With new album ‘Like U,’ Belle Mariano reignites passion for music and spreads joy

March 5 ------ Whenever Belle Mariano appears onscreen and onstage, she emits an effortlessly bright aura. She has a unique gift for making people smile, as reflected in “Like U,” her newest album, which she hopes will make people feel loved.

“We want to focus on the relatability of the album. We wanted people who listened to it to relate and take inspiration,” she said on how she wants the record to be remembered. “Love is a universal language, and we want them to feel kilig (thrill). We want them to feel loved.” “Like U” comes two years after “Believe,” which paved the way for Mariano to take a groovier route in her music. Her latest release also combines pop and groove, and listeners can almost see her smiling while recording in the studio.

“Kapag nasa studio kami, ang saya, and nage-enjoy ako. Pero kapag live, kinakabahan ako kasi rooted siya sa nakakatuwa, napapakinggan na ‘yung tao ang music ko,” she said. “This is something I’ve always wanted. With everything that’s happening, we want to put out something that’s very light and very gentle sa puso natin.” To ease her nerves, the actress-singer said she focuses on enjoying the moment whenever she gets onstage. “Ine-enjoy ko na lang ‘yung moment. Parang naglalaban ‘yung kaba and excitement. But I’m really happy that I’m able to sing live,” she said.

Mariano’s love for music started when she was young. She grew up singing at karaoke, which she now considers her practice. Even if she made a name for herself as an actress, she never lost her love for music. “I always wanted to pursue music.” “Sobrang iba niya sa acting kasi dito, naka-plot na ‘yung character and story ng character mo,” she continued. “Sa music kasi, ikaw ‘yung magna-navigate ng story mo on your own, which is so nice. Para siyang diary, and you get to translate our emotions through music. I always loved the idea.”

But if there’s one thing Mariano hopes to do in the future, it is to improve her songwriting. “Nagsulat na ako before, but I think that it’s something I’m trying to learn. Naumpisahan ko siya pero hindi ko natapos. [I hope I can] be able to put more songs na naisulat ko… Feeling ko, I just really need the time to write and think,” she said.

Source: inquirer.net