Alisah Bonaobra

Alisah Bonaobra remembered the days when she would sell on the street before participating in various singing contests, including The Voice Philippines and X-Factor UK, a few years ago. "Kami ni mama, we started na nagpa-pass by lang kami sa mall kung saan kami nagpa-practice bago ako sumali sa The Voice Philippines," recalled Alisah at the launch of her latest song "Hanggang Kailan" in Quezon City recently. (Mom and I started by just passing by the mall where we practiced before I joined The Voice Philippines.) Alisah added: "Since we are sidewalk vendors, kami po ay nagtitinda lamang sa bangketa. Tinutulungan ko po si mama from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. sa pagtitinda with a small table and an umbrella. Kumakanta po ako sa puwesto namin. After that, sasabihin ni mama, palamig tayo sa mall. May karaoke doon punta tayo. Sobra ang stage fright ko. Minsan sa sobrang kaba ko, hindi ko na mabitawan yung microphone. Si Mama po yung unang kakanta and then ako naman ang susunod. Parang nagiging concert na ang susunod. Nag-start kami sa ganung bonding ni Mama." "We only sell on the sidewalk. I help Mom from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. in selling with a small table and an umbrella. I sing at our place. After that, Mom will say, let's chill at the mall. Let's go to karaoke there. I have too much stage fright. Sometimes I'm so nervous, I can't let go of the microphone. Mama will be the first to sing, and then I'll be next. It's like the next one is going to be a concert. We started with that bonding with Mom." The runner up at The Voice of the Philippines in 2014 and likewise a remarkable participant at the X Factor UK three years later, Alisah has been releasing a variety of well-produced digital singles since her would-be manager Rosabella Jao-Arribas flew from the US prior to the pandemic to personally express her vision for her career.  Alisah, who just turned 27 on April 22, says that she is pleased with her career now, although she dreams of being part of the theatre. "I still dream of becoming part of the theater. Gusto ko rin magamit yung mga techniques na natutunan ko as a classical singer or as a theatrical performer. Gusto ko makita yung sarili ko sa West End. Tinitignan ko rin yung sarili ko na kumakanta sa Kim or sa Les Miserables. I really love theater po talaga. Pero I'm contented naman right now," she said. (I also want to use the techniques I learned as a classical singer or as a theatrical performer. I want to see myself in the West End. I also want to sing as Kim (Miss Saigon) or in 'Les Miserables.' I really love theater. But I'm content right now.) Alisah also said she's excited about reviving "Hanggang Kailan," originally done by Angeline Quinto and composed by Joel Mendoza.
“We recorded the track in six hours, with Joel Mendoza as my vocal coach. Sir Joel’s intense body language while we were in the studio all pointed to achieving what’s best for our version,” said Alisah who emphasized that she herself is a fan of Angeline. Alisah’s “Hanggang Kailan,” recorded at Wild Grass Studio in Quezon City, is produced by the San Francisco-based RJA Productions, and distributed by mainstream label Star Music PH.  The song originally came out as a breakthrough composition for Joel during the Himig Handog P-Pop Love Songs songfest in 2014, with its interpretation by Angeline becoming among the notable hits in that edition of the contest.  Joel likewise commends Alisah for her competence in keeping up with the high demands of “Hanggang Kailan” that they recorded free from the industry-abiding limitations set forth by a songwriting tilt. This new version is touted to be a masa favorite -- a singer’s gift to fans who made her casual, live rendition of the famous track viral.      “Magaling si Alisah. She is vocally good and there’s excellent communication and understanding while we’re recording,” he noted.  Alisah’s originals, written by premier Filipino tunesmiths led by Cecile Azarcon, along with her version of the seasoned songwriter’s “Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin,” showcased her wide vocal range and amiable style. “How lucky I am to be an artist of RJA that every opportunity I’m given is a blessing I want to share to the listening public," she shared. The singer who describes herself as a fur mom, owing to her multiple cats and dogs, is currently doing shows in the United States, and nearly completing a podcast of 12 episodes filmed inside the state-of-the-art California Talk Studio of V81 Radio Los Angeles.  Joel is a star in his own right, a certified hitmaker who gave a tribute at ASAP, and whose colorful life, both as an accomplished songwriter and a top corporate executive who survived life-threatening ordeals, is featured on programs by Net 25 and GMA-7.   Asked to compare the versions of Angeline and Alisah, Joel said: "They are both good. The difference is mas kumpleto ang 'Hanggang Kailan' ni Alisah because it's a composer's cut, nagkaroon kami ng additional verse, Isinama namin ang Coda at iba ang chorus. That's it. But they are equally both good and Angeline is Angeline. Alisah has her own power and strength in her interpretation. Sa lahat ng kantang ginawa ko, itong kay Alisah ang pinakamahirap.)