GMA Music artist Gel Aquino sings what everyone wants in love

MANILA, Philippines — It has been more than three decades since the release of Christmas in Our Hearts and A Perfect Christmas but these well-loved yuletide songs still dominate the airwaves and malls during the holiday season. These classic hits have led Filipinos to associate Joe with the Christmas season. Long before the ‘ber’ months started, several memes featuring the singer-songwriter had already flooded on social media.

“The story is about how one feels being in a relationship and getting hurt, as well as how one wants it to be communicated to the other person or one’s partner.”

That was GMA Music artist Gel Aquino speaking about the lyric narrative of her latest single, Ang Nais Ko, in a recent virtual group interview. Her team describes the song as an “emotional ballad,” in which Gel “delves into the depths of heartbreak.”

“My inspirations are those who have experienced such a situation,” added she, whose involvement in the song production was that of a singer and songwriter. “I composed it myself. My favorite part is the first chorus that goes, ‘Ang nais ko, ako lang iibigin mo (What I want is for you to just love me and no one else).’”

That hook and the rest of the lyrics capture what a person wants and desires in a romantic relationship, one “that is built in love, trust, and respect,” based on a piece of information given to this paper. Ang Nais Ko is also a reminder to one about some non-negotiables in making a relationship work, such as committing to one’s love (loyalty) and staying true to one’s feelings (honesty). With that, many can relate to the song.

According to the people behind the recording career of Gel, Ang Nais Ko made an impressive debut on iTunes PH’s Top 100 songs chart by ranking third and being the sole Original Pilipino Music (OPM) ditty in the Top 10.

So far, Gel is happy with the way things are going in her career.

“I have fulfilled my mission and purpose as a singer and (song)writer,” said she, “I’m thankful to those people who believe in and support musicians like me in releasing a song.”

She added, “It’s a big help for a singer to have a label, kumbaga sa isang product, natatakan ka (similar to any product, it’s good that one can be associated with a trusted label).”

As for her career game plan, Gel shared, “Whatever is the will of God. Whatever is the outcome of this, like me becoming successful, I’ll embrace it because there is a reason behind it. Everything happens for a reason and just be thankful and be happy.”

The solo artist in her also looks forward to doing collabs with established names.

“First, I want to collaborate with Julie Anne San Jose. My idea is to have a duet song, which is similar to that of Celine Dion and Barbra Streisand (in Tell Him). It’s a girl power song. For a collaboration with a male artist, it’s Christian Bautista, and I would also like to do a duet. I also like the voice of Garrett (Bolden),” she said.

Aside from all this, Gel would like to grace the weekend variety show All-Out Sundays and perform her songs. She is also interested in trying her hand at acting.

Asked how she envisions herself to be besides being a singer-songwriter, Gel said, “Actually, the description given (to me) by GMA Music is a sultry siren. Basically, ang sultry parang medyo sexy voice, ganun siguro yung nakikita nila sa akin (the word sultry refers to having a sexy voice), particularly when I released the song Hanap Ka, which is sultry and sensual, and that explains the description. Ma-i-in-love ka daw sa boses ko (One gets fall in love with my voice).”

Her voice in Ang Nais Ko is soothing, expressive, and soulful.

What also keeps her smiling these days is the fact that the Ang Nais Ko performance video, along with the song, can be accessed on all digital platforms. If there are no recording promo activities to attend, Gel is busy doing hotel lounge gigs.

“Sobrang masaya (I’m very happy),” said she about releasing a new single. “It’s a dream come true, kumbaga kung ano lang yung na-isip ko noon ay nandito na pala ako (what I have aspired for and thought of before is now a reality). I can hear and listen to my song over the radio and on Spotify and watch the performance video on YouTube. I feel very blessed, and I’m grateful to GMA Music for the trust and help given to artists like me.”

Through it, Gel is given the platform to share her talent for singing and love for music.

Surveying the local music landscape informs one that there are better singers out there waiting to be discovered and starting their music journey. Gel knows this. So, believing in herself matters, and valuing every opportunity that comes her way is what she intends to do.

“We need to be positive and stay optimistic in life,” said she of dealing with work pressures, which include being on her toes and offering something new. “Hindi maiiwasan yun (We can’t avoid them).”

“May kanya-kanya tayong style, may kanya-kanya tayong kakayanan, strengths and weaknesses (Everybody has his or her own skill, style, ability, strengths and weaknesses). What counts is that you’re true to yourself (and to your creative core) and to be positive,” she concluded.

As a creative, she will bank on her penchant for performing, songwriting and sharing her personal experiences through songs.

(For details on Gel and her single, visit www.gmanetwork.com and digital streaming platforms.)