Hello there, Milla! What’s up?

Milla has the best of both worlds as an artist. Firstly, her solo career has experienced a resurgence and she has begun to steadily make waves once more in the local music industry. Secondly, she is also a member of Hotdog which is one of the few remaining active legendary bands in the Philippines.

For some time now, Milla has been able to balance beautifully both duties of being a solo artist and a band member without letting the other obligation suffer. Others maybe would have broken under the pressure but Milla takes everything joyfully in stride and is grateful to be in the position she is in now. You won’t be hearing any complaints from her because she is a true professional. A real trouper, Milla is.

That is why I could not be more thrilled to be able to interview her again. Below is my follow-up piece with Viva Records Artist, Milla.

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1. What can you tell us about your newest single “Paano”? Can you tell us what it is that made you like this song, and how you can relate to it? 

Milla: It’s a beautiful song that my good friend originally wrote. And from the moment she shared the words and music with me, the song immediately resonated with me. Uncannily, its theme and emotions mirror my own experiences in love, getting hurt, and letting go. I know that “Paano” is something that a lot of people can also relate to and understand.

2. In this phase of your career, what differences do you see now in your own performances on stage than, let’s say, those you had 10 or 11 years ago? 

Milla: I can say that not only am I more mature and aware onstage, but I am also more appreciative of the opportunity that I am given to be on stage because I know that not everyone is given the chance. This is why everytime I step on stage I relish it and give it my all. I’m less conscious about how I look and sound but more conscious about whether or not I am giving it my absolute best.

3. If you could live in a book, TV show, or movie, what would it be? 

Milla: It would not be anything currently one. My life is way more dramatic that anything I’ve seen. hahaha.

4. What animal best represents you, and why? 

Milla: Does a mermaid count as an animal? Because I think I actually am one. I can relate to Ariel more than I can relate to anything else.

5. If you could have one superpower, what would that be and how would you use it? 

Milla: I want to be able to read people’s minds. That would make my life so much easier.

6. If you could form your own band, what would you name it? What would the musical style of your band be then? 

Milla: I’ll get back to you on that. But I am cooking something up and I don’t want to spoil the surprise. Just know that the sound will be something that reflects my personality.

7. If you could bring one musician back from the dead, who would it be, and why? 

Milla: Whitney Houston. Why not? Haha. Because … because I will always loooooove youuuuuuuuu. That and I grew up listening to her songs!

8. How do you handle mistakes during a live performance? 

Milla: The show must go on! Mistakes will happen. I’m a pro. So I just smile and laugh at myself backstage and ask if people noticed it and how bad it was.

9. In the middle of a set, when you are feeling tired after singing song after song, what keeps you driven and motivated to finish the set strong despite feeling a bit worn out already?  

Milla: It’s the audience, of course.Their energy keeps me going. And the songs! I’m excited to sing and share each song. As long as the audience is willing to hear it, I will always have the energy to perform it.

10. If you could bring one fictional character to life, who would it be, and why? 

Milla: Ariel is real, right? Right? Because I’m waiting for her to invite me to have a concert under the sea.

11. If you could be 21 years old again for one day, but armed now with all the knowledge and wisdom you have acquired and gained through the years in your professional career, what would be the first thing you’d want to do… as a young singer? 

Milla: I would be more courageous and bold to meet people. I’d be more confident to try and fail.

12. Would you rather be a jack of many trades or a master of one? 

Milla: I’d rather be the best at doing my thing.

13. If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be? Why? 

Milla: Best of Shania Twain. Because she is the soundtrack of my life.

14. What’s your greatest achievement so far and how has it shaped you? 

Milla: Achieving my childhood dreams of being on the radio, and performing abroad. It’s shown me that if I want something bad enough, I can go get it. And that has given me both confidence and a deep sense of appreciation and gratitude.

15. How has it been like performing with a Pinoy legendary band such as Hotdog? How has it helped you grow as an artist? 

Milla: It’s been a dream come true. It’s such an honor to be part of a band that has helped shape the local musical culture and it has given me a sense of pride in being a Filipino artist. And being a solo artist all my life, learning from the living legends has given me so much growth as an artist in terms of both the technical side of things, but also about how to last in this short-lived industry.