Catching with Anna Fegi

CEBU, Philippines – After almost four years of absence from the local biz, Cebuana diva Anna Fegi is back in the country. Anna spent these past few years overseas—from belting out “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” as Nala in HK Disneyland’s The Lion King to giving life to several Broadway characters in the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line – Radiance of the Seas that toured in South America. 

While it’s a bit weird having a dialogue, which is meant to be published, with a person close to you, I went on to interview and catch up with “Bispren,” as I have always called Anna for more than a decade of friendship, one afternoon, wherein she shared her career experiences in Hong Kong and South America.

The Freeman: I really enjoyed watching you at HK Disneyland. Why did you leave HK Disney?

Anna: It came to a point that I felt that I fulfilled the growth that I needed to experience as Nala. It was a big adjustment for me coming from showbiz in Manila and shifted to what I did in Disney. Imagine, I was performing 2-4 times a day and 5-6 times a week as Nala doing the same thing for 2 years. I have learned so many things already and I felt it was time to venture to another field; another challenge. It was, nevertheless, very rewarding and fulfilling to have performed with a lot of really talented performers all over the world including my brother Reymund and my sister Jing. That made me really proud of my family.

TF: So from Asia, you went all the way to South America. How was it working in a luxury ship that toured Panama, Peru, Uruguay, Equador, Colombia, Argentina, and Chile?

Anna: It was fantastic. I did headliner shows and got to choose my own repertoire. I did a lot of Broadway songs in Spanish ha! I had to learn those songs in less than a month. Of all the countries, Argentina is my most favorite. We visited The Pink House of Eva Peron so everytime I sing Don’t Cry for Me Argentina in our production numbers, whether I sang it in Spanish or English, it gave me so much meaning. I also love Brazil. We were there in time for their Carnival Festival.

TF: Hmmm… Brazil… Latin Americans are said to be very romantic, how true is this?

Anna: Oh very much true. Guys there are so extravagant! They follow me like mosquitoes. Hahaha! They composed songs for me, gave me chocolates, gave me flowers like they own a garden and do a lot of things! There was even one admirer who cooked “pansit” just to please me! Di man kaayo lami so wa kapasar. Hahaha!

TF: So did you find love in the boat?

Anna: No. Honestly, many guys expressed interest in me maybe because I am Asian-looking. But it was a choice for me to be single during the entire contract no matter how gorgeous the guys were. Echos!

TF: I find that hard to believe! (Laughter) Maybe you were just waiting for the right guy?

Anna: Yes, I am waiting for the right guy. He is just around the corner (actually a thousand miles away). It’s cheesy, you might think. But I believe in second chances. Love is definitely merrier the second time around! No follow up question, please. Hahaha!

TF: Okay, let’s leave it at that. Anyway, what’s keeping you busy lately?

Anna: I am here for a vacation. I just did corporate shows in Manila and in Cebu. I sang at the Cebu Business Month. You know that. Anything for Cebu, and of course, for Dr. Mila Espina (former mentor at USJ-R). I just love her. Then I have a couple TV guestings coming up in ABS-CBN. But aside from work, this is the best time for me to bond with my family, my mama and papa, and friends. I will be back in the States by mid-August.

TF: During the Cebu Business Month – Grand Music Fest in Ayala, there were a lot of young artists that would like to follow your footsteps, what is your message to them?

Anna: Dream Big! Always dream big! It’s for free. It will push you to work harder to reach your dreams. As for me, I will bring my pride as a Filipino through my talent to wherever destiny may lead me. I am always proud that I am a Cebuana.