Philippine child star-turned-singer-actress Aiza Seguerra has grown up, but she has definitely not forgotten how to inject fun and humour into her schedule.
In fact when asked about her first impression of Dubai, she replied that it is like a scene out of Star Wars. "I felt like I have stepped into an episode with Luke Skywalker...desert everywhere!" the 25-year-old performer told Gulf News in an interview during her first ever Fans Day in Dubai at the Chikka Grill at Marco Polo Hotel.
Her first stop to beat the heat? Ski Dubai. The experience turned out to be her most memorable in Dubai so far, she said.
"I learned to ski here for the first time in my life!" she said, adding that rushing down the slopes after a one-hour crash course made her feel nervous and excited at the same time. "I felt like I was going to fall any time!"
The popular performer was taking time to unwind in between mini concerts in Abu Dhabi and Dubai this week. She was at the Chi @ The Lodge in Dubai on Sunday evening for an intimate concert featuring songs from her latest international album Open Arms, which earned a gold record award in Singapore.
Fans in the UAE couldn't seem to get enough of the petite performer during her first concert early this year, so she is back for this second performance. "I feel happy that people here have given me a warm welcome," she said.
And before she leaves, she will be taking a piece of Dubai with her. Does she have a souvenir in mind? "Definitely some belly dancing costume for my mum," she said, chuckling, adding that it was a special request.
After her UAE gig, Aiza will be in Singapore to promote her album in music stores like HMV and Tower Records. She will also perform in Singapore for the musical play Avenue Q.
"I'm excited about this project because it is my first time to step into international theatre," she said. The play runs from October 31 to November 16.
The most challenging part about this play? "Playing black US child star Gary Coleman complete with the accent," she said, adding that it helped that she could relate to Coleman's life as a child star.
The Philippines practically watched Aiza grow up ever since her stint in the TV show Eat Bulaga, shortly after competing in Little Miss Philippines in 1987. She was only three years old when she entered showbiz.
Does Aiza have any more dream gigs she wants to fulfill? There is one, she revealed. She would like to have a concert in the middle of a lush forest "with the Philharmonic Orchestra...and fireflies lighting the stage," she said.
Did you know
• Aiza loves to travel but is a little scared about flying on airplanes
• She is a nature lover and has recorded a song in a multi-artist album to save the environment
• Because she loves nature, she considers green New Zealand as a perfect travel destination
• She likes to make poems when she is on a creative high
• She has made several songs for her life partner but have kept them private
• She says she is hesitant about making those songs public. "After all, you are your own worst critic," she explains
Quick fire
Name the song closest to your heart
Rhapsody by Paganini, especially the Somewhere in Time theme.
Top three songs in your iPod
Nicole Nordeman's songs: Help me believe, Every season, Legacy.
Do you have any bad habits?
I am really lazy at taking a bath.
How about good habits?
When I do take a bath, I am very thorough.
First thing you think of when you wake up
'Where's the tissue?' I always need to blow my nose first thing in the morning.
Top three favourite songs in your new album
Vincent, Home, I can't make you love me
What book you are reading now?
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. Someone gave it to me to read, saying it is really good. I did and now I am hooked.
Favourite musical instrument
Guitar. Although I also love the piano and violin.
Most important lesson learned in life
People are different. You just have to respect those differences.
