September 20, 2007 02:46 PM Thursday

'I am very happy and privileged' -- Sitti

MAY bagong dahilan na naman para matuwa ang Bossa Nova Queen na si Sitti.
    
Kamakailan lang ay nahirang siya ng sikat na ma-gazine na People Asia as one of the ‘women of style and substance.’  Siyempre flattered ang singer sa bagong parangal na  ito.
   
“I felt overwhelmed, that people actually think I have style and substance,” naka-ngiting pahayag ni Sitti.
   
“I am very happy and privileged to have been part of that list. It’s an honor to be mentioned alongside women who have really contributed a lot to our society.”
   
Kahanay ni Sitti sa elite na  listahan ang mga malalaking pangalang katulad nina Batangas  Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto; Sen. Loren Legarda; beauty expert Vicki Belo; actress-TV  host Toni Gonzaga; race driver Gaby dela Merced; singer Sitti; lifestyle columnist Millet Manaquil; restaurateur Gaita Forres; lawyers Katrina Legarda and Rowena Bengzon; socialites-philanthropists Lizzie Zobel and Margarita Del-gado; and news persona-lities Korina Sanchez, Vicky Morales, and Tintin Bersola-Babao.
   
“Flattered po talaga ako. Kasi  sina Korina, Vilma at ‘yung ibang personalities na nasa list, powerhouses sila, eh. Ang laki ng impluwensiya ni-la sa Philippine society.
   
“In some ways, I would like to emulate them. Being included in a list na kasama sila, eh, talagang nakakataba ng puso.
   
“But, I also think I have a long way to go pa to be really a woman of style and subs-tance, but just the same, I’m thankful to People Asia for including me  there.”
   
Unfortunately, hindi nakadalo sa awards night ang singer para tanggapin ang kanyang award. Hindi naman siya nanghihina-yang dahil may valid reason naman kung bakit hindi siya nakadalo. Nagkasakit kasi siya.
   
Isa pang dahilan kung bakit masaya si Sitti ay dahil umabot na sa Gold Record status ang latest album niya titled  Sitti My Bossa Nova  mula sa War-ner Music Philippines.
   
“I am very overwhelmed, thankful and happy! I’d like to thank God talaga! Hindi ko talaga akalain na mag-gu-gold siya kaagad … naka-tutuwa talaga,” sabi pa niya.
   
Sitti returns to Captain’s Bar of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel on  Sept. 21,  9 p.m. in a show titled  Sitti … Changing Moods with special guests, Ricci Chan and Miguel and  Evelyn of Aquarella.
   
The show  is sponsored by PAGCOR and Casino Filipino, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Music Museum, 105.1 FM Crossover, Magic 89.9, The Philippine Star, O.C. Music Store Bandila, Fornarina, Myrna’s Bulalo Haws, Puey Quiñones, Ping Ping Native Lechon, Edgar Soriano of Salon Belmonte, and Met Tathione. Tickets  are available at the TicketWorld (891-9999); Music Museum (721-6726, 721-0635); and at Stone House (414-2798/724-7595).

People's Taliba

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-09-20&sec=3&aid=32050

TAKE FIVE
Sitti on record: I’m not yet a mom


By Marinel Cruz
Inquirer
Last updated 10:41pm (Mla time) 09/20/2007 

MANILA, Philippines—Bossa nova singer Sitti was feeling much better when she sat down with Inquirer Entertainment for this interview. In fact, she was deep in rehearsals for her show at the Captain’s Bar of the Mandarin Hotel (tonight at 9, with Ricci Chan and Aquarella as guest performers).

Sitti had to cancel her Sept. 7 gig at the same venue due to pneumonia and laryngitis brought about by fatigue and lack of sleep.

“My doctor advised me not to talk for several days,” Sitti said. But now she’s good and ready.

Apart from provincial shows and a regular stint at the Stonehouse Café in Quezon City, Sitti is seen on the soap series “Ysabella” and the Sunday variety show “ASAP ’07” on ABS-CBN.

She recently released her third album, “Sitti: My Bossa Nova” (Warner).

How do you take care of your voice?

I take honey. I don’t talk, if I can help it.

What’s your most memorable gig so far?

The one at the Waterfront Hotel in Cebu during the Sinulog festival this year. It was a jam-packed, back-to-back show with Nyoy Volante. When the band was introduced, the power went out. Our drummer started his solo. The crowd turned on their cell phone lights. It was so cool.

I also like performing in Baguio City where the audience appreciates bossa nova and jazz.

What’s the worst place you’ve performed in?

An entertainment center on Roxas Boulevard. I performed to a drunken crowd, who didn’t know my music. They kept shouting mean words. When things like that happen, I just continue singing.

Have you ever sung at a funeral?

I’ve sung in churches because my mom is a catechist, but not at funerals, although I did sing at the wake of my uncle. I don’t consider that a gig, though.

Are you in a relationship right now?

I’m dating. A lot of guys express admiration but no one is seriously courting me. I’ve had previous relationships, and I guess I’m ready for a new one. Mahirap din ang puro trabaho. At the end of the day, you’d want someone to share your experiences with.

Describe your ideal guy.

He should not be in show biz. I prefer a clean-looking guy to a guy with a bad-boy image.

What’s the worst thing ever said about you?

I was shocked when I heard of the rumor that I already had a child. That’s not true at all. I panicked when I was told that “The Buzz” was coming out with a story on that. I was so relieved when the program aired my denial.

http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/entertainment/entertainment/view_article.php?article_id=89792

Still on top of her game
SOUNDS FAMILIAR By Baby A. Gil
Friday, September 21, 2007

There may now be more bossa nova CDs in the stores than the market can handle but that does not mean that the sexy Sitti is having a hard time keeping her place in the race. There is still no need for her to grapple with the continually increasing line-up of competitors for the top slot or to even be wary of the competition. The girl who lit up the current craze for this light samba music remains the top contender and probably also the biggest seller.

Latest proof of this is that she was recently honored with a Gold Record award for the album My Bossa Nova which has only been out in the market for a few weeks. This is Sitti's fourth CD release and her second studio album. The first one was the phenomenal Café Bossa which introduced her relaxing take on standards like Girl from Ipanema and Fly Me to the Moon. The Latin beat coupled with her sweet singing voice and the familiar songs resulted in a big hit. Sitti Live with pretty much the same repertoire came next and then this was followed by Sitti in the Mix with again the same songs but remixed by Dense Modesto. And now we have My Bossa Nova.

I am not surprised that the CD is a hit as Warner Music once more trotted out the tested formula. The only difference here is that instead of Latin tunes or standards, the songs included are more of the pop variety like Baby I Love Your Way by Peter Frampton, I Need to be in Love by The Carpenters or Hinahanap-hanap Kita by Rivermaya. I was sorry to find out that the simmering sensuality that made Sitti Live such a joy is not found in the album. But I was also happy to learn that Sitti's singing has once more improved. The girl started out as just adequate in Café Bossa, showed flash as a performer in Sitti Live and is now a competent stylist.

It might be nice to hear her experiment with other sounds in the future and truly stretch her capabilities. But not just yet. She is doing so well with her bossa and My Bossa Nova makes for an enjoyable listen. So we might as well go off and join her fun.

The other cuts in My Bossa Nova are Cross My Heart, Time and Tide, With or Without You, My Ever Changing Moods, 2 Become One, Kung Di Rin Lang Ikaw, Take a Bow, I Won't Stand in Your Way, Smooth Operator, Tayo'y Mag-samba, If You Leave Me Now, I'll Never Fall in Love Again, Ikaw Lamang, A Song for Penny Brown which Sitti composed, and The Look of Love.

Shows to watch out for

Meanwhile you might want to check out these shows in what promises to be a great weekend for music lovers. If you want to catch Sitti singing her bossa music live, she returns to the Captain's Bar of the Mandarin Oriental Manila tonight, Sept. 21, and on Oct. 6 at 9 p.m. The show is titled Sitti... Changing Moods and she has for special guests Ricci Chan and Miguel and Evelyn Juteau of the bossa nova group Aquarela.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Entertainment&p=49&type=2&sec=31&aid=20070920149

Bossa nova singer Sitti Navarro wants her man to be a non-showbiz, low- profile person.

Noel Orsal

Sitti Navarro's love affair with "Penny Brown"

Michael Ancheta

Wednesday, August 15, 2007
04:07 PM

Is bossa nova sensation Sitti Navarro in love with a foreigner?

"Cookie po ‘yun," she laughs heartily when Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP) asked her about the song she wrote, "A Song for Penny Brown," which is included in her new album Sitti: My Bossa Nova, under Warner Music Philippines.

"I was actually in Boracay when I wrote that song," said Sitti as she regained her wits. "'Yun nga hindi ko akalain na makakasulat ako ng kanta. Nagkataon lang na may isang melody na pumipitik sa utak and nasabayan ko naman ng lyrics."

So, "Who is Penny Brown?" we asked again.

‘Actually cookie s'ya," she laughs again. "Favorite ko ‘yan kaya ‘yan na lang ang naisip ko na i-title kasi wala akong maisip na mai-title," added Sitti with her distinct sweet smile.

For someone who sings songs in a genre considered romantic and undeniably passionate, having a cookie brand name for an inspiration instead of an actual person sounds a bit funny.

"Love life? Wala e," she confessed softly. "Dating-dating lang."

Sitti said that she remains unattached despite a throng of male fans who openly admitted not just liking her style of music but having a huge crush on her as well.

The rumor linking her to actor Victor Neri and with Ysabella co-star and fellow singer Aiza Seguerra is not true she replied instantly.

"Nanood si Victor ng gig sa Metrobar tapos nagustuhan niya siguro 'yung music kaya nakatingin lang siya ng ganun. Pero ‘yun lang."

How about with Aiza Seguerra?

"Sila pa din ni Chen. They're very much together," she said, referring to Aiza's steady long-time girlfriend.

Both Aiza and Sitti are part of ABS-CBN's teleserye Ysabella, and the reason Sitti thinks they're being matched is because most of the scenes require them to be together as they portray band mates.

"Si Aiza talaga ‘yung lagi kong nakakasama sa taping kasi halos lahat ng sequences kami ang magkasama kasi yung role ko parang close friend n'ya ako."

Sitti would rather go for someone who is outside showbiz circles. She's more attracted to low profile guys or as those who are, "boys next door" type. "Low profile. Hindi showbiz. Ayoko ng showbiz (guy) parang ang gulo-gulo kasi."

She now enjoys acting, most especially hosting, and hopes to pursue it further given the right opportunity. Sitti and Asia Agcaoili used to host the Pinoy Big Brother segment on Studio 23.

Sitti fondly describes her stint as PBB host: "Enjoy kasi ‘yung magiging family mo yung crew, 'tsaka 'yung mga katrabaho mo. Si Asia, close na kami. In a way, hindi siya parang seryosong hosting. We're just having fun."

http://www.pep.ph/news/14433/Sitti-Navarro's-love-affair-with-Penny-Brown

October 11, 2007 03:37 PM Thursday

By: Lito Mañago

HOT SOURCES

* * *
FRESH from her successful concerts at Manila Mandarin Hotel and at Pines City Hotel in Makati and Baguio City, respectively, nakatakda namang tumulak nga-yong araw (October 11) patungong Zamboanga City ang Bossa Nova Queen na si Sitti for a special show titled  Sitti Live: A Concert Party at Garden Orchid Convention Center.

The Zamboanga show is also dubbed as Balikbayan Night.

Excited na rin si Sitti sa pagpunta niya sa Zamboanga, tinaguriang The Flower City, dahil this is her first time makapag-perform sa kanila. Although, she has been to Zamboanga nang mag-shoot siya ng  Balikbayan Box  with Drew Arellano para sa QTV 11.

“The place has a special spot in my heart,” says Sitti as she has a Maranao descent.

“I was born here in Manila. But when I was 12 or 13 years old, I went there and spent my vacation for about two months. After that, hindi na ako nakabalik sa Zamboanga. Ngayon na lang ulit. So excited na akong iparinig sa kanila ang tipo ng music na ine-enjoy ko at the moment.”

The Zamboanga concert is made possible by Hon. Celso Lobregat, Hon. Maria Isabelle Climaco, Hon. Enrico Basilio Fabian and the Department of Tourism (DOT) Zamboanga. Sitti’s special guest is a local band called Men of Blue Blood (MOBB).

People's Taliba

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-10-11&sec=3&aid=34587

Janet Basco has Sitti, Christian Bautista tonight at Captain’s Bar

http://www.mb.com.ph/ENTR20071012105524.html

October 26, 2007 02:47 PM Friday

By: Lito Mañago

HOT SOURCES

 * * *
AT the last minute, ki-nansela at ire-reschedule ng Bellehaus Productions ang sana’y nakaisekdyul na concert ng Bossa Nova Queen na si Sitti na  Sitti: One Night Only  sa Hard Rock Café  kahapon (October 25)  at 9 p.m.

Dahil ito sa bombing incident na nangyari sa Glorietta sa Makati City kamakailan lang. The producer doesn’t want to take the risk.

Buti na raw ‘yung nag-iingat lalo na’t fresh na fresh pa ang mga pangyayari at iniimbestigahan pa ito. Sa mga nakabili na ng tiket, tawag na lang kayo sa Bellehaus Productions at 724-2347 or text 0917-2724350 kung may mga katanungan kayo tungkol sa  Sitti: One Night Only  at Hard Rock Café.

In the meantime, hataw pa rin si Sitti sa kanyang mga shows here and in the provinces. Sa November 3, nakatakdang siyang mag-show sa Guiseppe Restaurant sa Lucena City.

Nasa Tacloban City naman ang bossa nova artist sa November 9. Lipad naman siya to Iloilo City the following day. At sa December 1, nasa Cinema 10 ng Sta. Lucia Mall Grand East Mall si Sitti kasama sina Ricci Chan at Brigada.

People's Taliba

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-10-26&sec=3&aid=36438

 MovieGoer
Nestor Cuartero

* * *

‘Aiza is happily settled with someone. There’s absolutely no truth to the rumor that we are an item,’ the singer said. Sitti fell short of saying she doesn’t go for relationships of a different nature.

Sitti’s cool singing voice has met its match in cart-brands Fruitas, Buko ni Fruitas, and The Mango Farm. The 3-in-1 company under the Lush Group recently signed up Sitti as its product endorser, the singer’s very first try at product modelling. Sitti also made a credible endorser. She herself has gotten a franchise of Fruitas, opening a kiosk at Shopwise-Alabang.

The Lush Group’s Wilfred Tiu says they chose Sitti because her soothing voice can be compared to their products, refreshing and relaxing. The Lush group is known for its fruit blends and shakes, all made from fresh fruits which customers can actually choose as they order.

During a media lunch last Wednesday, Sitti said she’s preparing for a back to back concert series with Kitchie Nadal in Guam in November. She has just returned from a show in Australia, her first time to perform abroad.

The affair also served to remind guests that Sitti has released her second album, Sitti My Bossa Nova, which bears 18 tracks of soothing melodies such as ‘Smooth Operator,’ ‘Two Become One,’ ‘Tayo’y Magsamba, etc.’

http://www.tempo.com.ph/news.php?aid=34519

October 27, 2007 06:08 PM Saturday

By: Nitz Miralles

BASTA 

* * *
FIRST endorsement ni Sitti ang Fruitas at tuwang-tuwa ito sa tarpaulin with her big and different pictures na umiinom ng different blend ng fruit juice.
Favorite niya ang apple-mango shake at melon shake.

Sa halip na talent fee, outlet ng Fruitas ang hiningi nitong bayad sa Alabang Shopwise para mas malapit sa bahay nila sa Las Piñas.

Two years ang pinirmahan niyang contract sa Lush Group at ganu’n katagal siyang iinom ng juice.

Mapu-promote ni Sitti ang Fruitas sa repeat ng Changing Moods concert niya sa Captain’s Bar sa November 30, sa special show niya with the Las Piñas Bamboo Organ Choir sa December 4 at sa mall tour niya to promote My Bossa Nova, her latest album.

Open na rin si Sitti sa pag-aming may non-showbiz boyfriend siya na laging present sa kanyang mga show. Hopefully, matitigil na ang tsismis sa kanila ni Aiza Seguerra, na nagsimula nang magkasama sila sa Ysabella.

Ano pala ang dating sa kanya sa sinabi ni Aiza na hindi siya type nito at hindi siya liligawan?

“Hindi ako na-offend dahil alam kong mga tisay ang type niya at ako hindi tisay. Tisay ang girlfriend niyang si Chen, kaya okey lang ’yun. Kung tisay ako, malabo pa ring maging kami.”

People's Tonight

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-10-27&sec=3&aid=36613

Aiza parating binabantayan ng dyowa
SANGA-SANGANDILA Ni Veronica R. Samio
Saturday, October 27, 2007

Nagtataka si Sitti kung bakit nali-link sila ni Aiza Seguerra eh merong girlfriend si Aiza na palaging nasa set ng Ysabella na kung saan ay pareho silang (ni Sitti) nasa cast.

Sinabi rin ng Bossa Nova Diva na never silang lumabas ni Aiza pero kung may time at kung break ng taping nila ay kundi sila nagkukwentuhan ay nagdya-jamming sila. Bukod dito taken na rin si Sitti. Meron itong non-showbiz boyfriend at mag-iisang taon na silang nagdi-date.

 Itinanggi rin nito yung tsismis na niligawan siya ni Victor Neri. Totoo, nanood ito sa isa niyang con­cert pero ang kasama nito ang fan ni Sitti.

 Samantala, bukod sa pagiging franchisee ng Fruitas, isang beverage cart business na matatagpuan sa Shopwise Alabang , endorser din si Sitti ng cart brands ng Lush Group, gumagawa ng mga healthy natural drinks under the brand names of Fruitas, Buco ni Fruitas at The Mango Farm.

 Parang ginawa para sa Fruitas ang 2nd album ni Sitti na Sitti My Bossa Nova. Ang ilan sa 18 kanta dito ay para inuming ginagawa ng Fruitas, tulad ng  Smooth Operator na nagpapaalala ng Summer Smoothie, isang blend ng apple, mango, banana at melon, ang Two Become One ay parang apple at mango at ang Tayo'y Mag Samba ay parang buko drink.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Showbiz&p=50&type=2&sec=58&aid=20071026137

Dondon Sermino

***

Aware rin si Sitti na hindi habang-panahon ay Boss Nova siya. Kaya ngayon pa lang, gumagawa na siya ng paraan para makahanap ng magandang pagkakakitaan.

Eh, nagkataon naman na kinuha si Sitti bilang endorser ng Lush Group, ang gumagawa ng healthy at natural drinks na tulad ng Fruitas, Buko ni Fruitas at The Mango Farm.

Sabi ni Mr. Wilfred Tiu, ngayon lang sila kumuha ng endorser na artista-singer. At hindi raw sila nagkamali kay Sitti, dahil alam nilang healthy ang lifestyle ng dalaga.

Masaya si Sitti na nagkaroon siya ng franchise ng Frutias.

"I’d like to believe that I’d rather put my hard-earned savings to an investment which is already tested and has standard and established procedures to follow," sabi ni Sitti.

Ang Fruitas ni Sitti ay matatagpuan sa Shopwise-Alabang.

http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/oct2807/main.htm

October 30, 2007 05:27 PM Tuesday

Sitti: It’s good to have a steady income

Sitti is adjusting to the mixed fortunes of hard-earned fame — as a singer, host, actress, and now, entrepreneur.
    
Yes, she deals with and juggles her multi-roles quite well — always chilly relaxed and perfectly blended.
   
Two years since her debut album Cafe Bossa was released by Warner Music Philippines, Sitti is delighted and optimistic as she takes on a fresh start of engaging into other promising careers aside from singing — endorsing and entrepreneurship.
   
“Life in the industry is very volatile. Nothing is sure or permanent. I know it has been said over and over again, but I guess that is the reality. You can’t be here forever,” she said, referring to the unstable world of show business.
   
“It’s good to have a steady income for the family. So, you have to explore all possibilities of maximizing what you can do at the perfect timing. I guess starting  a business at this age is just taking advantage of what could be the demand at present,” added Sitti, who apparently is applying what she learned from college as a Business Economics major from University of the Philippines.
   
Just like singing for an audience when she began performing at age 16, getting into franchising at age 22 gives her first-time jitters, but she feels so positive about the new endeavor.
   
“I am actually overwhelmed than apprehensive,” shared Sitti, when asked about her feelings about franchising Fruitas, a beverage cart business that is gaining popularity amongst starting entrepreneurs and health-conscious consumers.
   
“I know I have to learn a lot of things about handling this kind of business but I’m confident that having my mom beside me, and getting a solid support-system from franchisor Lester Yu would make managing our Shopwise-Alabang branch easier,” said Sitti, who strongly thinks that franchising is the answer for young entrepreneurs who can not come up with any new and exciting product.
   
She added, “It also helps that you believe in what you sell. I love Fruitas! In fact, my favorite is the Apple-Mango Shake and the Melon Shake.”
   
Being a fruit person makes it effortless for her to be the endorser of all the cart-brands of Lush Group, maker of natural drinks under the brand names Fruitas, Buko ni Fruitas and The Mango Farm.
   
“This is the first time that we are getting an endorser,” said Wilfred Tiu. “We chose Sitti not only because of her soothing voice that, like our products, refreshes and relaxes, but also because we believe that her healthy lifestyle and positive outlook in life would capture the wholesome image that we want our brands to be associated with.”
   
Lush Group of Companies has 300 stores strategically located nationwide.

People's Tonight

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-10-30&sec=3&aid=36914

"Naaawa ako sa alaga niyang si Sitti. Sa na-experience ko sa manager niya, ang hirap makipag-deal dahil nanganganak ang gastos sa kanya. Bigla ka na lang magugulat na may additional expenses na siyang hihingin sa ‘yo after the show," says bar owner Gina dela Rama about Sitti's (in photo) manager.

Noel Orsal

Bar owner explains cancellation of Sitti's show

Pilar Mateo

Monday, September 3, 2007
08:15 AM

Nakausap ng PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) ang bar owner at show producer na si Gina dela Rama, may-ari ng 7th Note Bar sa Malugay St., Makati City. Ibinigay ni Ms. Dela Rama ang kanyang panig tungkol sa isyu sa pagitan nila ng manager ng bossa nova singer na si Sitti, si Garrie Trinidad.

Ayon sa lumabas na balita, hindi itinuloy ni Garrie ang napagkasunduan nilang show ni Sitti sa nasabing bar noong August 30. Hindi diumano binayaran ni Ms. Dela Rama ang napagkasunduan nilang downpayment para sa second show ni Sitti.

Lahad ni Ms. Dela Rama, "May kontrata kami for two shows, August 16 and August 30. As stipulated sa contract, magbibigay ka ng down before the show at ang full payment before the actual show. Nangyari naman ‘yon. Nagbigay ako ng down na P60,000 at nabayaran ko naman yung para sa first show.

"Kaso ang nangyari, hindi pa dumadating yung susunod na show, hinihingi na niya [Garrie] yung full payment for August 30. Kaya sabi ko naman sa kanya, mare-ready ang check and he can pick it up na sa office namin. Ayaw pa niya. Gusto niya cash na raw. Ilang days pa naman bago ang show, gusto niya bayad na sila.

"Nagagalit ako kasi mali naman ang mga sinabi niya na hindi namin sila binayaran. Alam niya ‘yan na kung tutuusin, sila pa ang may utang sa aking P30,000 dahil nabayaran ko na sila ng downpayment for the next show.

Patuloy niya, "Hindi naman ito ang first time na nag-show sila sa 7th Note. Yung una pa nga, hiniling pa niya sa akin ‘yon na siya ang kumbaga magpo-produce ng show nila. So, ibinigay ko naman ang venue ko thinking na kikita naman ang bar ko sa mga food and drinks. Pero that time, P7,000 lang ang pumasok sa kaha ng bar dahil ang mga binentahan nilang mga tickets, e, nanood lang at hindi naman um-order ng mga pagkain.

"Before that pa, ipinasagot pa niya sa akin ang pagkain ng buong staff niya. Sa akin, walang problema ang magpakain ka. Kaya lang, it was his show. Sa mga nire-request niya, pinagbibigyan ko naman siya. Like, kailangan daw ng dressing room ni Sitti, so dun sa katabi naming spa, nagbabayad ako kada gamit niya ng wash room. Ang sa akin lang, sana hindi na siya nagsasabi ng mga bagay na hindi naman totoo."

Hindi ba masyadong maliit na halaga ang P30,000 para kay Ms. Dela Rama at pinagtatalunan pa nila ito ng manager ni Sitti?

"Hindi maliit na halaga ‘yon," pagtanggi ni Ms. Dela Rama. "Kulang pa nga yung pambili ng Louis Vuitton bags ko! Pero ang sa akin, huwag niya [Garrie] palabasin na kami pa ang nanloko o nang-isa sa kanila.

"Naaawa ako sa alaga niyang si Sitti. Sa na-experience ko sa manager niya, ang hirap makipag-deal dahil nanganganak ang gastos sa kanya. Bigla ka na lang magugulat na may additional expenses na siyang hihingin sa ‘yo after the show. Bayaran mo yung drum set. Babayaran mo pati secretary niya na nag-handle sa pagtitinda ng tickets. I mean, ano ‘yon? May kontrata na tayo kung ano ang babayaran sa pinag-uusapan, bakit may mga iba pa palang gastos?" paliwanag pa ng bar owner.

At press time ay sinusubukan ng PEP na kunin ang panig ng manager ni Sitti na si Garrie upang sagutin ang pahayag ni Ms. Dela Rama.

http://www.pep.ph/news/14622/Bar-owner-explains-cancellation-of-Sitti's-show

Sitti is also now actress, endorser and entrepreneur

Bossa nova singer Sitti is really going places, literally and figuratively. From singing (her existence we came to know when she was singing regularly at StoneHouse along E. Rodriguez Ave.), she’s also now an actress with a part (as singer-friend of Aiza Seguerra) in the toprated Judy Ann Santos teleserye "Ysabella," endorser and entrepreneur.

All these after only two years since the release of her debut album "Cafe Bossa" by Warner Music Phils.

Just recently, Sitti was tapped by Lush Group of Companies to be the celebrity endorser of Fruitas, a beverage cart business that is gaining popularity amongst starting entrepreneurs and health-conscious consumers who would prefer their drinks 100% pure and fresh.

According to Lush Group’s Wilfred Tiu. "This is the first time that we are getting an endorser. We chose Sitti not only because of her soothing voice that, like our products, refreshes and relaxes, but also because we believe that her healthy lifestyle and positive outlook in life would capture the wholesome image that we want our brands (Fruitas, Buko ni Fruitas and The Mango Farm) to be associated with. Plus the fact that Sitti genuinely loves and patronizes all our drinks!"

Sitti is also now a franchisee of Fruitas (her cart in Alabang Shopwise is one of more than 400 Fruitas all over the country) and is now putting to good use her degree in Business Management (major in Economics) from UP.

She explains her becoming a businesswoman thus: "Life in the (entertainment) industry is very volatile. Nothing is sure, or permanent. I know it has been said over and over again, but I guess that is the reality. You can’t be here forever."

Sitti adds: "It’s good to have a steady income for the family. So, you have to explore all possibilities of maximizing what you can do at the perfect timing. I guess, starting in a business at this age is just taking advantage of what could be the demand at present.

Just like singing for an audience when she began performing at age 16, getting into the franchising business at age 22, gives Sitti her first-time jitters, but she feels so positive about her new endeavor.

"I am actually overwhelmed than apprehensive," Sitti shares. "I know I have to learn lot of things about handling this kind of business but I’m confident that having my mom beside me, and getting a solid support-system from franchiser Lester Yu would make managing our Shopwise-Alabang branch easier. Sitti believes that franchising is the answer for young entrepreneurs who cannot come up with any new and exciting product.

"I’d like to believe that I’d rather put my hard-earned savings to an investment which is already tested and has standard and established procedures to follow." She adds: "It also helped that you believe in what you sell. I love Fruitas! In fact, my favorite is the Apple-Mango Shake and the Melon Shake. Having these blends perk me up!"

Famous for her soothing voice, Sitti is indeed the perfect endorser for the soothing and refreshing Fruitas blends.

By the way, Sitti recently launched her second album entitled "Sitti My Bossa Nova," which contains 18 tracks of soothing melodies which, interesting to note, would remind you of a few cups of chills served in Fruitas.

According to Sitti, "the song ‘Smooth Operator’ reminds me of Fruitas Summer Smoothie,’ a blend of apple, mango, banana and melon, while ‘Two Become One’ reminds me of my favorite The Mango Farm combo of apple and mango. The island beat of ‘Tayo’y Mag Samba, on the other hand, brings Buko to mind the classic tropical Buco Drink from Buko ni Fruitas."

Sitti will go to Guam for performances at the Sheraton Agana Hotel with Kitchie Nadal on Nov. 15-16. On Nov. 30, she will have a repeat of her show with Aquarella and Ritchie Tan at the Captain’s Bar of Mandarin Oriental Manila.

http://www.mb.com.ph/ENTR20071106107884.html