After starring in GMA Network’s highly-anticipated and successful series First Lady, actress and television star Sanya Lopez is out and about to experience new firsts in her flourishing career. Her recent endeavor is releasing her first single under GMA Music, “Hot Maria Clara.”
The actress shared during an online media conference for the single that GMA Music offered her the song, asking her to lend her talents. At first, Sanya thought if the network was sure of choosing her. Eventually, she saw the offer as another blessing, and since she’s grateful for them, Sanya just keeps accepting every opportunity that comes her way.
“Sabi ko nga sa sarili ko, ‘Hindi, binigay sa akin ito kasi alam kong kaya ko at alam nilang kaya ko,’” Sanya said.
Njel de Mesa composed the song and directed its music video. He intended it to be a dance-able song that puts the spotlight on modern, empowered Filipinas. It’s appropriate then that Sanya sang the song as she’s a prime example of a modern Filipina who’s confident enough to chase after her goals.
“Ang ganda nung lyrics. Ang ganda nung meaning ng song. Gusto ko sana talaga kapag kinanta maramdaman ng bawat kababaihan na ganyan kami, ganito kami, dapat ganito kami,” Sanya shared.
Moreover, the Kapuso star dedicates the song to modern “dalagang Filipinas” and the next generations of women. Sanya considers the distinction of “hot Maria Clara” applicable to all Filipina women who are not afraid to fight for what’s right and pursue their goals. She also said that “Maria Clara” symbolizes women who can stand up for themselves.
“Yung song na ‘to pinapakita na dapat meron tayong boses. Pag kailangan lumaban, lumaban tayo. Pag naagrabyado tayo, lumaban tayo ng tama,” she added.
In the music video, Sanya dances along to the song in several settings, including a gym, garage, and club, to show that women are strong and are more than their looks. Sanya also sports a glittering pink outfit in the first half of the music video and transitions to a modern gold Filipiniana, complete with an abanico.
Before shooting the stunning visuals for her first single, the network asked Sanya what concepts she liked best. Sanya replied with some of her favorite pop performers like South Korean girl group BLACKPINK and American singer-songwriter Ariana Grande.
“Wala akong idea talaga sa kung anong gagawin ko talaga. And then on that day, si Direk Njel de Mesa na lang nagsabi sa akin na ‘May kukuhanin tayo dito. Kung ano yung sayaw ni ni-rehearse mo, yun yung gagawin natin dito,” the Kapuso star said.
Although it’s Sanya’s first single, as a go-getter and modern Filipina on the go, she’s willing to do it alongside her acting career.
“Kung bibigyan ng pagkakataon at kung gugustuhin din ng GMA na ituloy-tuloy ko ito, tatanggapin ko. Isa rin naman yung pagkanta sa mga pangarap ko. Pangarap ko talaga na magkaroon ng sarili kong single,” she said.
“Hot Maria Clara” has been available to stream on all media platforms since July 15.