CHASING NOTES TO CATCH A STAR

Back in the day, when we were just kids, we all dreamed big. Some of us wanted to be professional chefs; others imagined themselves joining the police force; a number considered entering the medical world.

- Alyssa Joji Silva

But let's not forget those of us who dreamed of belting out tunes like our favorite singers. It may have been inspired by those angelic voices pouring out of the TV when our favorite singers performed, or the echoing voices of neighbors as they got into the groove of late night karaoke sessions. For some, dreams start just by watching loved ones perform, and that's precisely what happened to Filipina singer and songwriter Anna Aquino as she pursued her musical dreams.

I met Anna Aquino during a hangout with my friend at Glorietta's Top of the Glo. Her voice filled one of the restaurants where she was performing, and it was so beautiful that it drew us in, making us want to listen and admire her performance even more. She even accommodated us by singing one of our requested songs, "Cruel Summer" by Taylor Swift. My friend and I were just jamming with her at the moment, to the point where I found myself wanting to learn more about her story.

In our conversation, Anna shared how she got the idea of becoming a singer when she saw how much her dad loved singing in their mini karaoke. As Anna listened to her dad singing with emotion, she understood the lyrics and found inspiration to write her songs. She described this experience as being similar to receiving a “sandbox” to play in, where she could freely express herself through music. Over time, she discovered artists who deeply resonated with her and became sources of inspiration when writing songs, influencing her creative process and style. Artists like Ogie Alcasid and Rey Valera, as well as international artists such as Taylor Swift, Sarah Bareilles, Julia Michaels, and Selena Gomez, played significant roles in shaping her musical journey.