Artist:Viktoria
Album:Here To Stay
Label:Warner Music Philippines

The only expectation I had for this album is that it sure is going to be different from her previous work (Secrets, 1999, under Sony Music Philippines). After all, it is Viktoria's style to mellow down and come back with something different.

True to form, Here to Stay, the newest album from one of the country's finest singer/songwriters is devoid of dance tunes. This one is rather mellow, more on the easy-listening kind. Not as eclectic as her previous release, but still retaining that certain Viktoria trademark. Maybe it's her voice that's always a breeze to listen to, or the style/form o her songwriting. Whatever, this album sure didn't disappoint.

Let's just say it's like enjoying your favorite chocolate bar while breezing through traffic-free EDSA on a cool, drizzly late afternoon. Delightfully sweet, pleasantly surprising. And as the light drizzle calmed the road rage candidate, it sure captivated me for the next forty-five minutes. Yes, Here To Stay, as the title might have already given you an idea, is a compilation of songs for and about the highs and lows (mostly high's) of that crazy giddy thing called love. It's a given that romantic souls will appreciate it. It sure unleashed and brought out the closet romantic in me ;-)

It starts out with the intoxicatingly (pun intended) sweet "Nalalasing", a nice take on that natural high one gets when in love. Few songs can capture that kind of feeling in an endearingly amusing and poetic way and this is one of those. Which means even those who aren't exactly "nalalasing" about someone's kind of loving will at least like it.

Next is the heartbreakingly sad "Don't Go", which video had Viktoria singing with a band in an airport runway, truly a place for good-byes. I have to admit this isn't exactly 'my' song but it tugs at one's emotions with its simple, honest lyrics and the heartfelt way it was sang. There's beauty in it's sadness and even if you protest you'll never be that kind who'd beg for someone to stay, surely you'll feel for people who do.

What follows is what could very well be the antidote to the previous track, one called "Tanga". So it still talks about the one that got away, about feeling stupid for still wanting someone who already loves another and yet it's almost cheerful with its tongue-in-cheek lyrics. it's also one of those songs one would love to listen or sing along to on a rainy day.

The next track, "I Love You" was first heard on the best-selling compilation called Tunog Acoustic. I thought this song's version in that album was rather raw, and yet I thought I wouldn't have it any other way. It's beautiful in its roughness; it fits the sentiments of the song. But it is a pleasant surprise to hear another version in this album. It's wonderful! It could become another classic given the proper exposure. Everything about it is just great, the way it was sang, the arrangement… I can even imagine it being played with an orchestra. I know a lot of people who has already fallen inlove with this song, and I couldn't blame them.

Next is what could very well be the "driving" song. For some reasons "Bagoong at Mangga" reminds me of long drives and road trips. A sweet, happy song about finding that love who you just know you're meant to be with. I am enamoured by the quirky comparisons; from bagoong and mangga to Tirso and Nora and old movies, enough to make one smile and hop on a day trip, alone or with someone special.

Ogie Alcasid first recorded "Tanging Pag-ibig" and I thought it's one of the saddest songs I've ever heard. Good thing they played around with the video, making it light and funny and so it made the song less depressing. Another beautiful sad song, and Viktoria's take on a song originally sung by a man is just lovely. While OA's version was such an emotional powerhouse, Viktoria's was reflective and solemn.

Who doesn't love "To Be Near You"? Maybe only those who actually hasn't heard of the song. This almost classic is once more featured in this album for those who simply can't get enough of it. This time, it's in a version that was previously available only on radio during the time that it ruled the charts. Amazing, I must say. This song was actually what got me interested in Felicity, just so I'd understand why it was picked for the soundtrack of the hit TV series. It is just the perfect track for anyone who has ever felt what it's like to long for someone. Definitely a killer song.

And that's it. no wait, there are four more, but they're just versions of the previous tracks; a sweet acoustic version of "Nalalasing", and the demo version (the eon featured in Tunog Acoustic) of "I Love You". Followed by an edgier, rockier version of "Tanging Pag-ibig" which features Viktoria's band. I would like to refer to it as the "closure" version. For even if it is about someone's' plea for a lost love not to completely desert her, the edgier take on an otherwise lonely song also sort of finally puts an end to their story. It's a woman saying her piece for the last time, maybe accepting defeat (?) and letting the other go.

The final track is "Bagoong at Mangga" featuring Raymond Bagatsing and his band. It's an interesting version, who knew Raymond could sing anyway/ but he did a great job in this wonderful track that celebrates togetherness. it's playful and whimsical, one couldn't help but smile whlle listening to it.

It's just the perfect way to conclude a journey that not only paid homage to quiet sentiments and relished thoughts/memories but also showcased the distinct and versatile songwriting skills of a woman who has always worked hard to introduce to listeners not only album after album of new songs, but to something different each time.

The eleven songs, the past forty-five minutes had me enjoying a gentle roller coaster ride. Rather short for someone who has always enjoyed her music, but sweet as it got em smiling while bobbing and nodding my head to each song. And like the last track that touches on the joys of almost permanence, is just the fitting way to announce that indeed (and we're all glad), Viktoria is Here to Stay.