‘I’m no Sarah Geronimo’, Morissette Amon

“The Voice Philippines” third placer Morissette Amon wants to have her own identity even if she feels flattered and honored to be constantly compared to Popstar Princess Sarah Geronimo. 

“Hindi naman ako nao-offend, honored nga ako kasi sa nag-iisang Sarah Geronimo ako naco-compare. Pero I just have to find a way to separate myself from her,” Morissette said during the press conference of ABS-CBN’s Himig-Handog P-pop Love Songs at the ABS-CBN compound on Monday, September 1.

She admitted that Sarah, her mentor and coach in “The Voice Philippines” is one of those who have influenced her musically.

Looking different

“Hindi ko lang siguro maiwasan yung pagka-Sarah ko kasi influence ko naman talaga siya. Pero iyon lang, I have to look different from her and to stand out para makagawa ako ng sarili kong identity. Para to be known more as Morissette.”

The Cebuana singer has a bigger fan base now, but she also has her share of bashers. She is just happy Sarah does not take the comparisons negatively.

“Natutuwa nga ako kasi siya mismo nagsasabi na ‘Uy, magkapatid daw tayo. Tapos kino-compare tayo. Okay naman daw po sa kanya. Hindi naman natin maiiwasan na may magbash sa akin na ‘Uy second Sarah ka lang, hindi mo siya malalagpasan.’ Kinakausap ko naman siya, humihingi pa din ako ng pasensya sa kanya na ‘Coach, wala po akong intention na ma-hurt ka.’ Gusto ko lang gumawa ng sarili kong identity.”

Sarah’s advice

Almost a year after “The Voice of the Philippines,” Sarah and Morissette still get in touch regularly. Morissette always remembers Sarah’s advice — pray and sing from the heart.

“Always keep the faith sa Lord talaga. Sobrang religious ni Coach. Lagi niya kaming sinasabihan na huwag makalimutan mag-pray. Of course, that’s something you have to keep throughout the journey. When it’s about interpreting, dapat yung emotions mo totoo inside. Dapat ma-feel mo din. Kung hindi ka man maka-relate, you look for something else para true yung song sa iyo,” Morissette said.

Aside from preparing her album, Morissette si promoting Himig-Handog with other singers. She interpreted “Akin Ka Na Lang” by Francis Louis Salazar. Also joining Himig-Handog are Jessa Zaragosa for “Bumabalik ang Nagdaan” (by Sarah Jane Gandia); Jovit Baldivino for “Dito” (by Raizo Brent Chabeldin and Biv De Vera); Ebe Dancel with Abra for “Halik sa Hangin” ((by David Dimaguila); Angeline Quinto for “Hanggang Kailan” (by Jose Joel Mendoza); Juris for “Hindi Wala” (by Nica del Rosario); Jed Madela for “If You Don’t Want to Fall” (by Jude Gitamondoc); Janella Salvador for “Mahal Kita Pero” (by Melchora Mabilog) ; KZ for “Mahal Ko o Mahal Ako” (by Edwin Marollano); Michael Pangilinan for “Pare Mahal Mo Raw Ako” (by Jovinor Tan); Marion Aunor featuring Rizza and Seed for “Pumapag-ibig” (by Jungee Marcelo); Daniel Padilla for “Simpleng Tulad Mo” (by Meljohn Magno); Bugoy Drilon for “Umiiyak ang Puso” (by Rolando Azor) and Jugs and Teddy for “Walang Basagan ng Trip” (by Eric De Leon). Songwriter-finalist Hazel Faith dela Cruz will interpret her composition, “Everything Takes Time.”