PNS — VIVA Records has a new recording artist and she’s hot: Martha Joy. Discovered in Canada and now managed by Pilita Corrales (who also brought Jaya home from the U.S.), Martha’s family name is Lim, the only child of a Pinay and a Portuguese dad. Born and raised in Toronto, she joined Canadian Idol in 2007 and was the youngest contestant to make it to the top ten when she was only 16.“I started taking voice lessons when I was 9, with classical training,” she says. “But I really love to do pop more. I can also play the piano. In 2004, Tita Pilita did a show in Canada and I sang with her. She wanted to take me to Manila even then but my mom said I have to finish high school first. So after graduating from high school, I came here and was introduced to Boss Vic del Rosario who then signed me to a 3-year management contract. My first project with them is recording my self-titled debut album.” This dusky beauty stands 5’7” She looks somewhat like Iza Calzado. “I’ve met her and she’s so nice. She said we should pretend na sisters kami.” People are also telling her to join the Bb. Pilipinas. “But I feel I still have to get myself into perfect shape before I join it. Did she leave a boyfriend in Canada? “No. I’ve never had one. I’ve been so focused on my studies.”

In November 2007, she had her first solo concert at the Toronto Centre for the Arts. “It’s my thanksgiving to all those who supported me when I joined Canadian Idol. Kahit di ako nanalo, it was a great experience for me.” How come she speaks fluent Tagalog? “I learned it from watching Tagalog movies and TV shows.” She has three Tagalog songs in her 15- tracked album: “Pagka’t Mahal Pa Rin Kita,” “Laging Ikaw,” and “Dumating Ka,” the carrier single. “She’s a fast learner,” says Viva’s Baby Gil. “Wala nga siyang Canadian accent at all. You give the song to her today. The next day, kabisado na niya.”

She wowed the press people who attended the launching of her album at Tangerine Restaurant in Greenhills. She has wonderful range and intonation, hitting high operatic notes with ease. All the songs in her album are original. The English tracks are “The Right Moment,” “Only My Heart,” “Broken,” “Holding on to a Dream,” “I Love the Sunshine,” “That’s How It Has to Be,” “All of a Sudden,” “This Special Night,” “Just Exactly Like We Planned,” “Maybe,” “Nothing More to Say,” and “Do You Think of Me.” The album is now available in all record stores nationwide.