Half-Pinay Vanessa White jazzes up British girl band
VANESSA White wants to revisit Boracay.
“It’s really flattering,” said Filipino-British singer Vanessa White, about being compared with vocal powerhouses Christina Aguilera and Mariah Carey.
White, 23, is the youngest member of the British girl band The Saturdays. She talked about her career and the group’s new reality series, “Chasing The Saturdays” during a recent teleconference with Asian publications.
“My mom is from Davao,” White revealed. “She’s a nurse and I have a younger sister. My family and I try to go to the Philippines often. I’ve been there quite a few times. I like going back whenever I can—usually at Christmastime. I want to visit Boracay again.”
Together since 2007, the five-member group is being touted as the next Spice Girls.
THE SATURDAYS
After four hit albums, members of The Saturdays welcome the comparison and are “enjoying the pressure,” hoping for even a fraction of the iconic ’90s girl group’s success.
White added, however: “At the end of the day we are The Saturdays. We’re not trying to be anyone else. We really hope to go international.”
According to White, “Chasing The Saturdays” is an unscripted reality series that shows the group’s typical work routines. Apart from the show biz aspect, it shows bits and pieces of the members’ personal lives.
“I’m a bit of a private person, but what is seen on the show is very real and we want everyone to see what exactly goes on,” she said.
Being together for many years has developed the group’s sisterly dynamic: “We get [along] very well; we’re really lucky. That’s the key. I think the ingredients to our success are that we don’t argue, we’re always there for each other, and we’re supportive of one another.”
JAKE Cuenca and Ricky Davao in “MMK Classics”
Aside from “Chasing The Saturdays,” White and the rest of the group are promoting “Chase,” their latest hit album. She expressed interest in touring and performing in Asia, eventually.
She also described herself as The Saturdays’ party girl: “My role in the group is, I like to go and have a good time! So, if anyone is in the mood for a party, you know I am always in the mood!”
A fan of Sharon Cuneta, Aiza Seguerra and Charice, White appeared in the West End productions of “The Lion King” and “The King and I” when she was a child.
But she revealed that her actual singing influences include someone she’s close to: “Well, each of us [has] different influences. My greatest influence was actually at home. My mother was a singer. My family encouraged me from a young age, so I grew up and lived in that way!”
(“Chasing The Saturdays” airs on Sundays, 10 p.m. on E! Philippines.)
My Ghost Story Asia
“DUCK Dynasty”
Episode 2 of “My Ghost Story Asia Season 2,” which premieres tomorrow at 9:30 p.m., takes a look at the special gift of actress Karla Pambid from the Philippines. Her ability to communicate with the unseen developed as she grew older. On her usual route going home, on CP Garcia Road, she has had several encounters with the supernatural, including a half-horse creature known as tikbalang.
Duck Dynasty
History Channel brings its top-rating and history-making series, “Duck Dynasty,” to the Philippines tomorrow at 10 p.m.
“Duck Dynasty” chronicles the story of a Louisiana bayou family living the American dream as they operate a thriving business while staying true to their family values and lifestyle.
The close-knit Robertson family has made a fortune on duck calls, turning a backyard business in the backwoods into a million-dollar sporting empire.
MMK Classics on TFC
The Filipino Channel (TFC) essays the real-life journey of letter-senders from the ends of the world in this month’s “MMK Classics.”
On Saturday, matinee idol Jake Cuenca delivers a breakthrough performance as Spain-based Louie, who admits to being transgender and tries to win the acceptance of his father (portrayed by Ricky Davao). Joining them in this episode, titled “Susi (Key),” is Vivian Velez.
Bear Grylls
Bear Grylls, the world’s most iconic survival expert is back on Discovery Channel this month with a three-part special where he demonstrates more life-saving skills in some of the toughest environments on earth.
With new episodes premiering every Monday at 9 p.m. starting April 15, “Bear Grylls Special” features highlights from Bear’s many perilous adventures over the years.
