by Drago BonacichAt the age of four, Dulce Pontes used to proudly sing the national anthem of Portugal, an early sign of what would become her most important passion in life. The artist's career began in 1988, when the talented singer/actress came in first place in a local music contest. After getting roles in different plays and television shows, Dulce Pontes participated in 1991's Portuguese Song Festival, winning the event with a song called "Lusitana Paixao," which resulted in her being nominated to represent her native country at Eurovision. In 1992, her first album, called Lusitana, was locally released, followed by 1993's Lágrimas and 1995's double-live record Dulce Pontes Em Concerto -- A Brisa Do Coracao.