“It was suggested to me by the award-winning composer Mr. V (Vehnee Saturno), the famous composer of the song. I was surprised when he told me about that. Although I’m barely starting to sing, I consider it my biggest opportunity. And I’m excited about it.”
Trying to make a wave in the music scene, 15-year-old Ysabelle (Ysa) Palabrica, a 10th-grade student at Centerphil Montessori Learning Center (Janiuay, Iloilo), is determined to explore her newfound interest: singing. Although her love affair with music had just started last year, she immediately embraced the good vibe when her mom (JeAn Magno Palabrica), encouraged her to take voice lessons. She’s now more than eager to pursue singing while finishing her studies.
As a newcomer, Ysa shares that the artists she admires the most are Taylor Swift and Belle Mariano. “I love their songs very much and I think everyone can easily connect to the lyrics of their songs,” she stresses. But as a young music enthusiast, she claims that the song “I Like You So Much You’ll Know It” by Ysabelle Cuevas is her favorite. “I watch the Chinese romance comedy (rom-com) series “A Love So Beautiful” and I like it. The song is featured in the series. I can relate with it because it tells that love can wait,” she adds.
Choosing to revive Tootsie Guevarra’s hit song, “Kaba” didin’t came from her mentor Mr. Vehnee Saturno. “I didn’t choose it, but I think many teenagers can relate to the song. And when I first listen to it, I like the melody and the music. I heard it first on Tiktok and I easily fell in love with the lyrics. It’s normal naman talaga na magkakaroon ka ng crush,” she smiles.
“And I was so excited when it was suggested to me by Mr. V that I could revive it, but of course under his guidance. I think my version will be more upbeat. And I will work hard to make this song a success, just like the first one, and for people to appreciate it,” she smiles. And she hopes to give a new emotional treat to the iconic song.
The third child of four children (a boy and three girls), Isabelle is lucky to have very supportive parents (businesswoman mom JeAn, and dad, Mayor Mark Palabrica, from the municipality of Bingawan, Iloilo). “When I decided to take voice lessons and found out I could sing, I started convincing my parents that I was interested in being a recording artist. I told them I wanted to explore a new skill and discover a new version of myself. Growing up, I’m an introvert. I don’t interact much with people. They were surprised, at first when I told them about my plans. And I’m very thankful to my parents for supporting me with my request. Since then, I gained confidence in this,” she explains.
As a budding artist, Isabelle hopes that she will be recognized for her talent in the future and hopefully be given an award. “I want my parents to be proud of me someday, and hopefully I can inspire others, too, especially the youth. Not everyone is given the chance to showcase whatever talent you have. As my parents would always advise me, do your best and work harder because this is a big opportunity for you to prove to your future supporters and also to yourself,” she relates. So far, after months of pursuing voice lessons, she has already done a cover version of her favorite song… “I Like You So Much You’ll Know It.”
On the other hand, Mr. V is also excited to collaborate with his discovery. “I’m always open to working with young and fresh talents kasi as a composer, you learn from them a lot,” says the multi-awarded songwriter. “Sa mga new artists dun mo malalaman ang success ng iyung song, kasi I always believe as a composer and record producer, mas gusto ko na mag hit ang kanta dahil sa ganda ng iyung ginawa and not the singer only. And I always started that way as a composer.” Some of Mr. V’s huge compositions are the classic “Be My Lady” (popularized by Martin Nievera but was interpreted by Pedrito Montaire during the Metro Manila Pop Music Festival in 1983), Zsa Zsa Padilla’s “Mula Sa Puso,” Jaya’s “Tanging Ikaw,” Sarah Geronimo’s “Forever’s Not Enough,” and many more.
If given the chance, will she plan to do movies? “As a new artist, I want to take a risk because I want to explore new things for myself,” says Isabelle. “I want to learn new skills. And I’m excited.” Any piece of advice from her parents? “They told me to work harder because this is such a big opportunity and a big responsibility at the same time. And that’s the main reason why I’m taking voice lessons because it gives me more confidence to showcase whatever talent is given to me and I want to share it with everyone.”
Isabelle is currently taping for the YouTube show “Krazy-x You,” under the direction of Obette Serrano and the concept by Audie See, who is also her manager. A few days ago, she signed a contract with Vehnee Saturno (the composer of “Kaba”), to revive and record the said monster hit. After “Kaba,” Mr. V plans to come up with another revival song for Ysa, probably “Mr. Kupido” sung by Rachel Alejandro? Let’s wait and see!
