IARA Sotto has started her bar tour for her album under BMG titled "The Way of Love." First stop was Zirkoh where her CD was sold at half the original price.

Her singing style will easily remind one of Helen Gamboa, her equally famous mom, known during her time as Queen of Pops. In a way, the album is more of a tribute to Helen since most of the songs featured are her favorites.

Surprisingly, they all happen to be Ciara's favorites, too.

"I really like old songs because they are so simple and yet very memorable ang mga lyrics," Ciara says. "Actually, the original title of the CD was 'Mom's Favorites'."

The12 love songs in the album are the following: "The Way of Love," "Aldila," "All I See Is You," "Ebb Tide," "Climb Every Mountain," " Moon River ," "Why Can't I Remember to Forget You," "All the Things You Are," "You Don't Own Me" and "Where is Tomorrow."

Ciara is taking up music at UST Conservatory of Music where she is in her sixth year.

"I want to be a diva in the mold of opera singer Cecilia Bertoli or the late Maria Callas. I have always been fascinated with the classical pieces. God willing, I want to make a name for myself in the world of opera as (Manny) Pacquiao did for boxing. When I finish my course, I would like to go to Europe where classical music is best appreciated. I will still sing for local consumption dahil ito ang gusto ng mga Pinoy," she enthuses.

It would be nice if she had recorded a duet with Helen. Maybe, in her future album. "Oh yes, that would be great. I might as well include my dad (Tito Sotto) who is also a singer," she suggests.

Loveless but not wanting in suitor, Ciara spend Valentine's Day most probably watching Sharon 's concert.

What is the real score between her and Paolo Ballesteros?

"We have a special connection and that's all there is to it," she ex-plains. "He is a very nice, warm and a sincere person. He is also the type who will defend his girl kung hinihingi ng pagkakataon."

How important are good looks? "Dapat siguro ay pleasingly well naman ang magiging boyfriend ko because I want to raise beautiful children."

Does her mother meddle with her lovelife?

"Not exactly interfere but she makes sure she is well-informed," she says. "Even if I don't tell her, she makes it a point to know. She has a good network."

What advice does she give Ciara?

"Be the best of whatever you can be."

How far would she go sexy in her manner of dressing?

"Plunging necklines are fine with me," she says. "The point is, I want to be admired should I go daring at hindi iyong pinagnanasaan, alam mo 'yon? An example is Pops Fernandez. She carries herself so well when wearing sexy gowns. She looks elegant and not conscious at all. Ganoon ang gusto kong mangyari sa akin."

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In all Wednesdays of February, l9-year-old Savannah joins Richard Merk & Friends to display her rich vocal abilities as she creates new life into standards at Merk's at the third level of Greenbelt 3 in Makati .

She attended Repertory Philippines and later on got the chance to record an entire album in South Africa . She was also in the cast of "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" of Trumpets.

She is partial to songs like "Summertime" and "Fever." She had performed at LA Mint Club which was one of the Rolling Stones favorite venues.

From time to time, she listens to Dave Matthews, Keb Mo , Janis Joplin, Tori Amos, Fiona Apple, Portishead and Nine Inch Nails.

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