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Philippine child star-turned-singer-artist Aiza Seguerra has grown up, but she has definitely not forgotten how to inject fun and humour into her schedule.
In fact, when asked about her first impression of Dubai, she replied that it is like a scene out of Star Wars. "I felt like I have stepped into an episode with Luke Skywalker... desert everywhere!” the 25-year-old performer told Gulf News in an interview during her first ever Fans Day in Dubai at the Chikka Grill in the Marco Polo Hotel.
Her first stop to beat the heat? Ski Dubai. The experience turned out to be her most memorable in Dubai so far, she said. "I learned to ski here for the first time in my life!” she said, adding that rushing down the slopes after a one-hour crash course made her feel nervous and excited at the same time. "I felt like I was going to fall any time!”
Time to unwind
The popular performer was taking time to unwind in between mini concerts in Abu Dhabi and Dubai this week. She was at Chi@The Lodge in Dubai on Sunday evening for an intimate concert featuring songs from her latest international album Open Arms, which earned a gold record award in Singapore.
Fans in the UAE couldn't seem to get enough of the petite performer during her first concert early this year, so she is back for this second performance. "I feel happy that people here have given me a warm welcome,” she said.
And before she leaves, she will be taking a piece of Dubai with her. Does she have a souvenir in mind? "Definitely a belly dancing costume for my mum,” she said with a chuckle, adding that it was a special request.
Dream gig
After her UAE gig, Aiza will be in Singapore to promote her album in the music stores HMV and Tower Records. She will also perform in Singapore for the musical Avenue Q. "I'm excited about this project because it is my first time stepping into international theatre,” she said. The play runs from October 31 to November 16.
The most challenging part about this play? "Playing black US child star Gary Coleman complete with the accent,” she said, adding that it helped that she could relate to Coleman's life as a child star. The Philippines practically watched Aiza grow up ever since her stint in the TV show Eat Bulaga, shortly after competing in Little Miss Philippines in 1987. She was only three years old when she entered showbiz.
Does Aiza have any more dream gigs she wants to fulfil? There is one, she revealed. She would like to have a concert in the middle of a lush forest "with the Philharmonic Orchestra... and fireflies lighting the stage,” she said.
Quick fire
Name the song closest to your heart: Rhapsody by Paganini, especially the Somewhere in Time theme.
Top three songs on your ipod: Nicole Nordeman's songs: Help me believe, Every season and Legacy.
Do you have any bad habits? I am really lazy about taking a bath.
How about good habits? When I do take a bath, I am very thorough.
First thing you think of when you wake up? ‘Where's the tissue?' I always need to blow my nose first thing in the morning.
Top three favourite songs on your new album: Vincent, Home, I Can't Make You Love Me.
What book you are reading now? Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. Someone gave it to me to read, saying it is really good. I did and now I'm hooked.
Favourite musical instrument: Guitar. Although I also love the piano and violin.
Most important lesson learned in life: People are different. You just have to respect those differences.
Did you know
Aiza loves to travel but is a little scared of flying.
She is a nature lover and considers green New Zealand the perfect travel destination.
She likes to write poems when she is on a creative high.
She has made several songs for her life partner but has kept them private.
She says she is hesitant about making those songs public. "After all, you are your own worst critic,” she explains.
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