Latest news from our very own 1st Philippine Idol, Mau Marcelo

Mau Marcelo : She Shines for Us

Mau Marcelo: Of dreams and realities

By KAYE VILLAGOMEZ

The country’s first "Philippine Idol" Mau Marcelo will finally be able to tell her ‘Cinderella story’ via the 11-track CD "I Shine For You."

It might have cost her quite some time to see that the realization of her aspirations turned out to be better than her dreams. "Now, I get to do what I love and somehow I was able to prove that I can, well, shine in my own way."

It is recalled that Mau had to deal with a lot of criticisms during her "Idol" days because, "I didn’t fit the mold of what singing stars should look like," she recalled. She even lost in a previous singing competition before making it to the semi-finals of "Philippine Idol" last year, during which she still struggled to make the finalists’ circle.

"Lahat ng mga ginagawa ko ay para sa mga anak ko," said the singer who is also a mother of two. "They really inspire me to continue this battle. Kanya-kanyang time lang talaga and it just so happen that Philippine Idol was my time."

As soon as she won, however, the reality of staying at the center of the spotlight was a space Mau had to protect. It took her nearly a year before she could finally release her CD. "At medyo mahirap ipaliwanag sa mga taong naniwala sa akin nung time ng Idol at naniniwala pa rin hanggang ngayon na maghintay lang sila. Of course, may mga nag-e-expect at nagtatanong kung saan nila ako makikita o mapapanuod."

For a time, she said she had no definite answers to such questions. "Mahirap na kasing magsalita at ayoko naman silang paasahin. Alam ko na now, this album is the best I could offer them."

It will be recalled that Mau released a mini-CD from Sony-BMG a few months after her Idol triumph and it was meant to test the response of the market to her music. "Since I now have a full album, maybe the trial record worked."

IN NEED OF A ‘HOME’

Contrary to previous perception that Mau had been exclusive to ABS-CBN appearances, she clarified that she is not tied up with any of the networks, including GMA-7 and ABC–5. But this, to her, does not necessarily mean a good thing.

"Sana mas maganda if magkakaron ako ng regular appearance. Tingin ko mas kailangan at mas magkakaroon ako ng growth career–wise."

She then cleared that she is happy for the one Idol finalist who was able to make a home out of GMA-7 and that’s Gian Magdangal. "Masaya ako for Gian because we all had plans and for one of us to make it to a weekly exposure as big as let’s say ‘SOP,’ magandang blessing ‘yun. Deserve naman din niya yun. There is no truth to rumors na may inggit or anything on my part or sa iba pang mga finalists. Lahat naman kami masaya sa mga nararating ng isa’t-isa."

GOING FOR ASIAN IDOL?

It would have been a huge opportunity if the Asian Idol pushes through but Mau said the possibility of that international challenge remains in the doldrums.

"As far as I am concerned, wala pang mga ganun na international competition. I haven’t been told of anything leading to it either."

On the other hand, should opportunity presents itself to her, she would not hesitate. "Pero kung magkaroon man, I’d be glad to represent that country. Gagawin ko ang lahat para manalo."

For the time being, Mau said she will maximize the opportunity at hand—the "I Shine For You" CD.

Relive Mau’s underdog tale in her very first recording under Sony–BMG Music Entertainment with the title track fully describing her struggles as well her triumphs.

"It’s finally here and although it took a while, the outcome was worth the wait kasi nilalaman talaga ng album na ito yung mga pinagdaanan ko." True to what she said, Mau had been in near tears in some parts of her mini–set during her recent album launching.

The CD contains the title track and single "I Shine For You;" the anthemic "Try It On My Own;" originals "Your Love," "Sino Ba Naman Ako" and "Hangga’t Kaya Ko Pa;" revivals "Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin" and "Love Takes Time." Other tracks are "Labis–Labis," "Try Love" and "Keep On Tryin’" plus a remix of "I Shine For You."

The CD is now available in all record outlets nationwide.

Here's a preview of her Album