Spotlight on Cherryz Mendoza

Cherryz Mendoza

The fairly recent influx of several young and fresh talent under the OPM banner has been a much welcome change and a most positive development that many music aficionados like myself have been clamouring for to happen in the last four years ! Indeed, times are a-changing and the gradual introduction of “new faces” in the local music industry could not have come at a better time than now.

It would seem that the “top brass” have finally learned to bend down and listen to the rumblings of discontentment on the ground and effect some overdue change in our music landscape. To hear and see now new singers who could very possibly become important mainstays in OPM is beginning to see the light of day. Hallelujah !

And one of those young and talented rising bright stars of OPM I see now is Cherryz Mendoza who only last year got to release her debut album ‘Infatuation’ under PolyEast Records. I dare say this very young talent certainly has what it takes to become a formidable name to be reckoned with in the coming years  !

Below is my in-depth interview with Cherryz

Mendoza.

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1) What/who first inspired you to get into music ?

CHERRYZ MENDOZA: My love for music is what inspired me because it is through music I can express myself. I can still remember that when I was still a novice, I used to sing in front of a mirror. Ms. Sharon Cuneta is my inspiration when it comes to music. I did some research and listen to her songs, I found out that she started her singing career when she was 12 years old. Her song “Mr. DJ” was really a big hit until such time she entered showbiz. She became popular and an icon in the music industry.

2) You are in that phase of your young career wherein it is only natural that you are still experimenting with your sound–in short, finding your true musical inclinations. What genres are you most comfortable with and which you feel are best suited for you ?

CHERRYZ MENDOZA: Well, I would prefer to sing upbeat songs with Rap because I enjoy singing that kind of music though I like Pop ballad songs.

3) Around how old were you when you realized that you wanted to have a career in singing and that this was something you were determined to do ?

CHERRYZ MENDOZA: I just realized when I was 10 years old though I did not concentrate and I never really gave time to push through with it until I reached 12 years old and from there I spent time to take up voice lessons and started to love singing. Then my Aunt encouraged me to give more time for music.

4) ‘Infatuation’ is your first album released under PolyEast Records. How did you decide it was time to put out your music ?

CHERRYZ MENDOZA: Honestly, I just tried to achieve my dreams because I believe that dreams do come true as long as you’re determined. So at the age of 14, I got the fulfillment of having my own CD album.

5) What are your songs about? What specific themes do they cover?

CHERRYZ MENDOZA: My songs in my album are all about teenagers’ feelings. Infatuation or admiration is just a normal feeling that teenagers like me do feel.

a. “Bakit Ba Ganyan” – my revival song bringing out the inner feeling for a certain guy that you admire and will always love to spend time with him.

b. “Siguro” – a song experiencing my love for that person but it couldn’t be because of young age.

c. “Lihim” – a song about secret feelings for a person.

d. “Ngayon Ko Lang Naramdaman” – a song that brings out the real feeling of inspiration every time you see that special person you had met.

e. “Unang Sulyap” – it is the first time you see that person and you already get infatuated with him.

f. “Sa Puso’y Ikaw” – is a little of matured feelings that are full of promise that whatever things happen, both of you will remain with each other no matter what.

6) The lead single “Bakit Ba Ganyan” which was originally a Dina Bonnevie hit in the 80’s proved to be a smart song choice for you to perform your own rendition of it in your very first album entitled ‘Infatuation’. Can you tell us what it is that made you like this song, and how you can relate to it ?

CHERRYZ MENDOZA: I can relate to the song “Bakit Ba Ganyan” because I have experienced the feeling being attracted to someone but it remained an infatuation only.

7) Your debut album ‘Infatuation’ was recently nominated by the 7th PMPC Star Awards under the category of New Female Recording Artist of the Year. How does this make you feel now and what does this nomination from a major award giving body in the local industry mean to you ?

CHERRYZ MENDOZA: It is a great privilege for me to be one of the nominees of the 7th PMPC Star Awards for Music simply because I’m still new in the music industry and yet my album is recognized. I never expected this would come into reality because it is not that easy and there is no assurance if I will win or not but God made it possible for me to be nominated. Being a nominee is more than winning already because I accepted it as a big blessing to me.

8) If there is one song­­ old or new­­ that perfectly encapsulates who you are today, in terms of your thought processes and how you approach life in general, what would that song be ?

CHERRYZ MENDOZA: The song “Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko” because of its unending message of love to everyone. No matter what it takes, if you truly love a person, it will endure and it will stay forever.

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

CHERRYZ MENDOZA: I would definitely choose listening to my own album because this is already an achievement in my career and I believe it gives inspiration to the youth even the old ones who have had experienced being teenagers.

10) What further changes do you think must be made in our recording industry so that OPM could regain some of its lost glory like it once had in the 90’s ?

CHERRYZ MENDOZA: We need to embrace and love our own music.

11) Complete this phrase: “Ten years from now, I will be ______?

CHERRYZ MENDOZA: A total performer and a famous celebrity.

12) Who is Cherryz Mendoza in a nutshell ?

CHERRYZ MENDOZA: Behind the limelight, I am a simple person, silent type, a homebuddy and easy to please. I love reading books, sketching and listening to music during my free time.