THEY say that the first time is always memorable. For singer-actor Ariel Rivera, his musical firsts have been priceless.

When we talked to him, he agreed to our suggestion that we play the "Remember the first time" game instead of doing the usual interview. And so, to remember:

First recorded song? "Sana Kahit Minsan."

"It was fun doing that. I was still an amateur, but as they say, there's always a first time. The song became a hit not just because I was the singer, but because it had merits of its own."

First duet? The theme from "Same Time, Next Year" with Sunshine Cruz.

"I was about 24 then and I didn't know that Sunshine was only 14. They paired us together and I thought I was old enough to be her dad!"

First concert? At the Equinox with Calvin Millado and Dessa.

"If I'm not mistaken, the title of the show was 'Future Perfect.' Calvin, Dessa and I were all newcomers trying to make names for ourselves."

First TV guesting? "Manilyn Live!" on Channel 9.

First song performed? "King of Wishful Thinking."

First guest appearance in a concert? With Pops Fernandez at the Folk Arts Theater.

"Pops usually had a big concert for her birthday and that year, it fell on Dec. 12, that's why the show was called 'Twelve/Twelve.' She introduced me officially to the major concert circuit and I'll never forget that. For my concert next week, I'll return the favor and she'll be one of my special guests."

First talent fee? P500.

"This one's funny. I was invited to grace a party at Chicos. When I entered with my cousin, I thought that the place was different. Then I found out after my two-spot numbers that Chicos pala is a gay bar. Kaya pala tinginan silang lahat when I was changing my shirt backstage."

First recording company? BMG Records Pilipinas.

"They've been very good to me, that's why I'm still with them. They give me artistic freedom to do the songs that I prefer and they're really supportive. I'm very grateful that I'm with BMG," Ariel says.

First TV commercial? Dimension shampoo.

"Up to now, I still am not sure why they got me."

First movie? "Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal?"

(Ariel won two best supporting actor trophies for this movie directed by Jose Javier Reyes, where he co-starred with Aga Muhlach and Lea Salonga.)