She is into all things gold.
From gadgets to trinkets, Alisah Bonaobra is fond of the precious metal that sparkles. She is even dubbed “The Golden Voice” by the team that manages her career.
So, when offered to record new song that again has “gold” in the title, Alisah didn't think twice in accepting it.
"Sobrang honored po ako to sing that song," she said in an exclusive interview with Bulletin Entertainment.
Titled "Gintong Tinig," the song is about the life and career journey of Alisah. The song is a gold catch in itslef, having been penned especially for her by hitmaker Kiko Salazar.
She got starstruck working with Kiko who is behind last decade’s hit ballad “Akin Ka Na Lang.” Working with him was her dream come true.
"He is a one-man team,” she said. “He does everything."
In describing her latest single, she noted, “Masasabi ko po na ito’y kapana-panabik dahil it’s challenging to sing, particularly the bridge part.
"It's like a flashback of my life. Nu'ng narinig ko yung kanta, kinalibutan na lang po talaga."
More than song being just about herself, Alisah said "Gintong Tinig" could be inspirational.
"It aims to be positive na kung sumuko ako agad before, baka hindi ko na nakanta itong kanta na'to."
She's in it
Alisah longed to be heard. She had joined numerous singing contests in Metro Manila and even in far-flung provinces. She collected gold trophies for her efforts.
”Balang araw madidinig din po ako,” she’d always tell herself.
There couldn’t be a more perfect turnout of that goal when she landed first runner-up in the second season of "The Voice Philippines" and, ultimately, to a Finals appearance on the "X-Factor UK" in 2017.
Her previously released song “Ginto Ang Bawat Sandali” has amassed more than 300,000 views on YouTube in relatively short time, and without her promoting it in the tradition of pre-pandemic times.
Alisah also released the tracks “Laserlight,” (2015), “Baka Sakali Lang,” (2018), “Manatili Ka Sa ‘Min” (2019), and “Tayo Pa Rin” (2020). She excelled at the World Championship of Performing Arts (WCPA) and played lead character Aileen Dimaraan in PETA’s hit musical “Rak Of Aegis."
Her current management RJA Productions has made things possible for her in the new normal.
Amid pandemic, she makes sure to keep in touch with her fans via online shows.
“I’m making myself busy and keeping in touch with my supporters by performing online as often as possible. I feel so lucky na hindi ako pinababayaan ni Tita Rosabella and RJA, as what you should expect from a management keeping its promise to support their artists even in difficult times," she said.
Still, Alisah misses performing live.
"Ibang-iba yung feeling kapag nakakapaglive ka na kasi you interact with viewers," she said. "Actually, hindi ko nga maisip kung babalik sa ganung trabaho kung kaya ko ba ulit. But I make sure na hindi ako ma-stop sa pagkanta kasi matutulog yung boses kapag ganon."
Pandemic life
Off stage, Alisah is homebody who loves spending time with her big family that includes 14 cats, five dogs, and two turtles. She has kept her voice golden by doing regular workout, taking vitamin C, drinking lots of water and green tea, and getting enough sleep.
How's her love life, we asked.
"Wala pa po. Gusto po kasi he will be my first and last. Mahilig po ako sa Disney, sa princesses. So ganung standard po talaga gusto ko," she smiled.