It’s an exclusive all-Bloggers Evening last January 30 (Monday) at Red Box Eastwood with Asia’s Acoustic Princess SABRINA presented by MCA Music in cooperation with Pinoy Magazine and Orange Magazine TV.
Her latest album “I Love Acoustic 4″ recently turned Platinum last January in Indonesia. This earned her the rank of being one of the few Filipino artists who gained multi-platinum success in Indonesia – and the only Female Filipino singer to break in the South East Asian Market. The album was also released in Thailand and soon in Singapore and Malaysia. Sabrina’s previous albums “I love Acoustic”, “I love Acoustic Too”, and “I love Acoustic 3″ were all multi-platinum success in those countries.
But who is Sabrina?
To tell you the truth, and as embarrassing as it is, I have to admit that this was the first time I ever heard of a Filipino acoustic artist named Sabrina. So I am very much privileged to be able to know, see, talk and hear her songs live for the first time in this very wonderful event. So, let me say my thanks to Jeman Villanueva of Orange Magazine TV for including me on the list 
“Bubbly” - this will the first word that I will use to describe the acoustic princess. She’s so candid, casual and very accommodating. We all loved talking to her and we were all laughing the whole time. There was never an awkward moment because she made it easier for all the bloggers to feel comfortable with her at the very start. Getting to know her better was a real treat. And it was really a cool party!
Let’s find out more about Sabrina. Here are some of her stories and answers to the questions asked by all the bloggers who were present that night:
How did Sabrina started?
I came from a very ordinary family who just loves to sing, I did vocal coaching at the age of 7 consistently, attended vocal coaching at Ryan Cayabyab’s for 3 years. I didn’t plan to become a professional singer. I went to Hijas de Jesus, a Catholic school in BF Homes Paranaque where I used to sing a lot and on every school programs. But I only joined and fortunately won, one singing contest in my entire career. I don’t join contests because I was never the “Birit” type of singer.
My Ate and I once tried to join ”Star for A Night” .. but we never did, because my Mom says we will not be able to pass the audition because we don’t have a sad story. ”Kailangan kasi yung istorya ng buhay malungkot e, para makasali sa mga singing contest dito.”
I was discovered while singing in a Family Reunion. I was 14 years old then, but only started recording two years after.
Why Sabrina?
Actually my name is Roli Alexandra Orial, I signed up for Vicor first and started my career singing Bossanova which was big that time and selected Sabrina as my name because it sounded more latin.
Do you compose songs?
Yes, but I only have two – I usually write songs when depressed, however, I rarely get depressed.
Why do you think you’re more successful in other countries?
I don’t consider it as a problem but a reality that here in the Philippines, if you are a singer, you have to look like an actress also. In other countries, if you’re a singer, what matters is your voice and not how you look like. It’s pretty hard to get in the music scene here in the Philippines – you have to know the right people and look the part. I am so glad that in other parts of the world talent still matters.
When did the shift from Bossanova to Acoustic happen?
Immediately after my release from Vicor Music and my entry to MCA Music. Vicor was bought by Vic Del Rosario from Steven Tan, all the artists previously signed from Vicor was released from the contract and then we made a demo for MCA, they decided that I do Acoustic rather than Bossanova which was more appropriate for my age. But the name was retained.
How would you compare your popularity in Indonesia with Christian Bautista and do you have any movie or TV offers there?
Christian is more popular “sobra sobrang popular naman si Christian doon” and No offers yet. Universal wanted me to focus on my singing career.
Who would you like to collaborate with?
Usher, Boys to Men and Gary Valenciano.
Celebrity crush?
Rayver Cruz, before Piolo Pascual
Your musical influences?
Mariah Carrey, Arnee Hidalgo and then Kyla.
What’s new with Sabrina this 2012?
Well for start, hopefully I’m gonna be under a new management and a new producer since I have terminated the old one. It’s going to be a fresh new start this 2012.
What do you do when not singing?
Spend time with the family and exercise.
Favorite food?
Pizza
Other than singing, what do you really want to be?
I want to be a Lawyer, specially those that give free services for abused women. I also dreamed of becoming the president of the Philippines and when I was younger, I always wanted to become a YAYA because I love kids.
School?
I graduated in 2010 cum laude at the UP Los Banos AB Communication Arts. I love school.
What songs would you like to include in your album, if you are the one choosing the track list?
One Last Cry, Somewhere Down the Road, Paalam Na, Through The Rain and Gitara.
How do you keep your voice in good condition?
No special practice, just proper hydration and no alcohol. Prayers.
What causes the rift between you and your former management?
Nothing major, systems and procedures. MCA Music will start managing artists so I’m with them right now.
After the Q & A, Sabrina performed live for the bloggers with songs from the “I Love Acoustic 4″ Album including her latest release – a version of the hit Maroon 5 and Christina Aguilera song “Moves Like Jagger.” But what I enjoyed the most among the songs that she performed live was her rendition of the song “California King Bed.”
I am a bit frustrated while writing this blog post because I have about 30 – 40 pictures of the event and a recording of all the live performances but accidentally deleted all of the files from my camera without saving it on my laptop. :( So all of the media contents here in this post were borrowed from Orange Magazine TV.
Anyway, lesson learned and moving on.
“I Love Acoustic 4″ is now out in CDs under MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines) with 15 tracks: Moves Like Jagger, Price Tag, Who Says, Edge of Glory, On The Floor, Last Friday Night, California King Bed, Hold It Against Me, Rolling in the Deep, The Lazy Song, Back To December, Marry Me, Rocketeer, Just The Way You Are (with Indonesian Singer Calvin Jeremy) and Lucky (with Richard Poon).
The album is also available for download at mymusicstore.com.ph
To download Sabrina’s single “Moves Like Jagger” text JGR and send to 2728 for Smart and Talk and Text subscribers, text KL343 and send to 2332 for Globe/TM or text 5493161 and send to 2300 for Sun Cellular subscribers. For more of Sabrina’s music, just text SABRINA to 3456 or check out www.facebook.com/mcamusic
Catch also Sabrina as she serenades SM Pasig on February 17 (Friday) at 4PM. Those who will buy her album “I Love Acoustic 4″ will get to have their CDs autographed by Sabrina herself after the show.
Special thanks to Orange Magazine TV for the invite and the pics. Log on to http://orangemagazinetv.com/ for more wonderful news.
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