Singer-actress Jessa Zaragoza refuses to call her upcoming record due this May a "comeback" vehicle.
"Ayoko nga sana sabihing comeback," said Jessa, pertaining to her new solo album in five years.
She added: "Hindi naman talaga ako umalis. Although 'yong last album ko na solo, 2003, matagal na din pero nagkaroon kami ng duet album ni Dingdong sa Universal Records I think two years ago."
PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) caught sight of the singer and her husband Dingdong Avanzado last March 11 at the photo exhibit of top fashion photographer Mark Nicdao held at Greenbelt 5 in Makati City.
Production has been going on for quite some time, but owing to Jessa's constant need to travel back and forth between Manila and the U.S., completion of the project was halted a couple of times.
"Ngayon, parang feeling namin it's about time [to release the album]. Matagal na rin naming inaayos. Itong year na 'to madalas 'yong punta namin sa Philippines because I have to really finish the album and record. Kasi usually magre-record ako two weeks then babalik [to the States], ang hirap ng ganun, e hindi talaga matapos 'yong album, so tinutukan talaga namin itong year na 'to para talagang ma-release na," said Jessa.
But it doesn't necessarily follow that Jessa will be staying here in the country for good once the promotions machine goes full throttle.
"Back and forth pa rin ako kasi may commitment ako sa recording company 'tsaka sa producer so I really have to promote and be here sa Philippines. Pero kasi 'pag green card [holder], hindi rin kami puwede mag-stay nang magtagal dito sa Philippines, so we'll be going back and forth."
Pending the release of her new album, Jessa will fly back to the States to stage a concert with Dingdong in Northern California.
MOURNING FRANCIS'S PASSING. Jessa and Dingdong were among the throng of celebrities who attended Francis Magalona's wake at the Christ the King Chapel in Greenmeadows, Quezon City.
The Master Rapper succumbed to leukemia last March 6. He was cremated and laid to rest last March 11 at the Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina City.
Jessa recalled that she was in the middle of a pictorial when Dingdong relayed the sad news to her.
"Sobrang affected talaga ako, pero si Dingdong mas lalo na," said Jessa, who was obviously still grieving the loss of a colleague. "Siyempre nakakalungkot talaga kasi malaking kawalan siya hindi lang industriya. Bilang kaibigan, bilang kasama sa industriya, di ba, co-artista mo."
Being a mother herself, Jessa couldn't help but sympathize with Francis's widow, who despite the tragedy remained strong in the eyes of the public.
"Ako I feel for Pia kasi siyempre nanay din ako. Hinahangaan ko rin 'yong lakas ng loob niya na para sa mga anak niya. Basta hindi ko ma-imagine na kung paano niya nakakayanan 'yong ganitong lahat ng trials. Pero siguro talagang 'pag naman humingi ka ng tulong sa Diyos, talagang nagdadasal ka, parang wala namang imposible."