By Excel V. Dyquiangco
Not many people are aware of her name but think Moonstar88 and you come up with the name of Acel Bisa Van Ommen, who, together with her band, immortalized the sounds of “Panalangin”, “Sulat,” “Sa Langit,” and of course, “Torete.”
These times, Moonstar88 had ceased to be in the music scene but Acel’s comeback is just getting off the ground. After a long hiatus from the sound stage, Acel is back with a different tune, a different sound and a different melody to her music.
From the edgy and rock music of Moonstar88, Acel has evolved to the type of songs which would soothe and comfort anyone’s heart, owing it to her angelic and soothing voice.
And this time the package is entirely different. The songs, available through Star Records, are individually available in digital format within the year and this is a first for any artist of any kind. Each song is also downloadable and is available for 12 pesos each! Among Acel’s favorite songs in the album are “Pakiusap” and “Laugh and Cry.”
The journey to this stage of her life hasn’t been rosy for Acel. After stepping off the limelight in 2004, Acel has been anxious about several things in her life such as her impending marriage. She was also trying to seek for direction and guidance in her life.
After working temporarily as an administrator at LMP Music, a production company headed by a close friend, the passion in music still fires up within her. She was still able to make songs in those six months she had worked there and whenever she had the time, she would perform for special occasions in front of a live audience.
The heart of music, she claims, is in her audience that cheers for her, and she truly misses performing in front of them. When she realized that she wanted to continue the dream that she left behind, she resigned as administrator and concentrated again on her music.
It was in 2006 when the same recording company brought her back, and immediately placed her on the public interest’s eye again. But this time, her sense and style in music became different. She became keen on giving her crowd the music of her life – the mellow and soothing sounds that was a far cry from the Acel everyone used to know.
After everything that has happened to her life, Acel devotes her music to something close to her heart. The lyrics talk about hope, love and the inner fire that keeps on burning despite certain obstacles and fears.
For more information on Acel Bisa Van Ommen and her music, you can check out her website. You can also check out her songs and download them for free via her built-in player to the website, dutifully designed by her husband Danny van Ommen.
Tags: Moonstar 88, Acel Bisa
About Excel Dyquiangco: Excel V. Dyquiangco works as a writer for an advocacy and consultancy firm in Makati City. During his spare time, he writes stories for children, writes for various magazines catering to different topics, writes textbooks for elementary and highschool students and formulates scripts for television and movies. He also teaches English to Korean, Burmese and Indonesian students. He was recently featured in Reader's Digest Asia, with the headline CASH NOW: SECRETS OF SUCCESS, which discusses his work as a writer..
January 6th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
simple and it came from the heart. i really feel the whole package of the song. it fits to be the soundtruck of SPRING WALTZ… =)
February 14th, 2008 at 1:23 am
i love ur music, pls contineous composing of ur music
February 26th, 2008 at 10:03 pm
ohhh,,, she beautiful!! sexy!!
July 7th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
ohh…..you’re so nice and beautiful….many many more blessings to come