Being the daughter of actors Cesar Montano and Sunshine Cruz may count as points against Angelina Cruz leading a professional singing career.
But if one puts to consideration that Cesar tried singing (with guitar) himself to relatively fair reviews and Sunshine belongs to a family of musicians including Donna Cruz and Sheryl Cruz, then any unfair pre-judgment should succumb to the firmness of a proven, versatile genetic strain.
Her five-song, all-original self-titled EP is a strong suit to proving that point. It contains her million-streams single “Sumilong Ka”, her duet with pop heartthrob Iñigo Pascual called “Paraiso,” and a couple of other little gems that all expressly display her consistently caressing, jazzy voice worthy of online music exposure and more.
“I’m an old soul who is open to modern music like R&B and Pop,” she neatly said.
Thanks to her famous mom who exposes her to music of the yesteryears. In fact, she singled out “Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko” as one of her favorites. For her actual cover recording, she nailed one that sounds arguably old as classic but released just last decade: “Hanggang Kailan (Umuwi Ka Na Baby).” Her version of the Orange and Lemons hit favorably put the familiar track in a different safe zone.
Angelina’s EP, available on iTunes, Apple Music, Deezer, Amazon, and of course, Spotify, is backed by Universal Records, with Ito Rapadas happily on board as producer. It was UR that called mother Sunshine after noticing her Instagram posts gaining momentum.
Angelina recalls her asking, “Are you ready to commit to this?”
Obviously she is. But not even the lure of fame can make her set aside logic and priority: studies. “Education is my priority and I love to focus on my studies,” she insisted.
When asked why she wouldn’t try homeschooling, she pointed out preferring “the environment of a real school.”
While that may sound like a hindrance to her escalating showbiz run, the way she embraces her break in the music scene displays a young act who can smoothly balance her love for singing and commitment to schooling. She values being an artist as “a time to grow more” like what her days in school bring on the table.
Angelina ensured, “It has been really exciting and fun working on my EP. I got to collaborate with amazing people.”
Other tracks in the small but tight package are “Kaya Mo Ba?”, “The Boy I Used to Know”, and “The Best Of You,” which is likewise rendered in tidy acoustic touch.
A self-taught musician, this rising talent plays ukulele and may be on her way to writing her own songs. “I’m always open to new things and opportunities,” she related.
The latest of the Cruzes is really looking forward to graduate by 2020, the beginning of a new era wherein she may end up as a certified ‘star of the new decade.’
With a strong parental guidance and one of those born on a silver ‘screen,’ Angelina is definitely on the right path and note.