BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT
AT A GLANCE
Now residing on the US West Coast, Alisah has been visible in the Fil-Am community events, performing in intimate shows and sold-out concerts, some of them being promoted by RJA.
US-based Filipina singer Alisah Bonaobra won a trophy at the prestigious Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC) Star Awards for Music, with her single "Do You Have A Miracle For Me" named the Inspirational Song of the Year.
The track, released in late 2021, was penned by A-list songwriter Cecile Azarcon-Inocentes and produced by the San Francisco Bay Area-based RJA Productions.
"I'm so honored for this recognition, considering the reputation of PMPC as an award-giving body. Sobrang laking blessing nito para po sa akin," expressed Alisah, who moved to northern California in 2022 to continue her singing career.
The said song is a moving ballad reminiscent of classic inspirational pop songs that have gone beyond being just a traditionally preachy piece to something of an earworm with a universal touch. Thanks to Alisah's impassioned vocal delivery that does not overpower the calming message of the song and is guided by the able hand of vocal coach Arnie Mendaros.
Of course, credit is due to the magic touch of a songmaker who wrote Original Pilipino Music (OPM) classics bannered by one of the greatest inspirational tunes ever: "Lift Up Your Hands" (Basil Valdez).
"Do You Have A Miracle For Me" is more than just a creation from a seasoned talent in Azarcon-Inocentes whose major hits include Kuh Ledesma's "I Think I'm In Love," Gary Valenciano's "Reaching Out," Chiqui Pineda's "How Did You Know," and Martin Nievera's "Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin" which Alisah revived herself. It is also a record arranged by household name Homer Flores and mixed and mastered by studio specialist Dante Tanedo.
The spiritually vocal Alisah noted, "We're thankful for Ms.Cecile for trusting us with her songs. This award from PMPC is a big boost to my profile. Ibang klase po talaga magbigay ng blessing si God." During the height of the Covid pandemic, the Voice of the Philippines Season 2 runner-up and X Factor UK scene-stealing finalist first recorded a song penned by the songwriting icon, called "Faithful."
Alisah's recording career took a turn for the better after she was found by Rosabella Jao-Arribas, a Filipino-born advertising professional-turned-talent manager who put up RJA Productions and managed her, along with other talented but underrated Filipino singers. The partnership has resulted in a steady release of her singles since "Ginto Ang Sandali" back in April 2020.
Now residing on the US West Coast, Alisah has been visible in the Fil-Am community events, performing in intimate shows and sold-out concerts, some of them being promoted by RJA.
She is scheduled to do a major concert this coming July 20 with RJA's "Emerge," to be staged at the Empress Theatre in (330 Virginia Street) Vallejo, California.
The show will feature as special guests the Philippines' King of R&B, Jay R, and balladeer Bryan Termulo, among other rising stars in the music scene.
"Since I arrived in the US, I've been doing a lot of shows, and I always feel excited when I see people appreciate my presence," she said.
On the side, one of the Philippines' remarkable singing contest stars volunteers in an animal shelter, as she loves dogs and cats. She is likewise a Catholic church choir member.
Alisah recently started living independently as she navigates to being a Pinay celebrity singer in America. She reflected, "I feel blessed to have a roof on my head while adjusting to life away from the Philippines. You have to be strong, especially when the only choice is to be strong. You need to live in the present."
It's no wonder Alisah is a perfect fit for singing inspirational songs. Her life is an inspiring story in itself, having been raised through humble means and going through the singing competition circuit in the most difficult of situations.
In the song cited by the PMPC Star Awards, she asked if there was a miracle for her. Her continuing story of triumph through the power of her singing voice and innate charm appears like a heavenly miracle, showing for and urging audiences to hold on to and savor.
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