Marion Aunor is having her first ever birthday concert “Take a Chance” on April 10, her 23rd birthday at Teatrino in Greenhills at 8:00 pm with guests Michael Pangilinan, Edgar Allan Guzman, Vin Abrenica, Edward Benosa, and younger sister, Ashley Aunor.
She might also launch her second album (still untitled). The 11-track album that comes with the bonus cut “Pumapag-ibig” (Jungee Marcelo’s Himig Handog 2014 entry which Marion interpreted with two other artists). Marion Aunor is singing her own compositions in the album, apart from those composed for her by Jonathan Manalo and Joven Tan (the composer behind Aiza Seguerra’s award-winning song “Anong Nangyari sa Ating Dalawa” and Michael Pangilinan’s “Pare, Mahal Mo Daw Ako”.
Her Canada-shot music video of “Take a Chance” currently occupies the 14th place at MYX Music Channel.
Marion bears the mark of a true Aunor, that distinct musicality with which her entire clan has been blessed undeniably shining through her craft as singer-songwriter. This generation paves the way for Marion Aunor to continue the musical legacy firmly established by her Superstar predecessor Nora Aunor with pride and great delight.
The Star Records artist says that while “it is an honor to be related to La Aunor, an icon in this country,” she is elated to have been given the chance to share her music and prove her own worth.
Marion feels that while privileged to have celebrity roots (she is the daughter of 70s’ actress/producer Lala Aunor and cousin of Nora Aunor), this does not give her an edge over other aspiring stars in the entertainment industry.
“Hindi ko po na fi-feel na ganoon (that clout got her into showbiz and pushed her career). Nagstart ako as singer-songwriter sa 2013 Himig Handog at anonymous naman ang pag-submit ko ng entry noon so they really didn’t know kung Aunor ba ako. Natutuwa ako at proud na nakapasok ang song ko, so that must mean tama ang direction na pinupuntahan ko,” Marion points out.
“It’s really, really super help na yun lang ang basis why I am here, I would have been made by now. But right now, like anyone else, I’m still feeling the struggle of having to prove myself in every performance and every song na binibigay ko sa iba (yes she writes songs for other artists).”
Right after college (Communication Technology Management at the Ateneo University), Himig Handog P-Pop Love Songs 2013 jumpstarted her career as a songwriter. Her entry “If Ever You Change Your Mind” won third place in the songwriting competition. She made it to the 2013 Philpop musicfest Top 12 with her entry “Do Do Do” but dropped out of competition abiding by her talent management’s decision. Star Records earmarked the song for her self-titled debut album which came out in July that same year and became the theme of Kapamilya actress Kathryn Bernardo’s 18th birthday celebration.
Incidentally, she wrote “You Don’t Know Me,” carrier single off Kathryn’s debut album, and “Goodbye Kiss” for Alex Gonzaga’s newly released album.
“For my second album, Star Records wanted me to show the umph that was absent in my first album,” Marion shares. Even now, she carries a new hairstyle to conform to the more mature image she is projecting in her forthcoming outing.
Marion will be very visible these days promoting her new album, and of course, “Take a Chance,” her first solo concert cum birthday celebration. She takes center stage in a show at SM Baliuag, on March 29 at SM Muntinlupa, on April 11 at SM Las Pinas, and April 25 in a hotel in Baguio.
Listen to that distinct Aunor sound in Marion which has captivated those who have heard her sing. It’s relaxed, natural singing inherent to La Aunor. “I told my mom, ‘I wish my voice can be much higher. Di ba uso dito sa Philippines ang bumibirit?’ Sinabi n;ya, ‘Sa family natin, di tayo mga biritera. Even si Tita Nora hindi bumibirit.’ Parang may distinct quality lang daw ang singing style namin. After she told me that I felt better and natutuwa akong so far ina-accept ng audience ang singing style na ito kahit hindi birit,” says Marion.
“My singing style is very laid back. Sabi nga ni Sir Jungee (Marcelo) when he picked me for ‘Pumapag-ibig,’ ang voice ko raw parang tamad-tamaran lang pero it works. Oh yeah, less effort… people tell me its distinct so I guess it’s good to be different than the rest.”
Despite her many accomplishments to date, Marian is not limiting her artistry to just singing and writing songs. “I want a total package. I’d like to try different things, hosting, acting, etc. I grab every opportunity that comes my way… the Star Magic acting workshop, PBB (Pinoy Big Brother), among other. I’m not putting my eggs in one basket. I take one step at a time and see where it takes me.”