Kiana Valenciano Finding her own voice
MANILA, Philippines - Though incredibly shy, Kiana Valenciano, the 23-year-old daughter of “Mr. Pure Energy” Gary Valenciano and his wife Angeli Pangilinan, admits that she is a true creative spirit. Her mind races a mile a minute and it needs to express itself constantly. Thankfully, she has found her creative outlet in blogging.
She has been writing since 2012, starting with her now-defunct blog, but “it was more a personal journal than anything else.” With the encouragement of her friends and readers, she re-launched onto a bigger, wider platform, with her own website. On Kianavee.com, she has found a way to not only share her adventure-filled life and daily musings, but to connect with like-minded individuals.
“The site is more geared towards lifestyle now. I write about my travels, my personal style, and I share my music, which is very important to me. So through that, I hope to share the person that I am,” she beams.
As a young, stylish woman, Kiana has embraced social media to share her style inspirations. “Fashion is something I’m very passionate about. I love mixing vintage looks and going for that chic street style. I don’t really follow trends. If you were to ask me, my style would be a blend of Nicole Richie and Olivia Palermo. I’d be their love child!” laughs Kiana, who took up a short course at the prestigious Central Saint Martins in London. Recently, Kiana, with her pop-up store called Little White Box, collaborated with Save My Bag, a special bespoke Italian brand.
A woman of many interests and talents, Kiana also considers herself the typical millennial, a free bohemian spirit who wants to do it all. “There’s so much I want to do. I want to do this; I want to do that. But I’m 23, and I’m just getting started,” she smiles.
Amidst the confusion of youth, there is one thing that remains strong and clear in her heart — music. “What I do know with certainty is that I really want to do music. I have always been singing with my dad, and performing here and there. But when I write my songs and hear it all come together, I realize that this is something that I love. It’s a part of me,” shares the young artist, who describes her sound as a blend of RnB and soulful pop.
While the musicality of the notes has its own allure, the true experience of making music, for her, lies in writing the lyrics. “My lyrics are very conversational. It’s like reading a 100-percent me.”
Authenticity then is not only at the heart of her music, but at the core of her very being. “I just hope that one day my music reaches everyone. Even if it just touches one person and resonates with one individual, I’d be thrilled,” she ends. Photography by RITA MARIE • Creative direction by LUIS ESPIRITU JR. • SARI CAMPOS for Make Up For Ever • Hairstyling by BOGGY DIAZ • Styling by TARA SUBALDO • Jewelry by MILADAY JEWELS • Hand-painted gown by RHETT EALA and pink jersey dress by ERIC DELOS SANTOS
