Pagdating Ng Panahon - Aiza

In 2001, Philippine female singer Aiza released Pagdating Ng Panahon (When the Time Comes). Aiza was a former child actress who became popular nationwide as a performer on the noontime TV variety show Eat Bulaga!. As she got older, however, she no longer appeared on the show and no longer attracted the same amount of attention. She may have a future as a singer, however, as she appears confident and poised on this album. In addition, she can actually sing, which is more than can be said for many solo artists in the Philippines. The material is comprised of tender love songs performed in an acoustic style. Five of the songs are Philippine composed while five are remakes of foreign hits. The five Philippine compositions have more substance than often heard in middle of the road music performed here. The six remakes of foreign hits include the Beatles' "In My Life," Jackie De Shannon's 1960s hit "Put a Little Love in Your Heart," and Bread's "If." American and European music is very popular in the Philippines, more popular than native music, and many Philippine albums contain remakes of foreign hits. Aiza sings with smooth assuredness and acquits herself well. Her version of "Put a Little Love in Your Heart" is impressive and features an imaginative and exciting gospel-styled arrangement. The title song, the folkish "Pagdating Ng Panahon," which is a love song, is one of the better Philippine compositions, while another Filipino composition, "I See You Lord," is a pleasant paean to God. Though the album shouldn't rely so much on remakes of foreign hits, Aiza handles all the material with confidence, and her interpretative ability is subtle and charismatic. ~ David Gonzales, All Music Guide