A vibrant Alisah Bonaobra greeted the audience at the launch of her single “Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin,” a cover of the classic song popularized by Regine Valasquez and Martin Nievera, and composed by Cecile Azarcon-Inocentes.
Speaking to Manila Standard Entertainment, the singer couldn’t contain her excitement to share the song with listeners who would instantly recognize it and with those who are not familiar with it yet. She can’t even wait to shoot the music video for the song listing James Reid as her dream leading man.
“Let’s dream big. If I’d wish for a leading man, it would be definitely James Reid,” she said in jest.
In recording the classic torch song, Alisah had nothing in mind except for giving her all and making the song sound as if she was the first one who interpreted it.
“I’m nervous to hear any feedback from the original singers, but, in a way, it’s my way of paying tribute to their artistry. I just hope that they will like my version,” she said.
Meanwhile, Cecille Azarcon-Inocentes was all praise for Alisah’s rendition of the OPM classic that she composed in the ‘80s.
“Honestly, I got goosebumps listening to her rendition. And I’m happy that this kind of song is being revived para ma-appreciate ng listeners today,” said Cecile, who gave her reaction via Zoom.
“With the new release of ‘Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin’ by Alisah Bonaobra, I was filled with excitement and anticipation, especially since the song’s music arranger is one of the best arrangers I have ever worked with, Homer Flores, who also arranged the original version of Martin Nievera. I just knew in my heart, the combination of these two very gifted and talented artists is going to be absolutely magical,” the iconic songwriter added.
The launch of the single marks another chapter in Alisah’s career. From being a contender at X-Factor UK and The Voice of the Philippines, her journey as a singer has indeed come a long way from her humble first step towards her dream; starting out at an early age as a “kontesera” joining various singing contests in Metro Manila as well as distant provinces and bagging awards from these endeavors.
These singing contests developed her talent and confidence, and the cash she got for winning was a way for Alisah to help her hardworking sidewalk vendor-parents.
Alisah’s patience and persistence paved the way for her to blossom into a full-fledged songstress. Her videos showcasing her world-class talent caught the attention of US-based Rosabella Jao-Arribas who heads RJA Productions, LLC and got in touch with Alisah to offer to manage her.
Alisah shared, “It all started with a chat with Tita Rosabella on my Facebook Fanpage. She offered to help me with my career and she’s been a really good manager, giving her all-out support since day 1. Being part of RJA Productions, LLC is one of the best things that happened in my singing career.”
Under RJA Productions, LLC, Alisah has released numerous songs such as “Ginto Ang Sandali,” “Gintong Tinig,” “Kahit Na Malayo Pa Ang Pasko,” “Faithful,” “Pangako,” “Kahit ‘Di Totoo,” “Can I,” “Do You Have A Miracle For Me,” and “Muli’t Muli.”
Her song “Faithful,” also composed by Azarcon-Inocentes, recently won Best Inspirational Song in the 43rd Catholic Mass Media Awards.
This November, she will be staging a concert; Alisah remarked that in preparation for her concert with RJA Productions, LLC, she is keeping herself healthy and fit as she also continues to widen her repertoire.