NINAsoulsiREIGNS: January 2004

Saturday, January 17, 2004

NEWSFLASH: FLY HIGH NINA! (MANILA BULLETIN) - JANUARY 17, 2004

Fly High Nina!

By LEONARDO Q. BELEN

January 17, 2004, 8:00am

Upcoming recording artist Nina will be conferred the title of “Ambassador of Goodwill” by Center for Pop Music Philippines during a concert entitled “Fly High Nina” on Jan. 27, 2004 at 6 p.m. at the Baluarte Plaza Luneta de Sta. Isabel, Intramuros, Manila.

Nina will be the main star of the concert, and her brother as guest artist.

Center for Pop Music Philippines founder and president Butch Albarracin said that Nina has been chosen as the school’s Ambassador for Goodwill because of her consistent determination and focus to pursue her singing career, interesting career history, interest in social and community projects, and for being a role model among the youth.

Nina finished an entire course on singing in the Center for Pop Music Philippines.

"I feel so very much honored," Nina said upon being informed of her being chosen for the one-year title.

The title does not give her much financial rewards, but instead, it calls for a lot of sacrifice because she will be sharing her talent to a number of charitable organizations – for free.

"It gives much more meaning to my life," Nina said. "It’s not all money that we have to work for, but we should gladly share our talents with the less fortunate."

Nina has been singing since she was 12 years old, joined a band later and then decided to go solo.

Nina has also already come up with two albums, "Heaven," her debut album, and the second, "Smile."

Both albums are doing well in the market. "Heaven" is described as "a groovy... and breakthrough album, boasting of an international-sounding music and voice, sung by a young Filipina talent. "

Among the favorite cuts in the album are "Heaven," "2nd Floor," "Kung Ibibigay," and revivals such as "Foolish Heart" and "Loving You." It’s other cut, "Jealous," reaped rave reviews, heavy airplay and earned a Gold Record award.

As a singer, Nina is also described with a Mariah Carey-esque voice range – reaching the highest notes with extreme control and with a sentimental timbre –which amazes gig fanatics. She renders her songs with emotion and soul – thus making her the "soul siren."

Her second album, "Smile" carries "Make You Mine" which is creating waves in the airlane.

For those who want to see her, visit Bagaberde every Monday, or watch her on ASAP Mania.

The concert "Fly High Nina" will usher in the 20th anniversary celebration of the Center for Pop Music Philippines. The concert, according to Butch Albarracin, "is a collective wish of the Center for Pop students for Nina to achieve more and to continue inspiring young singing hopefuls who wish to follow her footsteps.

"Fligh High Nina" is free to the public.

Selected Center’s students will pay tribute to Nina with songs associated with her. Nina will give a musical response by singing her past hits and new songs from her new album, "Smile."

Former ambassadors of goodwill of the Center were Sarah Balabagan (Sony Records) in 1999, Nerissa (Ivory Records), 2001.

Aside from Nina, the Center’s other successful graduates are Sarah Geronimo, Jose Santana, Dessa, Roselle Nava, Geneva Cruz, Rufa Mae Quinto, five Miss Saigons, Rox, singing comedian Patrician Ismael, Erik Santos and many others.

"I look at my future as a bright one," Nina said optimistically. "I will keep on singing..."

source: mb.com.ph