Anja Aguilar
Angelie G. Urquico, stagename Anja Aguilar (Marikina, July 22, 1993) is a Filipino recording artist and Grand Winner of Little Big Star Season 2 in 2006. She is a half Filipino and half Japanese singing star.[1]
Life and career
Anja Aguilar hails from Marikina, her birth name being Angelie G. Urquico, by which she was known when she bagged the grand prize at ABS-CBN’s singing competition, Little Big Star, hosted by her idol Sarah Geronimo. As early as four years old, she already exemplified her singing talent at birthday parties and family gatherings. At seven, she started joining singing contests, which already served as her recreational activity outside school and home because growing up, she was not much into going out with friends. She has joined over 50 contests which include Batang Vidaylin on IBC-13 and Duet Bulilit on ABS-CBN’s then noontime show MTB. Her performance pieces would usually be “Help” by Tina Turner, and “This Is My Life”.
After her breakthrough triumph in Little Big Star, acting opportunities also opened. Anja starred in an episode of Maalaala Mo Kaya, where she played a 13-year old girl who fell in love with a 26-year old guy, played by Piolo Pascual. She also did a few drama series on ABS-CBN, such as Maria La Del Barrio, May Minamahal, and Palos. On the silver screen, Anja was seen in a minor role in Praybeyt Benjamin, Vice Ganda’s record-breaking film. Anja also appeared in an indie film called Astig, starring Dennis Trillo, and another one called Ugat Sa Lupa, starring Gerard Madrid.[2]
Anja signed up with Viva Artists Agency on May 15, 2010, and became a member of Pop Girls.[3] At age 19, she has blossomed into a beautiful young lady, and with her remarkable voice, Viva saw her ripe for a solo career. The screen name “Anja Aguilar” came to be as a suggestion by VAA President Veronique R. Corpus. In January 2012, she was launched as one of ASAP 2012’s main talents.[4] Her self-titled debut album was released in February.
The 10–track album “Anja Aguilar” has original compositions by the distinguished Vehnee Saturno, including the hit carrier single To Reach You. She also made an outstanding cover of Willie Revillame’s song, I Love You, which was used by TV5’s drama series P.S. I Love You as its theme song.[5] Director Monti Parungao, the same guy behind the music videos of Bakit Pa Ba by Sarah Geronimo and Masasabi Mo Ba by Rachelle Ann Go, and reputed for his exceptional work in commercials and reality shows like Survivor, also directed the video of To Reach You.[6]
Album
Anja's album features songs including Saturno’s lovelorn ballads and new love songs such as “I Love You,” and “When,” and the Tagalog “Nasaan Ang Pangako”.
Anja also is lucky to be singing brand new songs by up and coming songwriter and hitmaker Christian Martinez, and their combination makes for some pretty modern sounding OPM pop like the mid-tempo, acoustic guitar-driven ditty “Ako Para Sa ‘Yo,” and the piano decked “Di Bale Na Lang.” The Anja Aguilar-Christian Martinez singer and songwriter pairing also came up with the pop-py number “Magic Of Love” and another catchy original Tagalog song in “Ako.”[7]
TV Shows
Year | Show | Role |
---|---|---|
2007 | Sineserye Presents May Minamahal | Cameo |
2007 | Maalaala Mo Kaya Dream House | Rian |
2008 | Palos | Young Sylvia |
2009 | Squalor | Mameng |
2009 | Maalaala Mo Kaya Teacher | Tara's Sister |
2010 | Maalaala Mo Kaya Bahay | Joy |
2010 | Maalaala Mo Kaya Marriage Contract | Mark's Sister |
2010 | Maalaala Mo Kaya Parol | Young Judy |
2011 | Maalaala Mo Kaya Tulay | Young Eva |
2011 | Maria La Del Barrio | Cameo |
2012 | Maalaala Mo Kaya Kalendaryo | Pinky Chavez |
Movies
Year | Movie |
---|---|
2009 | Astig |
2009 | Ugat Sa Lupa |
2011 | Praybeyt Benjamin |
References
- ^ Raquipiso, Avigail. "Up and coming pop star Anja Aguilar". Writer. Viva Entertainment. Retrieved May 12, 2012.
- ^ TMA. "Anja Aguilar: The Next Sarah Geronimo". Writer. Manila Times. Retrieved May 12, 2012.
- ^ Tomada, Nathalie (April 21, 2012). "Anja is Viva's new bet". The Philippine Star. Retrieved May 12, 2012.
- ^ Abella, Charmaine. "Anja Aguilar performs with OPM's bests!". Writer. Viva Entertainment. Retrieved May 12, 2012.
- ^ Solis, Lolit (March 27, 2012). "Pagbirit ni Anja hindi nakaka-irita". Pilipino Star Ngayon. Retrieved May 12, 2012.
- ^ Martinez-Belen, Crispina (April 25, 2012). "Upstart Gets Break From Viva". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved May 12, 2012.
- ^ Abella, Charmaine. "Anja Aguilar debuts first self-titled album". Writer. Viva Entertainment. Retrieved May 12, 2012.