Apple Abarquez ready for changes

CEBU, Philippines - Saying goodbye to teen life can mean a lot of things, and for Apple Abarquez, who recently turned 20 surrounded by family and friends, it means saying hello to new challenges, changes, beginnings.

“For me, 20 is a stepping stone, a beginning of something new and a time for change. That’s why my theme for my party is ‘Apple…Changing!’” said the Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2 finalist.

This writer was able to witness how fabulous Apple’s latest birthday celebration was last July 24. Since she was 8, her birthday party has been an annual tradition marked with production numbers and song performances by many of Apple’s musically-oriented friends and family. “It’s been a tradition that we try to make it, not as a ‘bongga’ party, fun, exciting, lively and something to look forward to every year,” Apple said.

This year, Apple’s guest performers included lawyer-stage performer Phillip Landicho, stage artist Daryl Shane Leong from the musical “Siddhartha,” Pardo Elementary School rondalla, and priest-friends from the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, namely; Fr. Ting Ancajas and Fr. Torvz Torrevillas. The latter said that Apple always lent a helping hand to the Archdiocese’s many activities, singing the theme song of this year’s Jubilee and local World Youth Day celebrations. Apple’s capoeira group, Sinha Bahia de Capoeira, also delivered some jaw-dropping capoeira stunts before the crowd.

In line with the “Changing” theme, the birthday celebrant also performed with the Senex band songs which were not part of her usual repertoire. She dished out her versions of Taylor Swift’s Love Story, Pussycat Dolls’ Jai Ho and Goo Goo Dolls’ Iris, to mention a few. “I usually sing classical and standards, but for tonight, I sang rock and contemporary pop rock,” she said.

And her birthday celebration would not be complete without the all-out performances of her “fairy gay mommies,” namely; Ramil Solis, Roy Erwin Teron, Allan Platring, Malaika Llamas, Emi Ayag, Glenn Albutra and Wendell Quisido, some of Cebu’s known make-up artists, designers and stage artists. It was during Apple’s PDA stint that we first saw her “fairy gay mommies,” who have always been there for Apple all throughout her growing up years. 

Apple also paid tribute to the late stage director Doy Aradaza, who passed away two years ago, as one of those who really helped in developing her musical talent and love for the creative arts. “He would always want me to be in the right path, that’s why now that I’ve turned a year older, I have to start changing for myself for the better.”

As for her birthday wish, Apple, a consistent dean’s lister whose foremost plan right now is to finish her bachelor’s degree, said that she doesn’t have any wish for herself, but for her family. “What I really wish is for my family to continue to be as loving and as supportive as they already are. I wish them happiness because if they’re happy, I’m happy also,” Apple told the audience as her beloved parent, Pardo barangay councilor Manolita Abarquez, proudly looked on.

“I think God always answers. I feel that I have more than enough! I will forever be thankful,” Apple ended.