In an industry given to formulas, most attempts at reinvention are risky business in that it could either lead to better opportunities or it could kill a career.
Still, there remains adventurous souls that prioritize artistry in pursuit of higher glory – take for example, Isabella de Leon.
Remembered for her landmark role in “Magnifico (2003),” which bagged her a Best Child Actress Award from the prestigious Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS); and as the endearing Duday on the defunct sitcom “Daddy DiDoDu,” de Leon has reinvented herself. Now a lady at 18, she is a recording artist set to release her eponymous album “LoveZone” under PolyEast Records.
“Matagal ko na talaga gustong i-explore ‘yung music. Ito talaga ‘yung first love ko,” she told Bulletin Entertainment.
As young as she is, de Leon is a prolific songwriter who penned most of the songs in her debut.
“I’ve been writing songs bata pa ako, madami pa po ‘yan. For my debut, we picked the best crop of songs na sa tingin namin ay fitting po sa theme ng album, which, as the title suggests, ay all about love,” she said.
Surprisingly, de Leon has yet to experience being in love. She admitted to having “crushes,” though.
“Nothing serious, ano lang... pakilig lang,” she confessed, smiling.
De Leon’s lyrics, which includes thought-provoking lines “sa ano mang paraan patutunayan pag-ibig ko sa ‘yo” and “magtatago ako sa init ng iyong yakap... ang pumapayapa sa maingay kung mundo,” seem to belie her claim.
Well?
“Puwede namang mag-imagine lang!”
She idolizes singer-songwriters, particularly Champ Lui Pio and Gary Valenciano.
“I really hope to work with them someday pati na din si Raimund Marasigan. Feeling ko magki-click talaga kami musically,” she said.
De Leon said that “LoveZone” is just a taste of things to come.
“Marami pa akong songs that deal with other things hindi lang love... I write songs to tell stories, and I sing because I want to share it.”