Why Filipino singers owe it to Whitney Houston

Posted at 11:51 pm February 13, 2012

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By Alexander Villafania

MAKATI CITY, METRO MANILA – Another singing legend has died. Whitney Houston is considered as one of the most powerful singers in the last 20 years, having churned out memorable tunes that will be long remembered after her death.

Houston’s songs are among the most challenging to sing as these hit high notes. Her vocal range is from G below middle C to high flat B, which only few singers could belt out.

Just a few of her more powerful songs include “Greatest Love of All,” “Where Do Broken Hearts Go,” “One Moment in Time” (sung during the 1988 Summer Olympics), “Run To You,” and her signature song “I Will Always Love You,” her cover of the original Dolly Parton song.

These songs, and other equally popular tunes from Houston, are staple playlists in karaoke and videoke machines in the Philippines.

In fact, those participating in singing contests down to the barangay level would belt out Houston songs to get the judges’ attention. One aspiring singer, Ruchelle Manalang, took on “One Moment in Time,” which got her the top prize in a local contest just last December.

And remember Josephine “Banig” Roberto? That precocious Filipino girl who won the hearts of America in the late 80s? She also took on Houston’s “Greatest Love of All” in one of her guest appearances in a US TV show.

Of course, there are the popular Filipino singers who also owe it to Houston. Among them are Jaya, Lani Misalucha, Frenchie Dy, Bituin Escalante, Regine Velasquez, Sarah Geronimo, , Leah Salonga, and Charice Pempengco.

Houston’s memory will always be cherished and her life will be sung by aspiring singers for many years to come.

(Image taken from Youtube)