Fresh from her portrayal of a mentally deranged mother in “Tayong Dalawa,” Agot Isidro takes on a new role as a ‘wedding singer.’

Known for her hits “Everyday” and “Sa Isip Ko,” she returns to the music scene via “White Lace and Promises,” a collection of well-loved wedding songs.  The album is the follow-up to her 2006 album, “The Island,” which consisted of pop tunes arranged ala-bossa nova.

Released under PolyEast Records, Agot said the concept of “White Lace and Promises” is just right for the ‘ber’ months.

“Contrary to popular notion that June is the wedding month, it is actually during the ‘ber’ months that more Filipino couples walk down the aisle. The nights are longer during this time and people anticipate receiving their Christmas bonus,” she said during the press conference for the album held at Discovery Suites on Oct. 14.

She shared that choosing songs for the album was a challenge “because there are so many good wedding songs.”

Nevertheless, Agot and PolyEast were able to come up with an album they could be proud of---one that features versions of OPM classics and international standards that can be used for both intimate and big weddings.

Agot confessed that she initially balked at recording a version of Basil Valdez’s signature song, “Ngayon at Kailanman.”

“I didn’t think I could sing this song. I thought the song was too ‘big’ for me and I knew how popular and well-loved this song is to Filipinos. I hope I gave justice (to) my version,” she related.

Her version eventually ended up as the album’s promotional song.

The singer-actress also did a duet with Martin Nievera on the Patti Austin-James Ingram song, “True Love.” She said the Concert King had to sing four songs prior to recording “True Love” to enable his vocal cords to stretch because it was arranged in a key higher than he is used to.

Other songs in “White Lace and Promises” are Rico J. Puno’s “Together Forever,” The Carpenters’ “We’ve Only Just Begun” [the second verse of which is where the title of Agot’s album was lifted],  Shania Twain’s “From This Moment,” and The Corrs’ “Runaway” [which Agot sang at the Judy Ann Santos- Ryan Agoncillo nuptial on April 28].

Agot said she is reminded of her wedding to businessman Manu Sandejas whenever she listens to her latest album. The two tied the knot on Oct. 7, 2000 at the St. John Bosco Church in Laguna.

“Unlike some people who recall their weddings as blurs, I remember mine very vividly. It was raining while the priest was saying mass, but the rain stopped as soon as we [Agot and Manu] stepped out of the church,” said she.

Incidentally, Manu agreed to be photographed as Agot’s love interest for the album’s inlay. She said that Manu replaced a Brazilian model for the task when negotiations for the latter didn’t fall through. 

Agot is choosy in accepting invitations to sing at weddings, preferring to do so only for people whom she knows well..

“Weddings are very intimate occasions, [so] there’s this danger of becoming an ‘unwanted stranger’. It’s important that you discuss with the couple what they want to sing. The music is your connection with them,” she explained.

Married for nine years now, Agot and Manu continuously communicate about having a baby.

“We have to talk constantly about it because feelings about things can be fleeting. He may be okay with the set-up today, but then have another opinion on the matter, next,” she said.

They have not considered adopting a baby “because [right now] we are happy with each other----and our dogs!”
           
The couple plans to return to Greece where they first had their honeymoon.

Aside from promoting her album at various Robinson’s malls, Agot will be busy taping for another ABS-CBN teleserye which will air January of next year. She, too, will be a part of the Metro Manila Film Festival entry “Ang Darling Kong Aswang” starring Vic Sotto and Cristine Reyes.

Agot will be part of the concert “Kaya Natin ‘To!” on Dec. 5 the proceeds of which will benefit the victims of the recent typhoons. She, along with other named singers, is currently recording a CD for the same end.