Virna Lisa, Magkaisa

Magkaisa

 

Side A
Magkaisa
Patawad
At Kung Sakali
Mahal Kita, Walang Iba

Side B
May Bukas Pa
Nangangamba, Nananabik
Bulong
Magkaisa- Instrumental


for audio, visit/subscribe:
YouTube: OPM Vinyl Playlist





Virna Lisa Mananzan became famous for singing the song “Magkaisa” which to many is synonymous with the People Power revolt in 1986.

The song that shot her to fame has won a new audience with the death of former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino last month.

Many do not know that Virna Lisa Loberiza is an American citizen although her parents are both Filipinos. Virna acquired his U.S. citizenship because she was born in New York.

Her song "Nagkaisa" has captivated millions of freedom- loving Filipinos in the Philippines and abroad which could have catapulted her to stardom, but she prefers to remain in the background and chose to become a social worker where her heart belongs.

By all probability, not too many Filipinos -– young and old -- could make an instant recall the name of the then 20-year old Virna Lisa 21 years after she sang "Nagkaisa" that became a gold record despite being an obscure singer.

She is married to Snowden Mananzan, a Filipino banker who is the vice president of United Commercial Bank in New York. They got married in California in 1990 and have three children, Jaco, 15, Toby, 13, and only girl whom they named Frankie, 8.

She finished her studies in the Philippines at St. Paul's College, Adamson University and later at the University of Sto. Tomas where she took up architecture but never graduated because she was a "Green Card" holder.

Lisa's father, Joey Loberiza, was formerly connected with Toyota Tamaraw, and her mother is the former movie actress Aura Aurea.

The Philippines News Agency had an exclusive interview with Virna at the elegant residence of Ms Emily Dearing, a Filipino nurse, living in the State of Virginia.

The interview was arranged by Jun Pedery, a former US Navy serviceman and retired employee of Boeing Corporation, the world's largest aircraft maker based in Washington, DC.

Now, 41, but still possesses that stunning Filipino beauty, Lisa recalled how her singing talent was discovered by actor-comedian-composer Tito Sotto after the historic people-power uprising that toppled the 20-year Marcos regime.

She said she was singing the song "Bridges" during an event in Adamson University in Manila when she was spotted by Sotto who was fascinated by her sweet voice.

"My discovery by Sotto was by chance," she said.

Without much ado, Sotto asked her to sing a newly composed song entitled "Nagkaisa," composed by Sotto, Ernie dela Pena and Homer Flores.

Liza said Sotto invited her to sing in the daily noon show "Eat Bulaga" where she sang on television for the first time.

When she was asked to sing "Nagkaisa" she was only given a few hours to practice the song. A few hours later "I found myself inside the studio for the formal recording."

"I did not sign any contract. I just sang," Lisa said.

Lisa said she did not get paid for singing "Nagkaisa" though it earned lots of money.

"That's one of the reasons why I did not stay in the business because I didn't understand it well. I don't think I will do well in it, and you know may be my heart is in the social work that is why I stay in the social work," Lisa added.