Sisters act: Imelda Papin vs. Gloria Papin

I have a confession to make.

Between sisters Imelda and Gloria Papin, I have always been familiar with the singing voice of the former whether I am awake or my eyes shut or half-open I could tell it’s Imelda’s voice singing or talking.

Imelda’s vocal prowess is distinct, squeaky at times, and solid.

Because in the beginning of her singing career I was already navigating around her–when recording (revolutions per minute) rpm or long playing (LP) albums were still at its height in the 70s and 80s; performing in bars and concert halls in the provinces, one of them in Calauag, Quezon; guesting on radio and television; interviewing her for fanzines and tabloids etc.

The so-called Shoulder Bag Beauties of the late 70s (me and fellow movie scribes Roland Lerum, Obette Serrano and Lhar Santiago) were always at her beck and call.

Whereas Gloria whom I knew was also a singer but I would just read her on papers, one of them in the entertainment columns of veteran writer Crispina Martinez-Belen.

Incidentally, Gloria’s first screen name was Gloria Belen, primarily to distinguish her from Imelda and she’s married to a Belen, hence the surname.

While Imelda was starting to make a name in the local Tin Pan Alley, Glo had migrated to the US and has spent most of her time there.

I thought I could hear her sing once she’s back in the country.

As usual, I just saw her at the Shaw Boulevard office of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) of now Director Imelda Papin.

At first, I didn’t notice her when Mel introduced me swiftly to her elder sister and called her “Ate!”

Then I suddenly realized that the elegantly dressed woman was indeed Gloria Papin.

And voila!

She had indeed changed a lot in her sartorial taste compared to the images she exuded when she graced magazine covers like of Hiligaynon of yesteryears.

The memories of my UST Arts and Letters ‘75 batchmate Oscar Diaz Ocampo has lingered so I asked Glo about him.

Oscar has been with Gloria for the longest time in the US doing showbiz materials like film.

In Ocampo’s “Living Las Vegas,” Glo appeared.

She was amazed the world is too small for us so we started talking about Oscar but then again, I hadn’t heard her sing.

Until Imelda broke the news to me that her “Ate” would guest in her birthday show last February.

I eagerly awaited the concert at the Resorts World Manila.

There was supposed to be a trio among Glo. Mel and Aileen Grace Papin.

Sadly, Glo just had to sing some lines or the refrain.

My God! She could carry a tune.

But “bitin.”

Until “The Blessing Gloria Papin: A Night of Praise and Worship” at the Novadeci Convention Center in Novaliches recently.

It was a full concert and Imelda got to perform only one inspirational song, though.

Here’s the verdict:

Gloria is restrained (she embodied the solemn, quiet chanteuse); Imelda is dramatic (true to her Asia’s Sentimental Songstress moniker).

Gloria is soft and gentle while Imelda might be forceful yet emotional but she carries as well the finesse amid frenzy.

Gloria is ethereal and to a certain extent, mystical, Imelda is physical.

Gloria is homey, Imelda is theatrical.

The sisters are complete opposites on many facets.