It’s easier to make music these days. And with numerous platforms available, singers and composers are given more avenues to introduce their songs to the public. Thus, competition has become more stiff because music consumers are becoming more picky.
For Noela Amparo, a new singer who hopes to make it big in the music business is trying to learn the ropes of the trade, one song at a time.
Last week, she unveiled the official music video for her debut single “Sandalan.” It premiered during her first virtual press conference.
The slick music video features a mansion for a setting that complements the look and aura of the virginal beauty with Asian eyes. Dressed in white and then in black, Noela showcases her allure and pours out her emotions throughout the clip created by a team of videographers directed by Ramie Seron. It was shot on location in the province of Tarlac by following pandemic protocols.
In the video, Noela is romantically partnered with a long-haired, dashing debonair, and seen performing with her backup Apat Band, which played on the record as well.
“It may look like a big production but it only took half a day for us to complete the whole shoot. I was lucky that I was with an efficient team that’s why we were able to finish the entire shoot in a short period of time,” Noela told Manila Standard Entertainment.
“I had my creative input but the director had a better vision for the music video. I feel glad that I trusted our director who created a storyline that complements the song,” she added.
Apart from singing, Noela has other creative endeavors and passions. A dig into her personal routine, she reveals that she hosts a live streaming channel called Apat TV, posts panoramic shots of her travels, and sings classic songs with her musically inclined father.
Her recording of “Sandalan” was produced by Pinoy talent advocate Pat Achas who hired her initially to be a host for the aforementioned channel. It was recorded at Apat Studio and mixed-mastered by Mark Anthony Zoleta of Forgiven Music Studio.
Noela was first introduced to the tune, written by author-musician Yugel Losorata, when she and the composer met for a musical project many years back. Her recording dropped in digital stores in late 2020 was picked by Spotify editors for its New Music Friday playlist.
"I feel that 'Sandalan' is a representation of a strong, brave, and dependable woman who will and can do anything for someone she loves, whether it’s a person, her passion, and her dream. It is a reflection of what I can do as a woman and it is a song of power and bravery," shared the Pinay beauty who hails from Bacoor, Cavite.
For a time, Noela went abroad to work as a singer. She continuously supports her four siblings Miko, Nicole, Paul, and Heart.
Growing up she was exposed to fiesta parties and karaoke challenges. She joined a contest in Eat Bulaga called Pambato ng Videoke and won P15,000. Three years later she was adjudged champion in a corporate-sponsored competition.
She expressed, "My friends always support and encourage me to pursue my singing career and I owe it to them that I kept trying. I am totally happy, fulfilled, and proud of my career choices."
She shared she has always listened to pop music, in particular the music of Britney Spears. She remembers having a copy of the pop star's debut album when she was four years old. She also studied songs by Aegis and Regine Velasquez while being exposed to country music since her father likes to listen to it.
Noela finished a degree in public relations at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.
Watch Noela’s music video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxqNSuNhNJ0
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Sara’s portrait
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Lord Allan Velasco, who currently represents the lone district of the province of Marinduque, gifted the First Daughter and Mayor of Davao City, Inday Sara Duterte-Carpio, a magnificent commissioned portrait by Kristine S. Lim, an artist on a mission.
Lim is the Director of Culture and Arts for Sustainable PH and Vice-President for External Affairs of Christian+Collective. Both are NGOs or non-governmental organizations that aim to uplift the mindset of our countrymen in terms of Christianity, patriotism, and sustainability.
Speaker Velasco and Mayor Duterte are close friends, which is why the former (together with the Gentlemen of Sara, a group he formed and leads composed of his friends from different sectors of society), came up with the idea of giving her a portrait. The gift was meant to show her their love and full support, no matter what her future political plans may be. It was paid for by the many friends and supporters of the speaker and the mayor.