Eva delos Santos (Contributed Photo)
She is at it, again. There is no stopping Eva delos Santos from pursuing her dream. At the golden age of 50, the diminutive diva has risked her stature as the quintessential songbird from the south by joining reality TV talent search “The Voice of the Philippines.” It came as no surprise (to us) that her show-stopping performance at the battle rounds last night clinched her a slot at the live shows (she defeated four chair-turner Michaellen Tamporada).
Eva delos Santos is no stranger in the music scene, of course. For close to a quarter of a century, she has been a barometer of what a livewire performer is. Singer-songwriter, Eva has been making waves both here and abroad: she brought honors to the country in 1994 by placing silver in the “Midnight Sun Song Festival” held in Lahti, Finland (following in the footsteps of Ivy Violan the year before).
Always the trooper that she is, she serves as an inspiration to the “oldies but goodies” set when she was given a rousing standing ovation by the four celebrity judges at the X-Factor Philippines (Pilita Corales, Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano and Charice Pempengco who called her “the Tina Turner of the Philippines”) and the audience alike during the live auditions. Although she didn’t advance to the live shows, she created such an impact on her Cebuano fans whose support gave her the motivation to give it one more shot.
Play! cornered her before her flight to Manila and was not just given a mini-concert like a command performance but also a glimpse of her youthful exuberance, her newfound fascination with pop star-coach Sarah Geronimo, and her bent in giving it her all–in the hope that the Cebuanos will support her (the competition is largely won by text votes) all the way.
Who are your biggest musical influences growing up?
I grew up in a very musically- inclined family. As a young girl, my parents taught me kundiman and Visayan classic songs. I was always eager to learn them and sing my heart out with my papa on guitar or ukulele. When I moved to Cebu for the university years, I got into Tagalog pop music… Sharon Cuneta, Jam Morales, Kuh Ledesma and a few Hajji Alejandro songs. That was the time when I started singing in folkhouse bars in the city, and I performed pop songs of the late 70’s, from artists like Melissa Manchester, Maureen MacGovern and Anne Murray. In the 80’s, when I joined the Zee Band, I fell in love with Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, Tina Turner, Earth Wind and Fire and, later, Mariah Carey.
Did you have formal training in music/voice?
I never had formal training in music or voice. I kind of wish I took up music as a degree. It’s easier to write songs when you can read and write notes, and play more musical instruments.
Can you share an anecdote or two as to why you really have a powerful voice —like Regine Velasquez was immersed in neck-deep water to strengthen her vocal chords, or something? When did you realize that you have a high range?
My mama used to wake me up early in the morning, like 5 a.m.! Who wants to wake up that early at that age? Yes, she’d wake me up to vocalize! Honestly, I hated it. Haha! She’d sit on the opposite side of my bed and and direct me the vocal scales. A lot of times, I’d do it with my eyes still completely shut! I used to do that four to five times a week.
Technically, how many octaves can you reach?
I’m not sure. I will have to count tomorrow on the piano keys.
Where did you learn how to “whistle” in reaching those head tones?
I was in college, I was completely amazed with Minnie Riperton. “Loving You” was such a big hit that time, and I’d sing those high notes with her, every time I heard it on the radio. Then here comes Mariah Carey in the early 90s, dishing out “Vision of Love.” I used that song to stretch my vocal chords in the morning.
What is the most difficult song you have ever sang and why?
“Paper Roses” is the most difficult song for me to sing. This is my Papa’s and Mama’s song, and every time I sing it, my voice cracks! I get messy and emotional. Ugh.
Who among the current singers do you admire?
I admire artists who write and perform their songs. I listened to Sarah Geronimo’s album, and track 10 shows her prowess in songwriting. I like that. Gary V is a firework. Martin Nievera is also a total package. I also admire Yeng Constantino as a singer-songwriter at such a young age. I love KZ Tandingan. Her voice has a lot of heart and soul. She’s a gem. Lea Salonga is my Disney princess! She blows my mind when she performs Broadway songs! Bamboo’s awkward move on stage is a swag that nobody else has. Yeah, I like that! And of course who isn’t proud of apl.de.ap who has conquered the international music scene? That’s huge. There are a lot more artists … Dulce! There’s just one voice like hers!
Is there anyone’s voice you kind of wish you had?
If I could sing lower notes with deeper registration, I’d be glad. Who is good at that? Chaka Khan! She can go down to the lowest pit and shoot up the sky!
What are you most insecure about your singing voice?
I call it stage fright, not insecurity. I still get nervous before I step out on stage. Once I start singing, the fear slowly goes away. I always tell myself, “It’s ok. I’m fine. I’m good to go.”
Do feel extra pressure to win “The Voice of the Philippines” since you are representing Cebu and Bohol in this competition?
In every step of this journey, I do my best, and God will do the rest!
Did you really line up for the auditions or were you invited straight to the blind auditions?
Oh, yes! The first step was to go to MOR radio station of ABS-CBN, sing a capella for a minute-and-a-half, then I was given a text to compete for the weekly round which I won, and then there was another round of audition at Sarrosa Hotel for the regionals. I went through all that.
How was it auditioning side-by-side your daughter?
I didn’t have a good feeling about it. The first day there were 34 people who auditioned and only six made it. We were scheduled on the second day; the call time was 6 a.m. Monique was invited straight to the blinds so her mindset was not really that competitive. And it didn’t help that the makeup artists backstage would approach me and give me tips: “Alam mo, mommy Eva, yung kahapon, ayaw nila yung nag growl-growl at tsaka yung nag be-belt.” Asa naman tawon ko ibutang ani uy?! Gi nerbyos jud ko og samot!
Why did you decide to sing “Proud Mary” in the blinds?
This is a competition, and I am a hundred percent sure there’d be many singers singing “contest pieces.” I did something different, something unpredictable. I psyched myself up: If I need to growl, I’ll growl; if I need to belt; I’ll belt.
How was the feeling of anticipating the judge’s chair to turn for you?
Oh, boy. It was nerve-wracking. It’s a good thing that my daughter Monique who auditioned before me, advised me nga: “Mommy, if they wouldn’t turn right away, just close your eyes and focus on your song.” Which I did, and then ap.de.ap turned for me and I was “manhid” na, didn’t feel anything, I wasn’t really rejoicing maybe because I was looking at Lea’s chair. So towards the end of the song I tried to belt it even more for Lea to turn for me (but didn’t). And then there was Sarah …
Who was your first choice as your coach, given the chance?
Lea Salonga was my first choice. I picked her because she could relate to me because she’s a mother. My second choice was apl.de.ap because he’s a bit older and can understand me better. But then, the Lord has a better plan for me…
Between the two coaches/judges who turned their chair for you, why did you pick Sarah Geronimo to be your coach?
It wasn’t easy for me to choose between Sarah G and apl.de.ap. Both of them are highly respected in the industry. That was a very awkward moment for me but at the same time, I wanted to make sure I pick the mentor who believes in my talent and character. I believe that the age gap between me and Sarah is an advantage. She can teach me a lot of whatever she has learned in her music generation. She is also a product of a singing competition, so she understands what I’m going through right now. Looking from afar, I like the idea that Sarah G’s career is based in the Philippines, hence her fan base is strong and broad.
Who do you think is your biggest threat to the title (vocally) and why?
I can be the biggest threat to the title, because each artist contestant in top 24 is a threat. I can’t put my guard down, since each of us is aiming for the same goal.
What to you is your biggest advantage over the other contenders?
I’ve been singing and performing all my life. I stand steadfast in every elimination round. My years of experience is an important factor. To count, I started in this profession at the age of 17.
What do you think is your biggest advantage over the other contenders?
I pray. I lift everything to God and ask for His guidance. For me, spiritual strength is very important to survive in any path of journey in our life. I try my best to stay healthy. I excercise, eat a good diet, and take lots of vitamins. My voice is my instrument, so that’s top priority. I freak out when I’m in a room with people who are coughing and sneezing. Haha! Last, but not the least, I sing every day. I can stay in the music room for hours in a day
How are you preparing now for the live shows?
I’m a good girl. I don’t smoke and I only drink alcohol on special occasion. I am quite good at taking care of my health. I stay away from cold drinks, and I try to drink a lot of water. I sing and sing every day. I can get noisy, too, so I’m sure my neighbors get annoyed sometimes.
Looking back at your X-factor stint, what major learnings did you gain that you wish to apply here in The Voice?
I wasn’t that mentally prepared when I joined The XFactor. There’s a lot of hard work involved here, a lot of pressure, so I need not only mental strength, but also spiritual, emotional and physical strength. I also learned that each level in the competition is crucial. It’s not easy, because I have to take it seriously, but I got to have fun also at the same time. I want to enjoy while being in this game. I don’t want to push myself to the edge. Life is too good.
If you could trade voices with anyone, who would it be?
An angel’s. Some soothing, cool, flawless endearing voice that can bring mine and your soul to pure joy. Honestly, I am very proud of my singing voice. I wouldn’t trade it with anybody else’s. I’ve used and shared this for hey, 51 years!
If you would be Ariel in “The Little Mermaid,” would you exchange your voice for a pair of legs? How so?
Aaaah, oh no! I don’t like this question! Why, oh, why this question? Hahaha! Hey, Ariel did it because she fell in love with a human! She was very young when she did that. If I were at that age, yeah, I’ll do it, too. In real life, I put my singing career in the back seat, to take care of my family. So yeah, I’ll do it. But if I were already an old mermaid, definitely no!
You are already the Eva delos Santos. Why join a competition like this?
Why not? Because I haven’t tried anything like this in my younger years. I was into performing, yes, I gained a following through constant performances. Singing is my life. I haven’t experienced something like this. So, why not? And also, my personal assessment for myself as a singer and as an artist— why limit yourself to Cebu?