They started singing together for a segment of GMA-7's now defunct Sunday musical variety show SOP but their powerful voices and unique blend eventually gave rise to an all-girl singing group called La Diva.
Viewers tuned in to their TV sets every week to see what song they would perform next. La Diva created such a wide following that people clamored for more. They were so much buzzed about that Boxing champ Manny Pacquiao personally chose them to sing the Philippine National Anthem before his fight with Miguel Cotto. La Diva ended up as another national pride with their proper and beautiful rendition of the song.
The three singers of La Diva have one common denominator—GMA-7's singing tilt Pinoy Pop Superstar. Both Jonalyn Viray and Maricris Garcia emerged as champions of the first and third seasons, respectively; Aicelle Santos was the second season's runner-up. Though all achievers and great solo singers in their own right, these girls set it all aside to blend well together and create beautiful music. With Jonalyn in command of the high notes, Aicelle in the mid-range and Maricris on the base, they create wonderful melodies together.
Fans of La Diva will now be be able to appreciate their idols' vocal prowess through the group's self-titled debut album. It features the carrier single, "Angels Brought Me Here" (a Guy Sebastian original) which is also the theme of GMA Korean TV series Queen Seon Duk.
The album also includes their versions of One Republic 's "Apologize," "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz, Basil Valdez's "Gaano Kadalas Ang Minsan," "Best of My Love" by The Emotions and Destiny's Child's "Stand Up For Love." Also noteworthy are originals composed by Danny Tan like "Kasiping Ka," "One Last Goodbye" and "Rosalinda," which was used in the Filipino adaptation of the Mexican telenovela of the same title.
La Diva is now out in CDs under Sony Music and GMA Records. Jonalyn, Aicelle and Maricris will perform at SM Clark on March 28 to promote their self-titled album.