Last October 15, I had the chance to interview Ms. Aicelle Santos, a Kapuso singer and award-winning stage actress. After my interview, I learned so many things about her that you will adore as well. So here’s an article about her.
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“A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.” – Colin Powell.
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“A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.” – Colin Powell.
As a child, Aicelle Santos, celebrity singer and actress, dreamt to be a pianist. It was first her parents’ dream for her that soon influenced her personal insight. To this, Aicelle’s parents sent her to piano lessons when she was young.
“Nung six years old kasi ako, pinag-aral na ako ng nanay ko ng piano lessons. Siguro ‘yun yung dream ngmommy ko for me na naging dream ko na din,” shared Santos.
However, as she grow up, her dream of being a famous pianist shifted into being in the medicine industry.
“Doctor talaga ang pangarap ko. ‘Yung interest ko no’n nasa Biology, no’ng nag-high school ako, angElective ko no’n Psychology naman. So ‘yun din yung tinake ko nung college ako,” she mentioned.
Aside from her interest in medicine and skill in playing the piano, she also discovered she has a talent for singing when she was growing up. Her golden voice became an instrument for her to earn as early as teen age years. In fact, this God-given talent changed the pathway of her career.
“Nu’ng college, when I go to school, sa gabi nag-gi-gig ako, na-enjoy ko naman sya, kasi hobby ko naman talaga sya and I don’t feel working at all,” said Santos.
“College ako, medyo malaki na yung kita ko for a college student. Du’n ako nalihis, napunta ko sa singingtalaga. Nag-banda ‘ko for two-years, then nag-join ako sa contest when I was 20, ayun then nagtuloy-tuloy na sya,” she also added.
AS A DIVA
“Being relaxed, at peace with yourself, confident, emotionally neutral, loose, and free-floating – these are the keys to successful performance in almost everything.” – Dr. Wayne W. Dyer
“Nung six years old kasi ako, pinag-aral na ako ng nanay ko ng piano lessons. Siguro ‘yun yung dream ngmommy ko for me na naging dream ko na din,” shared Santos.
However, as she grow up, her dream of being a famous pianist shifted into being in the medicine industry.
“Doctor talaga ang pangarap ko. ‘Yung interest ko no’n nasa Biology, no’ng nag-high school ako, angElective ko no’n Psychology naman. So ‘yun din yung tinake ko nung college ako,” she mentioned.
Aside from her interest in medicine and skill in playing the piano, she also discovered she has a talent for singing when she was growing up. Her golden voice became an instrument for her to earn as early as teen age years. In fact, this God-given talent changed the pathway of her career.
“Nu’ng college, when I go to school, sa gabi nag-gi-gig ako, na-enjoy ko naman sya, kasi hobby ko naman talaga sya and I don’t feel working at all,” said Santos.
“College ako, medyo malaki na yung kita ko for a college student. Du’n ako nalihis, napunta ko sa singingtalaga. Nag-banda ‘ko for two-years, then nag-join ako sa contest when I was 20, ayun then nagtuloy-tuloy na sya,” she also added.
AS A DIVA
“Being relaxed, at peace with yourself, confident, emotionally neutral, loose, and free-floating – these are the keys to successful performance in almost everything.” – Dr. Wayne W. Dyer
Coming from a musically-inclined family, there is no wonder why Aicelle’s love for music has been her key on being this generation’s one-of-kind diva. But before reaching where she is now, she gone through singing contests which trained her to sing well every performance.
In year 2003, Aicelle joined Star in a Million at the age of 18 but unfortunately, she did not make it to the finals.
Nevertheless, this doesn’t stop her in pursuing her singing career and continue providing for herself and for her family. In 2005, she once joined another singing competition which is the Pinoy Pop Superstar.
“Edi nag-banda ko for two years, sanay akong may kita, tapos hindi na ko humihingi ng baon. Very independent na ‘ko, tumutulong na din ako. So nag-disband kami after two years. Du’n ko narealize na,‘uy parang di ako sanay nang walang sariling pera’. So nu’ng 2005, Pinoy Pop Superstar, sariling desisyon ko na. ‘Yun nga ‘di ako sanay nang walang pera at pangalawa, ano ‘yung time na ‘yun e, kalakasan ng freestyle nu’ng high school. ‘Yun ‘yung small dream ko na ‘uy ang sarap magkaroon ng sariling single heard on the radio’. So yun ung small dream ko na, ‘uy nakakakilig when you hear yourself on the radio’,” stated Santos.
In this competition, she had shown her wonderful talent and magical voice, making her the “First Undefeated Superstar” for her 8-straight win.
After this contest, her career bloomed and she became part of La Diva, a singing group unintendedly formed after Aicelle Santos, Maricris Garcia and Jonalyn Viray performed in one segment on the former Sunday show, SOP.
Being a member of La Diva, Aicelle went into adjustments from being a solo artist to a group, but then handled and became used to it.
“Yes, there are adjustments when it comes to you being a solo performer to a group. Though sanay naman ako sa choir, dahil nag-choir ako dati. Alto ako dati, Alto din ako ng La Diva. ‘Yun lang, medyo nag-iba yung artistry mo ba as a solo artist kasi when you’re solo artist, kung ano gusto mong gawin, gagawin mo ‘pag nasa stage ka. Eh eto, since trio kayo, you’re given notes, ‘oh etong mga dapat mong gawin, wag kang kakawala,’ so grupo talaga. It’s a group effort. You can’t be ‘soloista’,” Santos shared.
In year 2003, Aicelle joined Star in a Million at the age of 18 but unfortunately, she did not make it to the finals.
Nevertheless, this doesn’t stop her in pursuing her singing career and continue providing for herself and for her family. In 2005, she once joined another singing competition which is the Pinoy Pop Superstar.
“Edi nag-banda ko for two years, sanay akong may kita, tapos hindi na ko humihingi ng baon. Very independent na ‘ko, tumutulong na din ako. So nag-disband kami after two years. Du’n ko narealize na,‘uy parang di ako sanay nang walang sariling pera’. So nu’ng 2005, Pinoy Pop Superstar, sariling desisyon ko na. ‘Yun nga ‘di ako sanay nang walang pera at pangalawa, ano ‘yung time na ‘yun e, kalakasan ng freestyle nu’ng high school. ‘Yun ‘yung small dream ko na ‘uy ang sarap magkaroon ng sariling single heard on the radio’. So yun ung small dream ko na, ‘uy nakakakilig when you hear yourself on the radio’,” stated Santos.
In this competition, she had shown her wonderful talent and magical voice, making her the “First Undefeated Superstar” for her 8-straight win.
After this contest, her career bloomed and she became part of La Diva, a singing group unintendedly formed after Aicelle Santos, Maricris Garcia and Jonalyn Viray performed in one segment on the former Sunday show, SOP.
Being a member of La Diva, Aicelle went into adjustments from being a solo artist to a group, but then handled and became used to it.
“Yes, there are adjustments when it comes to you being a solo performer to a group. Though sanay naman ako sa choir, dahil nag-choir ako dati. Alto ako dati, Alto din ako ng La Diva. ‘Yun lang, medyo nag-iba yung artistry mo ba as a solo artist kasi when you’re solo artist, kung ano gusto mong gawin, gagawin mo ‘pag nasa stage ka. Eh eto, since trio kayo, you’re given notes, ‘oh etong mga dapat mong gawin, wag kang kakawala,’ so grupo talaga. It’s a group effort. You can’t be ‘soloista’,” Santos shared.
Last February, Aicelle Santos had her solo concert entitled “Class A” which was like a ‘biography’, according to her. It is to reminisce how she started her singing career, the songs she used to sing when she was a child, when she joined the contest, formed a band, performed in theater acts, and many more. Moreover, it is also a celebration for her 30th birthday.
AS A THEATER PERFORMER
Besides her skills in singing, Santos also ventured in the field of theater where she first tried her skills and auditioned for Miss Saigon in 2012 where she became part of the shortlist then in 2013, she auditioned once again for another musical play entitled Katy! the Musical, where she landed on the lead role which is also a title role and has become her debut in the theatrical scene.
“Actually, 2012 when I auditioned for Katy! the Musical, and then nag-run kami ng dalawang beses tapos ‘yon nagdere-deretso na,” she added, “no’ng una [nahirapan ako], talagang bagong-bago ako tapostitle role pa, tinulungan talaga ako nang maiigi nina Direk, Ms. Isay Valdez, and Sir Robert Peña, tutok na tutok sila. Even the whole cast.”
AS A THEATER PERFORMER
Besides her skills in singing, Santos also ventured in the field of theater where she first tried her skills and auditioned for Miss Saigon in 2012 where she became part of the shortlist then in 2013, she auditioned once again for another musical play entitled Katy! the Musical, where she landed on the lead role which is also a title role and has become her debut in the theatrical scene.
“Actually, 2012 when I auditioned for Katy! the Musical, and then nag-run kami ng dalawang beses tapos ‘yon nagdere-deretso na,” she added, “no’ng una [nahirapan ako], talagang bagong-bago ako tapostitle role pa, tinulungan talaga ako nang maiigi nina Direk, Ms. Isay Valdez, and Sir Robert Peña, tutok na tutok sila. Even the whole cast.”
After auditioning in several roles for several musical play, she once again had an opportunity to perform in another musical entitled Rak of Aegis where she got the role of Aileen–she also got to work with theater veterans.
“Until Rak of Aegis came, ito ‘yong one of the longest running Pinoy musical in a span of one and a half year,” she shared, “sa dami ng shows namin, you get to explore your character.”
Moreover, Rak of Aegis started a new spark and trend in the Philippine theatrical scene. Due to its success, theater in the country had really bloom so much with the emergence of musical plays.
“Sa totoo lang, I feel really blessed. Sabi ko, ‘uy ang swerte ko naman,’ talagang ito ‘yong time ng musicalsdito sa Pilipinas. Nakakatuwa,” she said with a smile.
Now, Santos supposed that with all her experience in theater scene she never dreamt of landing on a particular role. She shared that her learning never stops, she just continues to practice and practice and whatever role comes for her, she will grab it with a grateful heart and thank the Lord for it.
“Wala akong gustong role in particular. Gusto ko lang gumawa ng iba-ibang roles. Sa ‘Katy’ kasi tsaka sa‘Rak’ I played a young dreamer, hopeful, gustong tumulong din sa pamilya, very positive, and a role navery close to me because Katy and Aileen and Aicelle, halos pare-pareho sila e,” she explained, “siguro sa next production naman, ine-expect ko na iba rin ‘yong role ko.”
One good thing she never forgets is to always keep your feet on the ground and always keep on praying and thanking the Lord.
With all of the success she received in her theater career, Aicelle Santos maintains a positive attitude toward every circumstances.
“Very lucky, I feel very lucky and blessed na naging parte ako [ng teatro].”
AS AN ACTRESS
After Aicelle has established her roles in the theater industry, it paved way for her to be discovered in terms of acting in Philippine television, which she considered as a new experience for her.
“Then, people saw me in Katy na ‘uy, marunong pala umarte si Aicelle, kunin natin siya sa soap [opera],” mentioned Aicelle.
“Until Rak of Aegis came, ito ‘yong one of the longest running Pinoy musical in a span of one and a half year,” she shared, “sa dami ng shows namin, you get to explore your character.”
Moreover, Rak of Aegis started a new spark and trend in the Philippine theatrical scene. Due to its success, theater in the country had really bloom so much with the emergence of musical plays.
“Sa totoo lang, I feel really blessed. Sabi ko, ‘uy ang swerte ko naman,’ talagang ito ‘yong time ng musicalsdito sa Pilipinas. Nakakatuwa,” she said with a smile.
Now, Santos supposed that with all her experience in theater scene she never dreamt of landing on a particular role. She shared that her learning never stops, she just continues to practice and practice and whatever role comes for her, she will grab it with a grateful heart and thank the Lord for it.
“Wala akong gustong role in particular. Gusto ko lang gumawa ng iba-ibang roles. Sa ‘Katy’ kasi tsaka sa‘Rak’ I played a young dreamer, hopeful, gustong tumulong din sa pamilya, very positive, and a role navery close to me because Katy and Aileen and Aicelle, halos pare-pareho sila e,” she explained, “siguro sa next production naman, ine-expect ko na iba rin ‘yong role ko.”
One good thing she never forgets is to always keep your feet on the ground and always keep on praying and thanking the Lord.
With all of the success she received in her theater career, Aicelle Santos maintains a positive attitude toward every circumstances.
“Very lucky, I feel very lucky and blessed na naging parte ako [ng teatro].”
AS AN ACTRESS
After Aicelle has established her roles in the theater industry, it paved way for her to be discovered in terms of acting in Philippine television, which she considered as a new experience for her.
“Then, people saw me in Katy na ‘uy, marunong pala umarte si Aicelle, kunin natin siya sa soap [opera],” mentioned Aicelle.
She was used in portraying compassionate characters, not until after performing in Rak of Aegis. After this theater act, Aicelle was given the chance to portray a kontrabida role in the airing show, BuenaFamilia, as Olga Vergara. It is also a different experience to her.
Asked about her kontrabida portrayal, she said “Actually na-excite ako kasi sa totoong buhay laid backako na tao, ‘di ako marunong magalit. Ang saya. Very liberating ang pagiging kontrabida.”
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“Kapag kasi inisip mo ‘yong kung ano ang mapapatunayan mo sa sarili mo, parang magiging self-centeredka. Parang sa iyo na iikot ‘yong buong kwento, eh isang buong community kayo e.”
This was Aicelle’s answer when asked what she had proved to herself after getting lead roles in her recent musical play engagements. Still humble, she considers everything as her greatest achievement every time. She said that she would always consider every single step on her way as her little achievements.
“Siguro I wanted to start sa banda-days, kasi ‘yong two years ko dun ang laki ng naitulong sa ’kin. You on stage, you’re being able to talk to your crowd—that’s one big achievement for me. Star in a Million, Pinoy Pop Superstar is also one. Kahit di ako nanalo, achievement pa rin to. Then came my album before, pangarap ko ‘yun. Nong narinig ko ‘yung single ko sa radyo, nasa taxi ako kinikilig ako. And also being part of La Diva, laking success no’n, nag-Pacquiao kami, Las Vegas, we went tours abroad, achievement din ‘yun,” she shared.
“Then came Katy, do’n ako naka-receive ng standing ovation. Sa ilang taong ng buhay ko, napapatid ang litid ko, hindi pa ko nakakita ng tao, tumatayo sa harapan ko. Ibang klase ring achievement ‘yun. Then Rak of Aegis, I got Best Actress for Musical [Award]. Little achievements na bawat isa memorabletalaga,” she said.
Aicelle Santos also shared her points about how everyone should see life and the opportunities that come along.
“Alam mo, sa kahit anong field naman, maski Music ‘yan, Journalism, Engineering: kailangan pagpatuloy mo ‘yung pag-aaral. It doesn’t stop from you graduating [kasi] ang dami mong kasabayan. You never stop learning.”
She also believes that practice makes perfect, she said, “Totoo ‘yong ‘practice makes perfect’ eh, kasi kung di ba ‘ko nag-practice nang nag-practice, mararating ko ba ‘tong pagkanta ko ngayon, di naman diba?”
Also, Aicelle shared that it is really important that you love your work, “di ka mahihirapan kasi you love what you’re doing. For me that’s important. To top that all. Nakaparaming dasal. Up’s and down’s ang karera ng tao. Ganyan naman ang buhay.”
“Kapag nakaka-receive ng blessings, always be thankful and always give back,” she ended.
Aicelle Santos recently released her carrier single, Kapangyarihan ng Pag-ibig which she shared is all about how grateful she is of the blessing she gets from the Lord and how powerful His love is. It is available on Spotify, Spinnr, and Amazon.
Check out the official music video of her latest single:
Asked about her kontrabida portrayal, she said “Actually na-excite ako kasi sa totoong buhay laid backako na tao, ‘di ako marunong magalit. Ang saya. Very liberating ang pagiging kontrabida.”
* * *
“Kapag kasi inisip mo ‘yong kung ano ang mapapatunayan mo sa sarili mo, parang magiging self-centeredka. Parang sa iyo na iikot ‘yong buong kwento, eh isang buong community kayo e.”
This was Aicelle’s answer when asked what she had proved to herself after getting lead roles in her recent musical play engagements. Still humble, she considers everything as her greatest achievement every time. She said that she would always consider every single step on her way as her little achievements.
“Siguro I wanted to start sa banda-days, kasi ‘yong two years ko dun ang laki ng naitulong sa ’kin. You on stage, you’re being able to talk to your crowd—that’s one big achievement for me. Star in a Million, Pinoy Pop Superstar is also one. Kahit di ako nanalo, achievement pa rin to. Then came my album before, pangarap ko ‘yun. Nong narinig ko ‘yung single ko sa radyo, nasa taxi ako kinikilig ako. And also being part of La Diva, laking success no’n, nag-Pacquiao kami, Las Vegas, we went tours abroad, achievement din ‘yun,” she shared.
“Then came Katy, do’n ako naka-receive ng standing ovation. Sa ilang taong ng buhay ko, napapatid ang litid ko, hindi pa ko nakakita ng tao, tumatayo sa harapan ko. Ibang klase ring achievement ‘yun. Then Rak of Aegis, I got Best Actress for Musical [Award]. Little achievements na bawat isa memorabletalaga,” she said.
Aicelle Santos also shared her points about how everyone should see life and the opportunities that come along.
“Alam mo, sa kahit anong field naman, maski Music ‘yan, Journalism, Engineering: kailangan pagpatuloy mo ‘yung pag-aaral. It doesn’t stop from you graduating [kasi] ang dami mong kasabayan. You never stop learning.”
She also believes that practice makes perfect, she said, “Totoo ‘yong ‘practice makes perfect’ eh, kasi kung di ba ‘ko nag-practice nang nag-practice, mararating ko ba ‘tong pagkanta ko ngayon, di naman diba?”
Also, Aicelle shared that it is really important that you love your work, “di ka mahihirapan kasi you love what you’re doing. For me that’s important. To top that all. Nakaparaming dasal. Up’s and down’s ang karera ng tao. Ganyan naman ang buhay.”
“Kapag nakaka-receive ng blessings, always be thankful and always give back,” she ended.
Aicelle Santos recently released her carrier single, Kapangyarihan ng Pag-ibig which she shared is all about how grateful she is of the blessing she gets from the Lord and how powerful His love is. It is available on Spotify, Spinnr, and Amazon.
Check out the official music video of her latest single: