Kyla considers her seventh album, Heart 2 Heart, under EMI Philippines as the most challenging of all the records she has done. For this latest project, Kyla did more than just sing because she also shared production work along with Chito Ilagan and good friend Jay-R.
Juggling both roles was not easy, but Kyla discovered the advantages of sitting behind the board and having a hand in shaping up the entire album from start to finish.
In a press conference prepared by EMI Philippines earlier today, November 25, at the Discovery Suites in Pasig City, Kyla proudly enumerated the perks of being a record producer: "Napili ko ‘yong mga gusto kong kantahin and iba din yung experience na you're in control of the creative process. I was really a part of it."
Kyla's participation allowed the inclusion of most of her preferred songs like "Back In Time"—a collaboration number between her and Jay-R. Another original track titled "You Make Me Feel" also found its way to the finished product. The said song was written by Kyla together with Jay-R and Jimmy Muna. A Toto Sorioso composition, "Tahan Na" was likewise included.
The three original materials complement the cover tunes namely "Heart to Heart," "I Miss You," "Old Friend," "Love On A Two Way Street," "I'll Never Give Up," "Stay Awake," "I'll Be Over You," "Drive," "I Can't Tell You Why," "Misty Glass Window," "Bus Stop," and Kyla's longtime favorite Stevie Wonder song, "Ribbon In the Sky." As a Christmas gift to her fans, Kyla decided to include "My Grown Up Christmas List" as a bonus track.
GOING STRONG. Kyla's personal life, likewise, continues to be rosy. Her relationship with professional cager Rich Alvarez remains steady and calm despite their status as public figures. For a celebrity couple, Kyla and Rich remarkably managed to stay away from intrigues, both as a pair and as individuals.
The lack of intrigues involving the petite singer even prompted some quarters to cast doubt on Kyla's good working relationship with fellow singer Jay-R. Explained Kyla, "Kaibigan ko ‘yan talaga, hindi showbiz 'yon ha, talagang magkaibigan kami pagdating sa stage and music, talagang tandem kami."
As for Rich, Kyla proudly offered, "Right now kasi masaya kami. Talagang mabait si Lord, e. Kasi talagang gina-guide din kami at tsaka mabait naman talaga si Rich, wala akong masabi sa kanya puro magagandang bagay lang."
The 27-year-old singer could only let out a smile when asked on the idea of finally settling down—a question consistently brought up by the press every time Kyla has an album to promote.
Though both parties are serious with the relationship, Kyla reiterated that they're still taking everything in stride particularly when it comes to the subject of getting married.
PASSING THE TORCH. Last year, Kyla was chosen to sing the "Lupang Hinirang" in Manny Pacquiao's boxing match against Marco Antonio Barrera. This year, Kyla's former SOP co-host Karylle will represent the country in rendering the National Anthem at Manny's much-anticipated boxing match against Oscar de la Hoya on December 7 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Karylle did consult Kyla regarding the outfit and the general vibe surrounding such a big event.
"Tinanong niya yata kung anong suot ko nun. ‘Uy, naka-Filipiana ako,' tapos tinanong niya lang ‘yong crowd kung paano sila kasi, di ba, maraming Mexicans doon? Sabi ko, ‘Okay naman. Huwag mo na lang pansinin kung meron mang magugulo dun pero okay lang kasi maraming Pinoy,'" she recalled telling the daughter of Zsa Zsa Padilla.
There's no need to offer Karylle serious guidance, "Matalinong tao naman ‘yon. Kumbaga, hindi niya kailangan ng advice baka ako pa nga ang humingi ng advice sa kanya, e," smiled Kyla.
