When Jessa Zaragoza and Dingdong Avanzado first met with
Universal Records' Ramon Chuaying, Kathleen Dy-Go, Peter
Chan and Ito Rapadas to discuss their first project with
their new label, little did they know they are about to
be part of a historic undertaking.
They signed up with
Universal Records as individual artists -- since they
are genuine individual recording stars -- and it is but
proper to expect solo albums as initial assignments.
The couple was at first surprised with the proposal that
they will be recording a duet album. As they went to discuss
the project's details, Dingdong & Jessa has realized
that it would be the first time that a married couple is
recording a full album composed of entirely duet performances.
With a glorious history they have individually achieved
as successful solo artists, combining their musical forces
and triumphs together in one album titled "Laging Ikaw" spells
one formidable artistic powerhouse.
Now that the historic
album "Laging Ikaw" is available
from Universal Records, the listening public can forever
cherish a memorable love story immortalized in one musical
package composed of 12 heartwarming songs.
With Kathleen
Dy-Go as executive producer, all the selections are produced
by Ito Rapadas, except "Ikaw Lamang" which
is produced by Jimmy Antiporda. He also composed the title
track with his wife Cymbee Antiporda.
Before their paths
met, Dingdong had already captured the hearts of Pinoy
music lovers through his boy-next-door image and captivating
singing voice. He has had several gold and platinum albums
spawning various smash hit singles such as "Tatlong Beinte
Singko", "Basta't Kasama Kita" and "Walang
Kapalit".
In fact, the first single from their "Laging
Ikaw" album
is his original hit some years back, "Basta't Kasama Kita".
Jessa is the undisputed Queen of the Airlanes during her
heyday. She has also been dubbed as Phenomenal Diva due
to the overwhelming public acceptance of " Bakit Pa ".
Her smash hits had been household items that they were
also used as titles of movie blockbusters and TV top-raters.
The couple's successful marriage also translated to a successful
showbiz career together. After their individual triumphs
in the concert stage, Dingdong & Jessa staged
several record-breaking live concerts here and in other
parts of the globe.
Such marital bliss is very evident
with the harmonious blending of their voices in the album.
Both of them have selected the songs "Laging Ikaw", "Sa
Aking Puso", and "Panghabangbuhay" as
their personal favorites.
It must be simply because of
the beautiful melodies and sincere sentiments which these
songs convey, that they stood out in a package of 12 all-hit
potentials.
As Dingdong and Jessa pledge in "Laging Ikaw": "Laging
ikaw ang aking mamahalin. Pinapangako ko sa 'yo di magbabago.
Dahil sa 'yo ko lang nadama ang pag-ibig na pinapangarap
ko."
In Vehnee Saturno's "Sa Aking Puso", the couple simply
re-affirms their pure love to each other: "Ikaw ang laging
hanap-hanap sa gabi't araw. Ikaw ang nais ko sa tuwina'y
natatanaw. Ikaw ang buhay at pag-ibig wala na ngang iba.
Sa aking puso tunay kang nag-iisa".
This one particular
song penned by consistent hitmaker Vehnee Saturno will
surely be the love anthem of the millenium!
A few lines
in "Panghabangbuhay" is just repeating their
marriage vow: "Pinapangako ko sa Maykapal na iibigin ka
ng tunay. Pinangako ko sa sarili na ito'y panghabangbuhay".
On the album's liner notes, Dingdong & Jessa declared
the album as a "dream come true project". They have been
repeatedly asked when they are recording a duet album and "Laging
Ikaw" has finally been realized as their answer to the
continuing requests and questions.
The couple also wrote: "At
sa aming Mahal na Anak, this is something Mommy and Daddy
can leave behind for you to cherish and remember. Through
music we met... fell in love...and had you, our Beloved
JAYDA".
And to the entire listening public here is one
album you can enjoy and listen to ... if you want to experience
Valentine the whole year round.
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