Miss World QC candidates express desire to join showbiz

 

Leah C. Salterio - The Philippine Star 

February 4, 2025 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — One of the challenges in mounting a contest like Miss World Quezon City is the schedules of the ladies, especially their studies for those who are still in school, insisted Jeannie Jarina, national director of Miss World Quezon City.

“There are candidates who sacrificed their studies because that’s one of the important things in their life,” said Jeannie. “We don’t want them to sacrifice their studies.”

Jeannie is also keeping her fingers crossed that the Quezon City government will support the Miss World contest, especially since they already sent a letter to the QC government. “We will showcase the cultural and heritage places of Quezon City,” Jeannie said. “We are very happy to collaborate with them.”

This early, the Miss World QC contest is “blessed” with sponsors, and they are expecting more sponsors to come in as the competition nears its coronation night on April 5 at Novotel Hotel in Araneta Center.

“We are expecting sponsors to join and collaborate with Miss World QC,” Jeannie said. “The winner will receive a P100,000 cash prize, P50,000 for the runner-up, and P25,000 for the princesses.”

JR Atienza of BNY Jeans and Harley Manalili, officer in charge of New Placenta Kojic, were also recently welcomed to the contest.

Ten candidates were presented to the press recently. Twenty-year-old Primrose Ivy Suarez of Barangay Litex Commonwealth debuts in a national pageant by joining Miss World QC. She is advocating for animals which she believes is also her purpose in life.

“I want to share it with others to be an inspiration to many,” said Primrose, who is taking up veterinary medicine at the Cavite State University (CvSU). “I want to give my all for the animals and for the world to have a better place to live in.”

Twenty-three-year-old Cherline Dalangin of Barangay Bagbag graduated from the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) with an AB Communications degree in 2023. She was a scholar and an athlete then. She is presently a model and writer.

She joined Miss World QC because she saw in the application form that the girls were required to have a “beauty with a purpose” project. “One of my interests in life is studying philosophy,” Cherline granted. “I am very much a purposeful person. Pageantry is here in order to give back our advocacy, our life story, in order to inspire others. This is my first time joining the pageant outside of my school. I can start wherever in life and I can dream big and achieve it.”

Cherline’s beauty with a purpose project is called a purposeful world of words. “I believe that good words are free. It’s the freest act of kindness we can give. Every time that we speak, if we are given the platform, we can use it in order to give a voice to others.”

Nursing student Jasmin Rivera Lee of Barangay Payatas B marks her third time joining a pageant. At 23, discrimination against women is something that the Far Eastern University (FEU) student will never tolerate.

Ericka Saldivar is 19 years old, representing Barangay Central Alberta, studying at the Lyceum University, taking up International Tourism Management.

“I joined this beauty pageant because I want to show everybody that even though we’re not rich, we have the capacity to make me join this international beauty pageant,” said she. “Joining this beauty pageant, I have the opportunity and platform to share my advocacy and what I want to do. I want to enhance my advocacy of helping little children, and I want to inspire young ones.”

Twenty-two-year-old Anabela Solasco of Barangay Lupang Pangako Payatas, Quezon City is studying at the National University (NU) taking up Tourism Management. She is also a public servant in their barangay.

“I always want to prove to everybody that women are empowered. All women are diverse. We have different shapes, different colors,” said she.

Ashley Nicole Fernandez represents Barangay Empire Payatas. She is presently studying at Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) Open University, taking up Tourism Management.

“I believe that pageantry is not just showcasing our beauty, our body, and talents,” she said. “The platform given to us is to inspire, empower, and embody positivity and diversity in our community, in our country, and the world. I believe Miss World QC will give us women the platform to be an inspiration and be an empowered woman in our country.”

Shane Denise Ganate of Barangay Sto. Cristo, 22, is presently enrolled at Rizal Technological University (RTU) as a senior student taking up Electronics Engineering.

“The reason I joined this pageant is not only because I enjoy pageantry,” Shane said. “It really felt like Miss World QC was best for me. This is the first time I will join a city pageant. This is my fate and destiny.”

“I would love to participate in this pageant not just to showcase my talent, my looks, and my intelligence. This will also inspire the youth in my barangay, especially the girls who love to join pageantry,” said she. “I would love to teach them and share my knowledge on how to inspire other people and help them in general. I will form a community of women who inspire each other and foster friendship.”

Angelika Triumfante, originally from Albay, represents Barangay Novaliches. She holds a degree in Education. Not her first pageant, she has been joining contests since she was 16. Due to the pandemic, however, pageantry for her stopped. Instead, she decided to focus on her studies.

Seventeen-year-old Asia Rose Simpson of Barangay Socorro is a junior high school student who joined pageantry from the time she was 14, when she participated in Miss Mexico USA, where she won first runner-up.

From there, Asia has always competed in pageants, including Miss Teen USA. To her, pageantry is all about purpose.

“Anything and everything without purpose is useless,” she maintained. “Being a beauty queen is sharing the hope, the love, the grace, and the salvation that come from Jesus Christ.”

Asia’s family has been missionaries since she was a small girl. “I would love to continue to bring my advocacy which I call reserve, share and shine,” she said. “No matter where you come from or your age, you can make a difference. You can use your talents, gifts, abilities, interests, and influence to make a difference to the community and the people around you.”

Jalila Maranan, 19, of Barangay Matandang Balara, QC, is not a first-time pageant contestant. “The true purpose of pageantry for me is finding your core,” she said. “I have a brother who is a PWD (person with disability), and I’m inspired to be his voice and to see his abilities. I believe that if you spread kindness, you are able to share and make this world a better place to live in.”

Not surprisingly, all Miss World QC hopefuls expressed their desire to join showbiz after their pageant experience.

Proud Bisaya Shuvee Entrata is slowly making a name in showbiz

 

Leah C. Salterio - The Philippine Star 

October 10, 2024 | 12:00am

Shuvee, who was born and raised in Bantayan Island, Cebu City, tried her luck in showbiz and was fortunate enough to make it to the GMA Sparkle Artist Center. Today, she is also a popular Internet personality.

GMA Sparkle Artist Center talent Shuvee Etrata, a rising TV star and TikTok sensation known as “smilingshuvee,” is famous for her engaging presence on social media.

Shuvee, who was born and raised in Bantayan Island, Cebu City, tried her luck in showbiz and was fortunate enough to make it to the GMA Sparkle Artist Center. Today, she is also a popular Internet personality.

The budding star has amassed millions of followers on her social media platform to date as she continues to soar in popularity.

Twenty-two-year old Shuvee is now expanding her horizons to explore the entertainment industry.

Her talent and charm were displayed in last year’s “Hearts on Ice,” the country’s first-ever figure skating series, where she captured the hearts of viewers. The series topbilled Xian Lim and Ashley Ortega.

Back in 2017, Shuvee also appeared in the drama-comedy, “Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko,” which harnessed her acting talent.

As a proud Bisaya and island girl, Shuvee is a leading social media sensation consistently delighted to show people her hometown.

She brought an added level of excitement to the sports tournament in Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga City earlier this year and more recently, the Siargao Cup leg of Ang Probinsyano Party List (APPL). With Shuvee’s presence, the league wrapped up successfully as all 18 teams expressed excitement for the next round in their island.

The event reflected an alignment with the party list’s sports development initiatives, which have always been aimed at channeling young people’s energy into productive outlets. Shuvee was welcomed into the growing number of celebrity volunteers of APPL, which already included Piolo Pascual and JM de Guzman, among the many prominent names.

The young star continues to increase her followers on TikTok to date with over 50 million likes on her videos.

Shiela Valderrama Martinez: ‘I’m a Disney girl through and through’

Leah C. Salterio - The Philippine Star 

October 2, 2024 | 12:00am

 

Shiela Valderrama Martinez goes solo in the CCP’s ‘Triple Threats’ series, titled ‘Part of My World,’ on Oct. 17. Her concert holds a lot of meaning for her. It was the song she rendered in her very first professional audition. ‘My concert will be a journey of my career, so I’m inviting my audience to see and be a part of my world,’ says she, who is among the pioneer vocalists of Hong Kong Disney shows. ‘I’m a Disney girl through and through. I’ve done a number of Disney Princess roles in the past.’

MANILA, Philippines — Singer-actress Shiela Valderrama Martinez devoted the entire September for the 9 Works Theatrical musical, “Once On This Island.” This month, she will do a tour for “Rama Hari” before her “Triple Threats” concert.

“We closed ‘Once On This Island’ last Sept. 29 at the RCBC Theater and I just have to say that I was thrilled to do this production because the character of Erzulie, whom I played, has always been on my bucket list of roles,” said she.

“Then we leave for the Visayan tour of ‘Rama Hari’ on Oct. 2 for about two weeks. Performances will be in Dumaguete at Silliman University and Bacolod at St. Lasalle University,” added she.

“I’m excited because in this run, I’ll be doing dual roles. I’ll be playing Sita and Kaikeyi. It’s my first time to visit Dumaguete and I’ve always wanted to perform at Silliman University, so I’m looking forward to that. Plus, I’m visiting Bacolod again, my hometown.”

The last quarter of the year is never less busy for Shiela before she ends 2024. 

“I start shooting the Netflix series ‘Buy Bust’ by director Erik Matti,” she offered.

“After my concert, then the other series, ‘Bag Man’ that we just wrapped up filming, will be aired this year, as well. It’s also ‘Ber’ months, so I’m gearing up for the busy event season.”

Shiela was surprised and excited after she was offered to perform for the Cultural Center of the Philippines “Triple Threats” series.

“It’s an honor to be invited and be given this grant by the CCP,” Shiela said. “This was something I hoped someday would do and it happened. Amazing. I’m so grateful to Sir Dennis Marasigan, Sir Ariel Yonzon (of the CCP) and the entire CCP artistic team and board for choosing me and for this wonderful opportunity.” 

“Part of My World,” the title of Shiela’s concert, the second in the CCP’s “Triple Threats” series, holds a lot of meaning for her. It was the song she rendered in her very first professional audition. Shiela will go solo in the “Triple Threats” series on Oct. 17.

“My concert will be a journey of my career, so I’m inviting my audience to see and be a part of my world,” Shiela said. “I’m a Disney girl through and through. I’ve done a number of Disney Princess roles in the past.”

“I was among the pioneer vocalists of Hong Kong Disney shows, and the past two years, I’ve performed at the Disney Orchestra Concerts abroad.”

The last time Shiela did a solo musical concert was at The Ruins in Bacolod, produced by Stages, her talent management outfit. She also did “That Fair Lady” for ONS (One Night Stand), the first show held in their El Pueblo branch.

Shiela’s concert director, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, was her personal choice. “She’s the First Lady of Philippine Theater and one of the first ones to do the CCP ‘Triple Threat’ concert series. In Menchu’s words, she has seen me grow up in the business and witnessed my career,” she shared.

“She’s a role model for us, following in the Leading Lady footsteps, so who better to direct it, right? Not to mention she’s a brilliant director. Very hands on and meticulous. She also gathered a fabulous team to work with us on this concert. So, I know I’m in good hands.”

Menchu and Shiela have done quite a few shows together. All the way from “Secret Garden” in 2001, to “Carrie,” “Godspell” and several events and concerts.

“Menchu has vision that I trust, but she’s very collaborative, which is great,” Shiela said. “I have a ‘yes’ girl mentality when working. I try before I say I can’t do it. Mench constantly reminds me to say what I want or say if I’m not comfortable.”

Working as musical director for “Part of My World” is Rony Fortich, who brainstormed with Shiela to finalize her set list for the concert. Luna Inocian, on the other hand, is the show writer.

Shiela’s set list for her “Triple Threats” concert will be a surprise. She will be performing with an 11-piece orchestra. “Orchestral arrangements will be done by JC Celeste,” offered Shiela. “I will be singing with guests who are my best friends in the industry. My incredible leading men — Arman Ferrer, Floyd Tena and David Ezra — my fellow Leading Ladies Carla Guevara-Laforteza and Yanah Laurel.”

A choir led by Shiela’s good friend John Mojica, her husband Lorenz Martinez and daughter Simone Martinez, will also be part of the show.

Shiela announced she will reprise her role as Fosca in Stephen Sondheim’s “Passion,” with its affecting themes of love, betrayal, manipulation and obsession, in September 2025.

Jeric Raval, Ara Mina lead cast of ‘Mamay’ biopic

 

Leah C. Salterio - The Philippine Star 

September 18, 2024 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Veteran actor Jeric Raval cannot be any prouder when he was tasked to play the title role in the three-hour-long biographical film, “Mamay: A Journey to Greatness,” which is based on the life story of Lanao Mayor Marcos Mamay.

Ara Mina plays the supportive wife of Mayor Mamay and Teejay Marquez is the young Mamay.

Others in the cast are Julio Diaz, Ali Forbes, Sabrina M, Ron Angeles, Devon Seron, Jethro Ramirez, Alvin Coronel, Via Veloso, with line producer and part of the cast Shiela Delgado and Baby F. Go.

Neal “Buboy” Tan is at the directing helm. The film is designed to be a biography and hoped to be an inspirational piece.

Veteran singer and PCSO director Imelda Papin.

“This is not a political film,” insisted Mayor Mamay who is now serving his third and last term. “The script is written from the perspective of someone who dreams of overcoming hardships and achieving his goals.”

Mamay cannot be happier that the MTRCB (Movie and Television Review and Classification Board) gave “Mamay” a Parental Guidance (PG) classification.

“Mamay,” which recently had its premiere at SM Megamall Cinema 1, also featured music by Gerald Santos. The singer recorded the theme, Hamon, penned by Vehnee Saturno, which added an emotional depth to the film’s narrative.

Mamay is contemplating on submitting the biopic to the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

“The MMFF is highly anticipated and could share my life story to a wider audience,” he said. “Regardless of the outcome, I hope the film will inspire viewers to chase their dreams and contribute to their communities.”

‘Mamay’ lead stars Jeric Raval and Ara Mina with Lanao Mayor Marcos Mamay (rightmost), who is also one of the executive advisers of the Actors’ Guild. Other cast members are Teejay Marquez, Victor Neri, Julio Diaz, Ali Forbes, Sabrina M, Ron Angeles and Devon Seron.

This film is also inspiring especially to those students who cannot finish their studies because of hardships. “Let’s not do it as an excuse not to finish our studies,” added Mamay.

The film particularly depicts Mamay’s life from childhood to becoming a public servant. He graduated second honorable mention from grade school at Sapad Elementary School in Lanao del Norte. He was an honor student when he finished at the Kapatagan National High School in 1996. Then, he finished his college at the Mindanao State University, with a degree in BSBA Business Economics. He ventured into the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), but was not able to finish the course because he had to evade his family’s conflict. The film also touches on his love story with his wife.

Mamay carefully supervised the filming, especially since there were flashbacks that needed to be shown in the movie. As CEO of Mamay Productions, which bankrolled the biographical film, he is enthusiastic about future collaborations among local filmmakers as well as producers.

The cast and production are joined by special guests at the red-carpet premiere of ‘Mamay’ at SM Megamall Cinema 1.

“We are excited about working with other film outfits,” said Mamay. “We are also considering a new advocacy film centered on education. We are particularly interested in featuring Alden Richards and Kathryn Bernardo as the stars.”

The national vice president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) and president of the LMP-Lanao del Norte Chapter also expressed support for the industry through active roles in entertainment and leadership.

“As one of the executive advisers of the Actors’ Guild, it’s my advocacy to help other sectors of the industry, not just one,” said Mamay.

“We need to support the film industry. At the same time, we need to do our advocacy. We need to show that poverty is not a hindrance to success.”

Call him ‘Gen C’: At 70, Ryan Cayabyab in tune with new generation

 Man of the hour, National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab, also fondly called ‘Mr. C,’ with the ‘Gen C’ team, including producers Girlie Rodis and Celeste Legaspi, and director Rowell Santiago.

Leah C. Salterio - The Philippine Star 

MANILA, Philippines — If he didn’t defy the earlier wishes of his parents — Alberto Cayabyab and soprano Celerina Venson Pujante — not to make a career out of music, there would have been no multi-awarded composer and musician who eventually became National Artist for Music.

There would have been no beautiful songs that we would remember, no memorable musicals that we would swoon to and no young artists whom he discovered to sing his renowned compositions onstage.

Mr. C, as Ryan Cayabyab is fondly called, set aside his Maestro tag for the night and embraced the “Gen C” title for the concert tribute to his 70th birthday held at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater.

The title, “Gen C,” is apparently a play on the first letter of Mr. C’s last name and in reference to today’s youth.

In white sneakers, Mr. C sauntered onstage without scores of music sheets on the piano, but an Ipad where all the songs for the night were methodically arranged.

“Tonight, we have three generations of artists who are all good,” Mr. C. addressed the full-house crowd. “I’m still grateful I still get to do this at 70 years old.”

The Ryan Cayabyab Singers delivered the opening salvo, Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika, the song that won the grand prize for Mr. C in the 1978 Metro Manila Popular Music Festival, interpreted by Hajji Alejandro. That was followed by Ateneo Chamber Singers’ (ACS) delivery of Hibang sa Awit.

Basil Valdez took centerstage and crooned Paraisong Parisukat, the first song written by Mr. C that won in the FAMAS (1977) for an Elwood Perez movie, “Masikip, Maluwang Paraisong Parisukat,” where he was tapped to do the musical score.

Mr. C was thrilled when he first heard Paraisong Parisukat on radio, his composition for the Alma Moreno and Christopher de Leon film.

Next, Basil carried out another original, Nais Ko. Through the years, Basil recorded a number of Mr. C. originals that became memorable anthems.

“Sabi nga ni George Canseco sa akin the first time my first song came out, ‘Welcome to the world of the immortals.’ I didn’t understand him at that time. So, I asked, ‘Ano po ang ibig sabihin noon?’ Siyempre, bata pa ako noon. George explained, ‘Pag namatay ka, ang mga kanta mo, buhay pa.’”

The vocal quartet, The CompanY, delivered Limang Dipang Tao, followed by Tsismis playfully sung by Kakai Bautista, Mikee Bradshaw and Phi Palmos, with the ACS.

Kailan was a composition Mr. C wrote for the Smokey Mountain, one of the first young groups that he had the honor to mentor and train.

A visibly nervous Belle Mariano was onstage to sing the Smokey Mountain hit, which she nonetheless carried out beautifully without a hitch.

“I really love to teach,” admitted Mr. C. “I was teaching in UP (University of the Philippines) for 20 years. Then, my wife (Emy) and I put up the Music School of Ryan Cayabyab. Teaching is my home. When I was starting out in this industry, I met some of the kindest musicians. I learned from them.

“Wala pa ako sa UP College of Music, the musicians already explained to me how to read music and how to do it. Naniniwala kami that the generation following us is better than us.”

Even during rehearsals, when Mr. C played the familiar strains of the TV program, “Sineskwela,” everyone was familiar to the strains and started to sing. “Sabi nila, hindi ka batang ‘90s kung hindi mo alam ang kantang ‘to,” he shared.

The “Sineskwela” theme was rendered in a different approach and sound delivered by Bandang Dilaw.

Nyoy Volante sang one of the most popular songs of Smokey Mountain, Da Coconut Nut with the RCS. The Philippine Coconut Authority even gave Mr. C an award when that novelty song came out.

“Did you see what music has given me, my family, all my friends who joined us all tonight. All of you who chose to spend this evening with us. I wish she could see how music gives us so much joy and comfort, and helps us keep going, dreaming and hoping for a better world.”

Mr. C not only did musical scores for films, but memorable themes, too. Bituin Escalante belted out the powerful Hello Joe, Goodbye, megged by National Artist for Film, Eddie Romero’s “Desire” (1982).

Meanwhile, ACS carried out the soothing Iduyan Mo originally from Basil Valdes, from Eddie Romero’s “Agila.” This year would have been the director’s 100th birthday.

What brought the house down was the powerful rendition of SB19’s Stell of the well-applauded Sometime, Somewhere.

When producer Celeste Legaspi first heard Stell’s version, which Mr. C even augmented a key higher, she remarked, “Kamangha-mangha. Sure na ang future ng Philippine music.”

Gloc-9 followed with the Sarsi theme, Angat sa Iba. Jed Madela did a medley of Gary Valenciano’s Once Upon a Life and Martin Nievera’s How Can I, both penned by Mr. C.

When her turn came, another stellar guest, Regine Velasquez, remarked, “Ang gagaling ng mga singers. Buti na lang maganda ako tonight. Pangsimba ko lang ito,” referring to her flowing white gown.

She sang Tuwing Umuulan at Kapiling Ka, which she earlier also recorded, as well as Araw Gabi.

Mr. C and Mrs. C (Emmy Cayabyab) did a duet of Tunay na Ligaya, a song he penned for their wedding and was adapted as the title of his first painting exhibit last year.

For the musical suite, John Arcilla sang Hindi Simple ang Buhay originally by Hajji Alejandro, from Larawan.

Karylle Tatlonghari and Poppert Bernadas carried out the hauntingly sentimental Magbalik Ka Na, Mahal, from “Rama Hari,” with lyrics by National Artist for Literature Bienvenido Lumbera.

Shiela Valderrama Martinez and Arman Ferrer did a duet of Pamamaalam, from the “Noli Me Tangere” musical, with lyrics by Bienvenido Lumbera.

Songbird Regine Velasquez performs Tuwing Umuulan at Kapiling Ka, which she earlier also recorded, as well as Araw Gabi.

Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo and Nonie Buencamino sang Ang Muwebles from “Larawan” musical, with lyrics by National Artist for Theater Rolando Tinio.

Aicelle Santos impressively did scathing ala vaudeville artist Katy de la Cruz in Aba Ba Ba Boogie, from the musical, “Katy.”

Mr. C ended the night with Smokey Mountain’s moving number, A Better World, which he started with the first few lines, followed by Broadway actress Lea Salonga, then Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera, Hajji Alejandro and a host of artists who sang the popular piece.

Other artists joined in singing the ballad — Geneva Cruz, Jeffrey Hidalgo, Krina Cayabyab, Pops Fernandez, Rachel Alejandro, Celeste Legaspi, Kuh Ledesma, Mitch Valdes, Jim Paredes, Morissette, Nanette Inventor, Nonoy Zuñiga, Agot Isidro, Odette Quesada, Raymond Lauchengco, and couple Sarah Geronimo and Matteo Guidicelli.

All the artists were accompanied by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO). The May 11 and 12 shows were directed by Rowell Santiago.

At 48, Geneva Cruz feels younger and stronger than before

Leah C. Salterio - The Philippine Star 

May 7, 2024 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Singer-actress Geneva Cruz may be 48 now, but she amazingly feels stronger than when she did in her 20s and 30s.

“I believe that it’s never too late to improve one’s health and strength,” admitted Geneva. “When it comes to fitness, there are no shortcuts; you only get out what you put in.”

For somebody who used to dislike running, it is surprising that Geneva is now setting her sights on joining the 2024 Clark Triathlon Classic this coming June, a first for her.

Joining a triathlon was never in Geneva’s bucket list. “I had never experienced the ‘runner’s high’ many runners talk about,” Geneva said.

“However, that pushed me to want to know what it feels like, so I started participating in more fun runs including 5k, 10k and 21k races, as well as a duathlon (run-bike-run) and cycling races.

“I continued to join more races until I finally felt the runner’s high, which only happened recently. Last year alone, I completed 14 races and last April was my 17th race.”

Geneva is excited to see how far she can push herself and what she can achieve through the experience. She likes to challenge herself because it helps her grow. She is preparing for the June triathlon and even learns how to swim.

“For me, the race is not only about winning, but also about the journey of training and the challenges that come with it,” Geneva admitted. “I believe overcoming the challenges will make me physically and mentally stronger and help me become a better version of myself.”

“But I never do those challenges without preparation, so I always incorporate cardio and endurance training, strength and conditioning under coach Kelvin Labrador of Fit Twenty-One Gym. I also do some mobility and flexibility (yoga and dance) on my own at home.”

Two years ago, it will be remembered that Geneva constantly wanted to challenge herself. During the pandemic, she signed up as a reservist of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), recruited by her Smokey Mountain friend, 2nd lieutenant Tony Lambino, in 2022.

“We went to the mountains where we had our PAFR (Philippine Air Force Reserve Command) FTX (Field Training Exercises) for four days,” Geneva shared. “That’s what excites me because I’m learning a lot with my training in the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

“I joined the reservist because I want to help without entering politics. We go on medical missions, join the manpower and assist in many places around the Philippines and encourage more Filipinos.”

When she became an army reservist, Geneva struggled with her scoliosis because they all had to carry a heavy backpack and the M16 while doing their basic citizen military training,

“I knew I had to learn how to manage my thoracic scoliosis better and that came with physical therapy treatment combined with chiropractic therapy, strength and conditioning, and now, swimming.

Geneva Cruz: ‘When it comes to fitness, there are no shortcuts; you only get out what you put in.’

“Being in the military reserve grew me a stronger backbone and I am willing to use it to assist others and my loved ones in times of need.”

As an Aries-Dragon, Geneva remains very agile and active more than three decades after she joined the entertainment industry as a female soloist of Smokey Mountain quartet, with Lambino, Jeffrey Hidalgo and James Coronel.

“It’s not just dancing with me now,” Geneva said. “I ran. I do marathons. At 48, I have become this strong woman. Strong not just on the inside, but even on the outside.”

Participating in a triathlon is a personal challenge for Geneva. It didn’t just start out with a dare. Nor did anyone challenge her in any way. She didn’t just wake up one day and say, “I want to join a triathlon!”

“It just seems more fun than just running in itself because you get to do more than just running,” Geneva maintained. “I also want to prove to myself that with proper training, people in their 40s and 50s can achieve the same physical feat as younger individuals.”

Losing her mom to COVID-19 in 2021 prodded Geneva to step up her fitness game. “My sisters started training with me and our cousin Glenda (Cruz Bayona) at the gym, joining us at fun runs only this year, which has been very exciting,” Geneva shared. “I stay in training mode and have more fun with my friends and family.”

Her male, pro-athlete friends inspired her and also her cousin Glenda. Inevitably they became Geneva’s inspirational pegs in fitness. Her cousin, Glenda, likewise enlisted for the triathlon.

“Glenda encouraged me to get into weightlifting and running and she also became my gym buddy,” Geneva offered. “She introduced me to Fit Twenty-One Gym two years ago and they showed me that it could be done. Since then, I never looked back at my old self.”

That made Geneva say to herself, “Yeah! I want to be like them! I want to be lean and mean! I want to be a winner!”

Geneva acknowledges her weakness — swimming — and knows she needs to work harder at it.

“I have mighty long fingers and feet (laughs). Kidding aside, all thanks to my fantastic coach, Al Gonzales, who was introduced to me by my triathlete BFF Jeffrey Hidalgo.”

With just a month away, Geneva observes a proper diet (clean eating and no junk foods or sweets), swim classes, fun runs, cycling, weights, yoga, pilates, even dance, and of course, recovery in between.

“After realizing that the fire inside me needed to be balanced by more graceful activities, I decided to stop taking taekwondo lessons and chose to learn how to swim, instead,” Geneva said.

“Joining an event like this triathlon, I know I will gain strength both mentally and physically and even become a better swimmer. I will be able to use it to finally join the Philippine Air Force Search And Rescue Auxiliary Training (SARAT), so I can serve my country better,” Geneva asserted.