JULIE Anne San Jose
This coming May is sure to be a momentous month for Julie Anne San Jose’s career and personal life: She will be celebrating her 22nd birthday, releasing her third solo album, holding another major concert and more importantly, graduating from college.
“Finishing my studies has always been a top priority for me. And I’m really happy that I’m finally fulfilling this dream of mine,” the singer, who’s set to earn her degree in mass communications at the Angelicum College, told the Inquirer at a recent press conference.
Despite the success singing has given her, Julie Anne never lost sight of her goal of having an education because, she pointed out, a career in the entertainment industry is but fleeting.
“I don’t know how much longer I’ll be in this industry. But should I find myself out of the limelight in the future, at least I’ll have a fall back,” Julie Anne said, adding that she believes that having a diploma is perhaps the “best gift a child can give his or her parents.”
With all her show biz engagements, it’s remarkable that the GMA 7 talent has managed to complete her course in four years.
Needless to say, it wasn’t easy. “I’ve been stressed these past few weeks, because I still have to finish a lot of requirements,” said Julie Anne, who is running for honors. “Well, hopefully!”
In fact, as she’s wrapping up last-minute school work, Julie Anne has already begun preparing for her coming concert, “In Control,” on May 14 at the Kia Theatre (call TicketNet at 911555).
“I’ve been working out these past few weeks for me to be fit enough to carry out the dance numbers well,” she said.
Mounted by Dreamstar Events and GMA 7, the concert is also a celebration of Julie Anne’s 10th year in show biz, as well as a reflection of how she has evolved, from an aspiring singer joining talent contests to a diamond-selling recording artist, who has already performed in some of the country’s biggest venues.
“It’s also a way of expressing my gratitude to the people who have become part of my journey, and to the fans who help me overcome obstacles,” related Julie Anne who recalled that her father used to be against her entering the entertainment industry.
“My father once asked me to quit show biz; now, he drives me to work!”
The repertoire, she related, will be composed of OPM tunes, covers of foreign hits and her body of original material.
The singer is expected to dish out her newer songs, like “Tidal Wave,” from her latest EP, “Forever”—a collection of ditties that meld R&B and electronic dance music.
“I want to continue down this route. It’s a departure from the type of music I did in the past, which was more on ballads,” said the singer, whose 2012 single, “I’ll Be There,” achieved quadruple platinum status. “Fans can expect more of something similar in my new album.”
E-mail apolicarpio@inquirer.com.ph