Former "The X Factor UK" finalist Alisah Bonaobra recalled the moment she first saw English television personality Simon Cowell, one of the judges for the hit reality show.

"Before I joined 'The X Factor UK,' may idea na ako kay Simon Cowell. Parang strict siya and parang gusto mo na lang lumubog sa lupa," Alisah said during the Zoom launch of her single "Faithful" on Tuesday.

But her impressions about Simon changed when she finally met him during auditions. "Constructive criticism lang siya. Hindi naman pala siya ganun ka terror sa TV. Sinasabi lang niya kung ano ang makakatulong sa mga contestant para maging better version of themselves," Alisah said.

Alisah was among the semi-finalists in "The X Factor UK" in 2017.  When asked if she would like to compete again in the same show, Alisah said: "Tignan po natin. If God will allow it why not? In the meantime gusto ko muna mag focus sa RJA Productions."  

The Pinay belter also released her latest single “Faithful” which has all the markings of an uplifting classic like the all-too familiar “Lift Up Your Hands.”

It was composed by Cecile Azarcon-Inocentes - the same lady who penned the Basil Valdez classic, among other OPM gems like Martin Nievera’s “Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin,” Kuh Ledesma’s “I Think I’m In Love,” Chiqui Pineda’s “How Did You Know,” and "Sana Ay Ikaw Na Nga," another Basil hit.

“Sobrang overwhelmed po ako sa blessings na dumarating sa akin kahit na may pandemic. Nagrequest po ako ng English song to interpret at ang binigay sa akin ay isang magandang composition na sinulat ni Ms. Cecile,” shared the down-to-earth Alisah who describes her recent digital singles as “very timely.”

Cecille said: "You can give Alisah any song and she will deliver it and give it all she’s got. That’s exactly what she did with ‘Faithful.’ "

The iconic composer recalled that she composed “Faithful” “in about 30 minutes and which “came out like a personal prayer to God.” Scheduled to sing at the church where she does worship service on Sundays, she decided to write a song about God’s faithfulness.

“The music and the lyrics just flowed together and fell into place as I reflected on the many times that I have experienced God's faithfulness in my life. Even in those times when I have not been faithful to Him, He remained faithful to me.”

“May this song remind us that whether we are in good or bad times, God’s caring presence and unfailing love will prove to be our greatest treasure, security and blessing," Cecille added.

Since signing with the San Francisco-based RJA Productions early this year, or just before the country was placed under community quarantine, Alisah has been on a good run, with her lyric videos for singles “Ginto Ang Sandali” and “Gintong Tinig” amassing nearly half a million views together since their release just a few months ago.

For this year’s Yuletide season, despite the troubles the country has faced all-year round, Alisah’s voice stands out as an uplifter of spirits with her song “Kahit Na Malayo Pa Ang Pasko.” She also joined other RJA artists for ensemble-singing in “Ikaw Ang Aking Pasko.” 

Just recently, Alisah appeared in the "Bawal Ang Judgmental," one of the popular segments of the noontime show "Eat Bulaga" on GMA-7.

Alisah’s humble beginnings endeared her to music fans all over the world. Her mother, fondly called Ate Luz around their community, has been selling specially packed food stuff as a sidewalk vendor for the past 30 years. She has always been a homebody, spending much of her time with her big family and her collection of pets.