SITTI is the country’s “Bossa Nova Diva”; she’s that and more. This she proves in a special show, “First,” on her birthday at the Mandarin Oriental this November 29.
Three years after hitting it big with “Para sa Akin” in the music business, with successful concerts and awards, Sitti is feeling very blessed.
“Nag-uumapaw ang blessings sa akin,” she says. So “First” is a way of thanking the people who have supported her. Her fans, those active in the worldwide web who dub themselves “Sittizens,” have always been all-out in supporting her and her music. In fact, their generosity has spilled over to other OPM artists whom they support and even to Sitti’s outreach projects. For a couple of years, they have been involved in giving help to the less-fortunate. In fact, one of her most memorable birthdays was two years ago. It was held at Boys Town. Her non-showbiz boyfriend arranged the surprise, with the kids performing “Para sa Akin” for the teary-eyed celebrant.
Right now, Sitti and her Sittizens are involved in funding some Don Bosco scholars in Batulao, Batangas and helping feed malnourished kids in Payatas. It is obvious she has a soft spot for kids. “It does not take a lot to make them happy,” she says.
As she turns 24, Sitti, who was already singing in hotel lounges at 16, will be the one to give her audience a gift. She will show some tricks up her sleeve in “First.”
Her full range of talents will be showcased, said director Calvin Neria.
“Sitti will be performing a lot of numbers which she has not done in other shows. Of course, she will still be performing her signature bossa songs kasi yun ang hahanapin ng mga fans,” related Neria, who reunites with Sitti after directing the then-newcomer two years ago in a successful series of concerts in the same venue.
Some of the birthday girl’s treats to her guests, said Calvin, are a return to standards, a sampling of great Filipino love songs (“Maalaala Mo Kaya,” “Minsan Kang Minahal,” etc.), a Spanish song for her mom and a sexy Latin song-and-dance.
“Sitti’s very open to a lot of things. She’s really an artist,” observes Neria. “She knows at this point in her career, she needs to grow, to reinvent herself. So at the end of the show, she will spring a surprise,” he hints.
“Actually sa whole show, pinaka excited ako sa ‘Baila’,” Sitti intimates, saying that she is still considering what to wear for that number. “We are still trying to get my partner in ‘Shall We Dance’ to join me in that number.”
With her career in high gear, does the birthday girl still have a wish?
“To perform at the Araneta Coliseum used to be a dream for me,” she reveals, “pero over the course of time, ‘di na gaanong big deal. Hindi na ako masyadong focused dun. Whether I get to perform there or not, ok lang.
“Right now, I am just very thankful for all the blessings that are coming my way. And I want to give back some of these blessings to others.”
Joining Sitti are Myrus and Christian Bautista. Musical direction is by Naldy Rodriguez.
Tickets are available at the Music Museum (721-0635 or 721-6726) and Mandarin Oriental Manila (750-8888 loc. 2446). (GFCT)
Tags: Bossa, Official Sitti, Sitti, Sitti Navarro, Sittionline
