Rachel Anne discovers a new passion

MANILA, Philippines - Three years ago, Rachel Anne Wolfe returned to Manila to revive her singing career. After being domesticated for more than a decade and raising four boys in Bergen County, New Jersey, Rachel felt she needed to reinvent herself and rekindle her passion for singing.

Her 2007 solo album, Cool, under Manna Records, contained varied tracks, plus her own compositions that included a song for her mom (Part of Everything), Queen of Jazz Annie Brazil.

Last year, Rachel also revived her acting career and found a welcome stint doing Lovers in Paris, the primetime series that starred Piolo Pascual and KC Concepcion.

“In this industry, you always have to have something new to offer to the public,” Rachel maintains. “Otherwise, if you keep on giving them the same stuff, they won’t bother to take another look at you.”

After wrapping up Lovers in Paris, Rachel returned to New Jersey and started stringing beautiful melodies and lyrics together. She came up with six original compositions compiled in her latest CD.

The OPM (Original Pilipino Music) selections are bannered by the title track, Kay Layo Mo, a ballad that speaks about love’s many sacrifices. Interestingly, the album comes with the karaoke versions of the tunes “for all those who enjoy singing Filipino love songs,” Rachel says.

“Music is my first love, but writing songs became a passion for me,” Rachel allows. “If you’re an artist, it doesn’t matter what people think about your creation as long as you believe in it and you’re happy with it. That’s what’s more important.”

Rachel attests it’s not easy to write songs. She was inspired by the romantic ballads of the ‘80s recorded by the likes of Zsa Zsa Padilla, Joey Albert, Ogie Alcasid and Basil Valdez, that’s why the tracks in her new CD somehow bring back the hauntingly beautiful sound of ‘80s love songs.

“It has been a while since an artist has come up with an all-OPM album,” Rachel notes. “I’m not against doing revivals or covers, but this album is different from all the previous ones I recorded. I’m amazed at myself at having completed this album. It gives me a different kind of fulfillment.”

Performing the timeless classics of the ‘80s in her live shows in the East Coast, which were always very warmly received by the audience, also prompted Rachel to come up with her own compositions. Her repertoire includes memorable ditties like Zsa Zsa’s Kahit Na, Sharon Cuneta’s Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas and Leah Navarro’s Kailangan Kita.

“I’ve always been amazed at how the audience reacts to those popular ballads whenever I sing them,” Rachel shares.

She is proud about the other cuts in the album. “Luna Encanta or Enchanted Moon is about a make-believe mystical place where there is a special promise, where you can love and be loved forever. Tayo’y Naging Isa is the realization of coming together and always wanting to remember how that love feels.

“May Dahilan is the saying that everything happens for a reason. Kung Mawawala Ka is a love that takes you wherever it may lead because losing it will make life meaningless. Kakayanin Ko is about a love that will weather anything.”

Rachel credits New York-based composer-arranger Archie Dairocas for helping her record and complete her new, “sentimental and emotional” album.

“I share this album with those who understand and appreciate this love I have,” Rachel says. “For as long as life keeps throwing me inspiration, I will forever create the kind of music I love.”

Rachel is in town to celebrate her 42nd birthday on June 19 and to do a special, two-night engagement at Merk’s Bar and Bistro, owned by brother Richard Merk and his wife Roni Tapia.

“I am very fortunate because every time I am in Manila, I always have a venue to perform in,” asserts Rachel. She takes centerstage on June 15 with Noah’s Ark Band.