What's the best gig you've had?
My favorite gig would probably be my first gig ever as a solo artist. It was at Capones in Makati, around October last year. That was a dream come true for me, being able to play my own music, my own songs, and ?nally introduce myself as a solo artist. I have a band that backs me up, and they are all amazing musicians!
My bandmates are, Daniel Crisologo on lead guitar. He's the Joe Satriani of the Philippines and he's played for bands like Mojofly, Dirt, and has his own
instrumental guitar band called D.C. Aftershock. Marco Cuneta plays bass; he's also the bassist of D.C. Aftershock and Hiraya. Rickson Ruis plays the drums and he's a child prodigy. He's only 19 years old but he wows even the senior drummers in the Philippines. Ij Garcia is on keyboards; he's a musical arranger, a musical director of Christian Bautista, Jay-R, and the recent Trumpets production, "Footloose." They're not just my bandmates they're my friends, too, which means a whole lot to be making music with these people.
Do you still have time to unwind? What do you do to relax?
It depends on my schedule, but sometimes it's a little hard to find time to unwind and relax due to a hectic schedule, especially considering that my day is in reverse. But if I do get time off, it could be going to the spa and spoiling myself, or it could be as simple as just going out and having a coffee date with myself, my notebook on hand, and writing. I like spending time with my family too, just hanging out at home with my brothers, jamming with our guitars. It keeps me grounded.
Which of your achievements are you most proud of?
That I remained true to my craft - without selling out. I've remained true to what I know is right in this business, because the industry can be very cutthroat, especially if you refuse to follow its "trend," so to speak. I've worked hard to keep my dignity and values in this industry. I also love being able to reach people through my music. Every time I have a gig, if only one person will be able to relate to my songs, that's enough for me to call that gig a success.
What more would you like to achieve?
I'm given an opportunity to be a voice for others. I want to be able to reach more people with my songs. I want them to see someone "real" onstage, somebody they can relate to. The message of my music that I want to communicate is that yes, life can be tough but it can be great too if you have God and if you try to see life in a different perspective. I sing about life, its ups and downs, and if people hear it for what it is, hopefully they'll find hope in them too.
My vision as an artist goes beyond where I am right now, I am preparing myself, to be pegged to penetrate the international scene as well. I believe Filipino artists have what it takes to make it internationally. It takes vision and just the right amount of perseverance, prayer and a lot of faith.
Where would you like to be five years from now? Twenty years from now?
Five years from now, I'll still be singing, still performing, hopefully released an album or two by then. I hope to have my own business (coffee shop, I love to cook!). I would've finished my course by then, and probably be doing that on the side. In 20 years, I would've gone abroad to pursue my musical career internationally. I would be happily married, with 3 kids, still singing, still performing, probably with my husband (smiles). But my family would be my priority. I'd have my own recording studio, producing a lot of records - both mine and other artists.
Time for a geeky question: Are you a techie?
Just a little.
What gadgets can we find in your bag?
My cell phone, my MP3 player, my MD player/recorder, and flashdisk.
Home theater or Dolby THX-equipped moviehouse?
We have a DVD player and speakers with amplifier? does that count? Hehe.
Personal MP3 player or component system?
Personal MP3 player!
