SHARON'S NEW ALBUM A HIT IN HONG KONG
by Leah Salterio, Inquirer News Service, May 15, 2002

THE SUCCESS of Sharon Cuneta's newest CD, "All I Ever Want," under BMG Records, proves how extensive the megastar's fan base is.

The CD was released in Hong Kong last week and within a few days, it landed on the Top 23 of HMV music store's Top 30 sales charts, followed by the likes of Westlife ("World of Our Own") and Enrique Iglesias ("Escape").

Leading the list are the new albums of Sade ("Lovers Live"), Shakira ("Laundry Service") and Sheryl Crowe ("C'mon, C'mon").

Sharon cried after learning about the good news when she went to Hong Kong last Friday for a concert and album promo blitz.

"I can't believe it," Sharon told us through text. "I've been thanking God because He has been so good to me."

It has been Sharon's long-time dream to penetrate the international music market. With the success of her album in Hong Kong, she has conquered a part of Asia. The rest of the world is definitely not far behind.

Sharon also did a concert at the 12,000-seater Hong Kong Coliseum, which was filled to its capacity. The show was produced by Forex.

In the audience were Sharon's hubby, Sen. Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan, her daughter KC, Raymart Santiago, Agot Isidro and husband Manu Sandejas.

Musical director was Mel Villena. Sharon's guest was comedian John Lapuz.

We were told it was the first time in the history of Hong Kong Coliseum that the area behind the stage was also filled. Sharon's stage had no backdrop to accommodate more fans who wanted to watch the show.

BMG Records artist and repertoire manager Vic Valenciano who was with the megastar in the Hong Kong trip, said Sharon's album has now reached the gold record mark in Hong Kong, with 10,000 copies sold. And the album continues to sell.

"All I Ever Want" contains the cut "In Your Eyes," Sharon's duet with Hong Kong music superstar Andy Lau. The song was penned by noted pianist-composer Jim Brickman, another BMG Records artist who recently did a two-night concert in Manila with Sharon.