It is important to note that Kris Aquino does not sing nor speak in this album. But the project, nonetheless, has her stamp written all over it.
The digipak cover boldly bares her name. A signed short message about faith and gratitude greet fans and listeners before baring the actress-host's detailed list of thank you notes. The nicely packaged pink and beige inlay reveals glamorous yet candid photos of Kris.
And there is, of course, the 12-track disc produced by Universal Records.
Like her previous three inspirational compilations (Songs of Love and Healing, Love and Inspiration, and The Greatest Love) and nursery album (We are 1) with son Baby James, every track in Blessings of Love reflects Kris's musings, sweet dedications to loved ones, and life lessons as interpreted by various local talents.
The album begins with an original number courtesy of Martin Nievera. "The color of the sun / Three stars of courage / Our times began to start believing that we can..."—the Concert King clearly had Ninoy and Cory Aquino in mind when he was crafting the words for the song "Impossible Dreams."
Gary Valenciano gives a milder rendition of Todd Rundgren's "Love is the Answer" with South Border leader Jay Durias providing back-up vocals.
Jed Madela belts out in Josh Groban fashion with "To Where You Are." Kris notes how much she admires Jed's voice by writing, "Thank you for always bringing to life the songs that echo what resonates so deeply within me."
Nina's version of Michael Jackson's "You Are Not Alone" is a pleasant surprise among the lot. Though it sounded more melancholic than the original version, Nina's soulful delivery transforms the popular ballad into something more melodious and memorable.
Another standout is Christian Bautista's cover of Jose Mari Chan's "I Have Fallen in Love (With the Same Woman Three Times)," which is based on Ninoy Aquino's poem to wife Cory intended for their 19th wedding anniversary. Christian's grand effort added poignancy to the words.
"Dance With My Father" reflects a daughter's longing for a father and a grieving mother's prayer. The song beautifully frames Kris's sentiments. Jay-R grants the song that much deserved youthful flavor.
Gail Blanco gives a woman's perspective to Rey Valera's "Kung Tayo'y Magkakalayo," which is also the title of Kris's current primetime teleserye.
According to Kris, "Iingatan Ka" brings to memory their last days with her mom, who succumbed to cancer in 2009. Erik Santos tones it down this time while effectively translating those fragile feelings into words and melody.
It is refreshing to hear "Ikaw," which is so often performed by women with big pipes, being interpreted by a male artist. Singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid's controlled delivery perfectly matches the masterful guitar work of Gigi Arcay.
The feeling of nostalgia which permeates from the entire record continues with Noel Cabangon and Imago's vocalist Aia de Leon's duet of the heartbreaking folk ballad, "Kanlungan."
Ronnie Liang's "Walang Iba" somehow gets overshadowed by the other tracks. The connection with the rest of the tunes is somewhat lost but repeated spins reveal a number that can stand while serving as a welcome breather from the weep-feast.
Blessings of Love ends with a fitting finale: "Hindi Ka Nag-iisa." This is a timely song as the country braces for a political shake-up with the entry of Noynoy Aquino's administration. Now that we don't see the music video-campaign commercial—with the star-studded and torch-bearing cast—we can appreciate Ogie's indelible words more as interpreted by Regine Velasquez.
All songs are a testimony of Kris's heart and that's what she wants to share through this project because love—in any shape and form—is universal.
In retrospect, Blessings of Love may have been about her, but the intention is not completely self-seeking. In her liner notes, Kris first and foremost dedicates the album to fans and casual listeners along with the hope that they may be able to pick at least one favorite from the list.
Another thing worth noting is that Kris's four previous albums all achieved Platinum status. This could be her fifth.