesia.
“Why not po kung yun talaga ang ibibigay ni Lord na career for me in Indonesia. I’m okay with anything po. Before the pandemic, marami nang napag-usapan na mga plano kung kailan babalik, kung anong mga shows nila na pwede akong mag-guest. Napag-usapan din na gagawan ako ng Indonesian song,” said Hannah, who is thankful for her stint at Dangdut Academy for helping shape her into the artist that she is today.
“I have learned a lot from this experience at naging mas malawak yung pagiging artist ko. Mas nagkaroon ako ng strength and confidence to showcase my talent by joining other singing competitions abroad. I am just waiting for the right time again at baka biglang may dumating na naman na opportunity and I will certainly grab it.”