TV host-actress Kris Aquino rejected comparison between her latest CD and that of Megastar Sharon Cuneta’s, saying each has its unique concept.

“Hers (Sharon’s CD) is really about singing children’s song while I don’t (even) sing (in my CD),” Kris told Manila Bulletin Online and other members of the press in an interview at ABS-CBN. “When you buy my album, it's not (primarily) for the songs but (more) for the educational value.”

 Kris refers to “We are 1,” a two-disc album under Star Records that introduces children to alphabets, numbers, shapes and colors, and instills values such as the habit of prayer and the importance of the family.

Sharon’s album is “Children’s Rhymes & Lullabies” that has English and Filipino songs for activities which children find themselves doing in a day.

“I have listened to two tracks (in Sharon’s album) just to get a feel of it and, really, there is no competition,” Kris said.

She added that at one point, her dressing room was near Sharon’s so they were able to see each other regularly. This was when Kris was still doing “Deal or No Deal” and Sharon taped for “Sharon.”

“Sharon once sang ‘Eency Weency Spider’ to baby James in my dressing room,” she said. That nursery rhyme eventually ended up in Sharon’s new CD. 

Star Records got singers Aiza Seguerra, Piolo Pascual and Gary Valenciano to record music for Kris’ album. As if the support wasn’t enough, Star Records Managing Director Annabel Regalado sang on the title track.

“At first they had someone else sing the final version of the song. However good that singer was, I sensed that she was not a mother so she wasn’t able to express the necessary feelings for the song,” Kris said.

Annabel, who wrote the song and sang the demo version first presented to Kris, was asked by Kris herself to sing on the version that’s on the album. Annabel was a professional singer before she became a Star Records executive.

Another “surprise” singer in Kris’ album is Gary Valenciano’s wife, Angeli Pangilinan. Kris said that Angeli sang some parts of “You Are The Love Of My Life” with Gary. Like Annabel, Angeli was a professional singer before she wed Gary at least two decades ago.           

Other celebrities featured in “We are 1” are Zaijian Jaranilla (Santino of “May Bukas Pa”) and Rhap Salazar (“Little Big Star” finalist).

Kris said the songs in the album are upbeat and happy, and inspired by Disney songs, “High School Musical” and Barney. The commentaries and songs in “We are 1” cover the different phases that mother and child go through, from the time a mother conceives to when the child’s values are being formed.

Star Records and Kris consulted with doctors and education practitioners in making “We are 1.” The music were tested on baby James himself whose favorite, it seems, is “Maligo Na,” according to Kris.

“Baby James gets bored easily when taking a bath,” she said. “Kailangan laruin mo siya so I suggested a fun song for that activity.”

Other songs in “We are 1” are “Thank God I Found You,” Rubber Duckie,” “I Have Two Hands,” “Someone’s Waiting For You” and “Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep.”
Despite her seeming busy schedule, Kris said she has ample time for her kids and husband. She and baby James will be going to school together on June 17.

Kris talked fondly of baby James.

“Hindi siya takot sa madaming tao.  Pala-kaway  siya at flying kiss ng flying kiss. He is so personable. Tapos pag tinatapatan ng camera, bumi-behave. He’s very friendly at madami siyang girlfriend sa village namin na ‘dumadalaw’ at dinadalhan siya ng food,” she said.

She also has high hopes for his future. “I’m such a klutz while baby James has excellent coordination. If he learns to swim, he might become another Michael Phelps. Pag nag-golf naman siya, he might become the next Tiger Woods. Pero ang dream talaga namin para sa kanya is to become the first Filipino to make it to the NBA!”

Kris and her family will be flying to the US for a vacation by August. Kris herself booked the trip with a tour of almost all of the attractions at Disney World in Florida.

When asked about what she wishes for baby James, Kris turned serious and, perhaps, to her past.

“Unfortunately in our country, when you have missteps as an adult, your parents still get blamed for your actions. I pray I’d be able to guide and nurture my children the right way so they’d avoid making missteps.”