Spotlight on Janah Menguito

Photos by Janah Menguito

There are artists of today that have been greatly inspired by those who came before them. For these upcoming and young artists it is not only important for them to acknowledge them but to also follow in their footsteps.

Janah Menguito who is a singer, dancer, endorser, model and freelance artist falls under this category of following examples set by veteran artists whom she idolized growing up. Thus, she has an “old soul” feel about her.

Additionally, Janah Menguito belongs to the current crop of artists who have the more Filipino-rooted values that appear to be lacking nowadays. I have to be brutally frank and say this the way I see it… the previous generation of artists were a little “too westernized and liberated” in their beliefs and in the lifestyle they chose to live.

However, the artists of today like Janah Menguito belong to the more conservative and safer side of the spectrum. This is a good thing. Also, her sense of strong nationalism comes through in her views and opinions of OPM.

Now, let us get to know who Janah Menguito really is and why she has begun to quietly and steadily make a name for herself in the landscape of OPM.

Below is my interview with Janah Menguito:

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

Janah Menguito: Actually, my mom can sing really good, since she loves to sing. So, when I was a kid, I got inspired by my mom. Later on, I sang for my family instead for my own pleasure. Now, I consider this as a job, not just a talent at all.

2. 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?

Janah Menguito: My dad said that at the age of 4, I dreamed of having a billboard on my own for being a great singer (someday). As for me, I was 15 years old when I realized I wanted to sing. This was the time that I used to sing in different places , trying to get out of my comfort zone.

3. Do you remember the very first time that you performed in front of a live audience? How was that experience for you?

Janah Menguito: Yes, when I was 4 years old.  It was in my school. I was a daycare student that time and I performed because there was a program. I sang “Pangako” by Regine V. All I know is that I was I very happy performing that time. Kinda nervous, too.

4. What are your songs about? What specific themes do they cover?

Janah Menguito: Well, I love all the genres of music. But every time I join singing contests, I sing OPM-love songs since they touch hearts/souls easily. I used to sing any song by Ms. Lani Misalucha, Regine V, Sharon Cuneta and other different Filipino singers.

5. What are the qualities you have which you feel set you apart from all the other young and talented local singer-actresses we have now?

Janah Menguito:  I think it is enjoying every part, every lyric of the song as I think that I’m just performing with, or for my family and friends. I can deliver the song with my whole heart, and make them feel, too, what the song is really all about.

Singing for me is not just how you sing the song with emotions but how you can make the listeners feel as well what you yourself are feeling about the song. I let them be part of that song. I also want them to love OPM songs which are originally from us. Most of all, I’m just enjoying what I love to do the most, and that is singing.

6. Roses or chocolates? Or something else? What do you appreciate receiving from an admirer?

Janah Menguito: I do appreciate more if I receive cosmetics like brushes, lipsticks, and some other cosmetic related stuff. Hehe… but I appreciate all, anyway.

7. What’s your clothing personality?

Janah Menguito: I love fashion, but sometimes , I can’t be more fashionable than what I’m wearing because I feel it’s not fit for my height. hahahaha…

As much as possible when I perform I have to wear girlish type of clothes, because it is more appropriate when I sing OPM songs. On normal days, I wear boyish type of clothing.

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

Janah Menguito: Maybe, by merely thinking of A THING and it will be mine. For example, money, so that I can give it to helpless people. I love helping others. Unfortunately, there are some instances when my own personal needs must come first.

9. Who is your showbiz crush?

Janah Menguito: Liza Soberano !!!!!

10. If you could work with any local male actor, who would it be and why?

Janah Menguito: Actually, I’m a shy type of a person if it is with male actors. I am not comfortable working with male actors. I’ll feel more comfortable with females like Liza Soberano and Kathryn Bernardo.

11. What were you like in high school?

Janah Menguito: Adventurous? Haha… I went to houses of my classmates . I was very friendly, too, before. Haha… I enjoyed being with many friends.

12. If you got stuck in the elevator and only one song was playing non-stop, which would you want it to be?

Janah Menguito: “Here In My Life” by Hillsong. It touches my heart and makes me realize that I’m nothing without God.

13. How do you balance your music career with other obligations?

Janah Menguito: Time management is the key for this. Well, I manage now to sleep earlier than before (except if there is something I need to do) because I believe tomorrow is another day and it is more important than yesterday. I’m thinking of saving myself so that I can work better than yesterday!

14. Who is Janah Menguito in a nutshell?

Janah Menguito: Janah Menguito – is a soft-hearted singer.