Pinoy Pop Superstar (PPS) grand winner Maricris Garcia proved to be a different breed from her contemporaries. In an industry where higher octaves are the name of the game, she demonstrates that there is no need to belt her lungs out to show her vocal prowess. Even if she sings in a relatively normal pitch, you would understand why she bagged the PPS Season Three title.

Her GMA Records debut album "Mahal Kita," consists of 12 unforgettable ballads, three of which are remakes, which are sure to melt the hearts of listeners. Carrier single "Bakit Ikaw Pa Rin" penned by Larry Hermoso is a remake of the 90s song by artist Noah. Maricris’ rendition of this soulful R&B ditty is effortlessly good, thanks to her crooning, solid voice, standing out in the simple piano-based production. Clearly, Maricris has marked her territory in the industry.

The second remake on her album is the radio hit, "Thank You." One could almost feel her smiling at the beginning of the song as she sings "Thank you for teaching me how to love, showing me what the world means, what I’ve been dreamin’ of. And now I know, there is nothing that I could not do, Thanks to you."

The album then kicks off with the Danny Tan-produced and arranged title track "Mahal Kita" which is the theme song of the popular GMA teleserye "Marimar." Another effortless piano-based instrumentation allowed Maricris to sing the words with genuine honesty, feeling the meaning of every word (Mahal kita, walang hanggan. Iibigin ka, ikaw lamang).

Maricris is startlingly convincing as she sings "With You" (I could take what the world has to give if I’m with you, I could face each day with a heart that doesn’t know how to stop). The impressively arranged track is a memorable love song that is bound to catch the ears of the 18-year-old crowd and tug the hearts of the older crowd.

Maricris’ simple yet heartfelt vocals provide the much-needed emotions in the numerous love songs in the album. Songs such as "Since Then," "Ikaw Lang Ang Iibigin," "Nang Dahil Sa’yo," and "Kung Sana Bukas," testifies that Maricris is not only gifted with an amazing voice but also a superbly convincing performer no matter what musical backdrop you put her.

Not to be left out, her young vibe is also seen through a couple of upbeat songs that are sure to hit the airwaves soon. The Agatha Obar-written "Umiibig Na Ba" is a charming song backed by an acoustic guitar and a couple of fingers snapping in the background at the beginning, that is. The song progressed into a poppy instrumentation perfect for anybody’s lazy days. Her exquisite vocal adaptability was proven in this song. In fact, it sounds so good, it’s ready to be a movie theme song.

"I Love You Still" and "Kung Sana Bukas" are powerful ballads that feature her superior vocal ability. Here, she sings with the same passion but only better. Her polished vocals and undeniably good range make these songs two of her best.

The album, filled with tons of vocal ingenuity, will further surprise listeners with "Kaligayahan Natin", a duet with PPS alumni Brenan Espartinez. Penned by Emerzon Texon, the song breaks all stereotypes on what a great duet is. The song is backed by a rather modern and upbeat production that listeners will find their heads bobbing to the infectious beat. The song is one of the highlights of the album with the real and raw talents that are Maricris and Brenan giving justice to the great arrangement.

Ending the album is an Ogie Alcasid -written song, "Huwag Mong Iwan Ang Puso." With Ogie’s distinct songwriting style of sentimental and dramatic lyrics, Maricris pulls it off with command and passion.

"Mahal Kita" is a 12-track album that is all too real and honest. Maricris may only be at the start of her musical journey, but with her first album sounding this good, who’s to say it’s ever going to end?

"Mahal Kita" is released by GMA Records and distributed by Universal Records nationwide. Catch Maricris live in her nationwide mall shows: July 20 in SM City Marilao, Aug. 3 in SM City Clark, Aug. 10 in SM City Dasmariñas, Aug. 17 in SM City Bacoor, Aug. 24 in SM City Fairview and Aug. 31 in SM Sta. Rosa.