In 2001, Philippine female singer
Rea Valle released
O Kay Sarap (Umibig) ("Oh It Feels Good [To Love]"). The album is dominated by passionate, easy listening love songs, a style of music quite popular in the Philippines. There are also several cover versions of international hits, including a remake of
Lulu's beautiful "To Sir with Love" and
Sue Thompson's "Sad Movies (Make Me Cry)," but using new lyrics written in Tagalog, the Philippines' national language.
Valle has an engaging manner of singing, although she could improve on some technical aspects, such as poise and fluidity, but this doesn't detract much from the overall presentation. Her voice isn't the best, nor is it the worst, but she exudes charm, and a listener may be drawn to her style. In that respect, American singer
Jennifer Lopez also isn't the most talented of singers, yet many people are attracted to her music and style. On
O Kay Sarap (Umibig), the Philippine-composed love songs have a tendency to sound alike, a problem which plagues many local love songs. There isn't much to distinguish the easy listening "Sabihin Mo" ("Say It
) from "Sinungaling" ("Liar") or "Bakit" ("Why"). Still, the "Giniginaw" ("Shiver") has some nice moments, including the interesting change from a dramatic minor key to a sunny, major key. "Sadyang Pag-ibig Na" ("It's Really Love") is another nice love song.
Valle sings the remake of "To Sir With Love" with much gusto and enthusiasm, and seems happy to have such a good song to perform.
Rea Valle shows much promise on this album. ~ David Gonzales