the Corrs magic

MYX VJ Kaz castillo didn't mind trading fun for work -- anything to meet the most famous family act today.

    It took me a few minutes to dump my original plans for a relaxing beachside weekend, which I had just succeeded in asking MYX after hassling my producer for a Saturday reassignment. But alas, I had to scratch out al expectations of catching the sun's rays, splashing around the surf and getting my fill of fresh seafood. Yes, I know, a strange takeoff: work instead of play. But wouldn't you do the same for the chance to interview the Corrs?

    Admittedly, I don't consider myself a hard-core fan of the family Corrs. But before all the die-hards crucify me for my good fortune, I shall tell you this: without ever having seen any lyrics, I can sing the Corrs' catalogue of hits. That's their magic and power. So it comes as no surprise that the Corrs have made waves in the industry since their debut album in 1995.

    Two albums later, selling and performing to millions, topping the charts in 18 countries and with many a multiple-platinum album under their belt (it's a very big belt), they are still going strong. Their fame breaks down my calm along with the realization that I nay have managed to be on time, but at the wrong hotel. Fighting off panic, I make my way to Discovery Suites to meet with the Corrs who are on the Philippine leg of their Australian/Asian tour.

    The wait at the hotel restaurant, the ride up the elevator, the walk past the four hulking bodyguards, and finally the door behind which Sharon, Andrea, Caroline, and Jim were sitting -- it was all a slow but steady journey. I wondered would they be larger than life or just ordinary folk?

    Then there they were. A family blessed with good-looking genes. What folks might think of merely  as a glossy veneer favored by lights and cameras turned out not to be so; that's the way they really are. Despite the fame, they don't have any airs, are rather friendly and candid. Sharon, the band's violinist, sat barefoot on the couch, with her legs tucked under her green tie-dyed sarong skirt. Her toes casually poking out of the folds seemed to ease my pre-interview anxieties.

    I sit back ready for an aural treat. To me the Irish accent is like honey. Curious about their reactions to the concert in the Araneta Coliseum the night before, I ask about impressions. Youngest sibling, lead vocalist, and the group's unwitting femme fatale with voluptuous pucker, Andrea shared, "It was incredible. Really great!"

    At the concert there were some surprises. The audience had demonstrated their fanaticism by singing along. The eldest and only guy, Jim, expressed his astonishment. "It was wonderful for us. Wonderful reception. Also, very surprising how musical the Filipino is. They were singing in perfect pitch." Quite a compliment from the keyboardist/guitarist/sometime producer whose new goatee suggests he means business. while his blue shades and funky velvet shirt reveal that he's just as fashionable as his sisters.

    Also, in a move that may replace the age old tradition of holding up lighters, the entire coliseum raised their lit mobile phones as the band performed "Runaway". Caroline, whose black sequined tank top and black slacks enhanced her long legs, explained their confusion. "I've never seen the cell phones. I didn't realize it for a while what it was. It was so colorful.. I thought it was amazing."

    With political instability rearing up after the September 11 tragedy, did they hesitate to continue their Asian tour? Sharon piped in, "[We're] Quite used to that. A lot of people shy away from northern Ireland because of the political situation there. We've learned how not to discriminate." Thank goodness they don't, when many international artists have turned hesitant to travel. Sharon, who despite a petite frame has the x-factor, explained how plans for their tour earlier this year were postponed due to Andrea's ear infection. Continuing the tour, according to the violinist, meant a lot to them. The demand the second time around even added a second Manila show. She gushed about how great it is to play to the Pinoy crowd. "Their sincerity makes me smile."

    The chemistry and synchronicity that the Corrs share was evident in the interview. Each took his/her turn without fumbling with the mike. I asked what it was like being family on top of being band members. Andrea, stylish in her simple red halter and black skirt, took the question with a grin. "It's bad at times," she said as her sisters giggled. "At other times it's good. I mean, it's something we had to work at because we shared a common dream. And individually, each of us wanted to do music. We have balance together. We share a bond."

    The ties of family, their individuality, and the modest love for music makes the Corrs a cut above the rest. And my final impression of the Corrs? My best foreign interview yet!