Jet Pampolina's My Standards: Reliving the classics
As the old line from movies or magazine pages goes, life begins at forty. To some, it is but a cliché that is yet to be proven but for a man named Jet Pampolina, it means a new beginning that would soon lead him to his life-long dream.
The artist
Though Enrique Victor "Jet" Pampolina was raised by his parents in Metro Manila, he admits that Iloilo has a special place in his heart. Perhaps because the city reminds him of numerous fond memories he had with his family. Above all else, Iloilo is Jet's second home. A half-blooded Ilonggo considering that his mom was the 1957 Dumangas Fiesta Queen Rhodora J. Deocampo who was married to the late Atty. Agusto V. Pampolina Jr., lawyer from Alaminos, Laguna.
The 3rd of the six siblings, Jet was the family's favorite in terms of intermission numbers during family gatherings and school programs. He studied at the Colegio de Sta. Catalina in Biñan and later earned his Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from De La Salle University-Taft. Afterwhich, he had a stint in President Suharto's rubber plant in Jakarta, Indonesia. His stay in Indonesia taught him a lot of things including Indonesia's native language. In fact, he was once invited to a Muslim wedding which lasted for three days where he amazed the Indonesians when he sang in Bahasa. Today, Jet is one of the Executive VP of Sunlife Canada and is married to a fellow CPA graduate Miles Limchauco of Laguna. They have two boys, Ethan and Will, and a girl named Maxine, whom he cited as his inspiration.
Although he was not able to attend a formal school for music, Jet was decided to make his dream a huge reality. During his 40th birthday celebration last October 14 at the 7th Note, Makati Golf Club, Jet unveiled his first recording attempt. The songs in his album were of his personal choice including "Love is Here to Stay", which is very significant for the Pampolina family.
The album
My Standards is Jet Pampolina's first ever album which brings back the eternal classic hits of the '60s. It contains 12 tracks which includes the rendition of all-time Frank Sinatra favorites like "I've Got You Under My Skin", "The Way You Look Tonight", "Night and Day", "You'll Never Know", "It had To Be You", "Misty", "Have You Met Miss Jones", "One for My Baby" and "Come Fly With Me." Other cuts from the album are remakes of the legendary Nat King Cole's "Our Love is Here To Stay" and Dionne Warwick's "Alfie".
All the songs were recorded and mixed by Jet's good friend, Jose Marie Gonzalez and was produced by JustUs Productions. On the other hand, the piano tracks and arrangements was done by Alan McPike, one of the most sought-after accompanist to famous performers in the business including the internationally-acclaimed jazz artist and saxophonist Paul Wainwright. Likewise, Jet didn't settle for anything less as to the photographs for his up-coming CD. The very reason why this talented Ilonggo seek refuge from the country's top-billed lensman Daniel Tan.
My Standards is something that would gain a nod from people of different circa. Jet's smooth and enticing voice perfectly fit into his forte of music. If you're the kind who loves Michael Buble, then I can guarantee you that you'll surely adore this Ilonggo jazz newbie. Whether you are in the mood to relax while sinking into the notes of classic tunes or dying to get that romantic feeling without doing much, you'll surely succumb to Jet Pampolina's "My Standards".
Undeniably, this guy definitely have what it takes to be a recording star. Jet is one Ilonggo talent that we should rave about -- a Filipino Sinatra in the making.
The album, a must have for both young and not-so-young romantics, will be available in local record bars before the year ends. Be sure to grab a copy!