This was how she stressed her point during an interview with the press at Blue Wave Macapagal Avenue, or just before she went onstage to perform with her back-up band.

"Artistically I’m stretched as a solo act. And the fact I am directing my sound now makes my music sounds really me," she said.

Acel has been launched as the country’s first digital artist, with songs from her album "Silver Lining" being available only through digital downloads made possible by Nugen Records. Listeners should have an Epin (electronic pin) or specialized prepaid cards (from Loadcentral and Netopia outlets) to download her recorded compositions.

"Although I still love to collect CDs, I likewise see the potential of downloading as the future of the music industry. I’d been hearing some good songs from my brother-inlaw’s gadgets and I’m amused he got access through them through downloading while me myself couldn’t find the numbers on CDs."

Acel is now married to a Dutch and her marriage to the guy was the reason she left Moonstar 88 in 2004. She, however, cleared there was no bloodbath between her and her former bandmates, pointing out there was a one-month period of smooth transition wherein she and the new girl Maychelle Baay performed together so as to have the latter get accustomed to what she does for the group.

The distinctive voice behind "Torete" and "Sulat" has recently done the sub-theme "Lihim" for ABS-CBN’s Maria Flor de Luna and "Sa Ngalan ng Pag-Ibig" which was included in the soundtrack for "Rounin." She is set to do the theme song "One Love" for an upcoming Korean soap, also with the Kapamilya network.

Some of Acel’s songs in "Silver Lining" are "Pakiusap", "Nakalimutan Mo Na Ba?", "Satisfy" and "Tomorrow."

When asked about the indifference of having her songs sold not in CD form, Acel reflected, "It’s hard to compare the joy of having a CD to that of digital form. But I’m fulfilled more than enough just to be able to share my songs to listeners in whatever way."

Thin and looking years younger than her actual age, Acel hinted that her digital release should also serve as a taste of her songs, and that a CD-output of the same material may come out soon.

More than the medium of distribution, it’s the music that really differentiate Acel the soloist from the one that made Moonstar one of the most recognized girl-fronted acts in town. Her music now, according to her, is more toned-down and woman-like.

Acel started writing songs only around the time she was already performing with Moonstar. She didn’t write the band’s two most notable hits though she admits she still performs them up to now because audiences keep requesting them.

Now, songwriting has become her passion while being solo has made her more comfortable. "Making decisions is now a lot easier and faster,’ she said, "then, one would have to wait for the consensus of the entire band before making a move."