Rachel and Geneva: Friends in crisis

Back in the old days, friendships were nurtured the old-fashioned way: over cups of coffee, in spur-of-the-moment pajama parties and hours-long phone conversations.

But technology changes a lot of things, including friendships. Now, friendships are nurtured through mobile phone calls, e-mail and text messaging. Singers Rachel Alejandro and Geneva Cruz have a technology-dependent friendship: although they don’t see each other everyday, modern technology keeps them in touch.

"We text each other everyday," says Rachel. "Or when one of us needs advice, we call. It’s so funny, because Gen and I were not even friends at all. It wasn’t until this thing happened to me that I started asking her for advice. I would call her all the time, and we’d talk on the phone for hours."

The two have a unique way of describing their friendship. "We are crisis friends."

The crisis that gave birth to their friendship dates back to two and a half years ago. Rachel was then dating fellow actor Lee Robin Salazar. But it was a case of "you and me against the world" – back then, it seemed everyone important to Rachel disapproved of the relationship: her family, her friends, even her manager Girlie Rodis. Things became worse when rumors that her boyfriend was going out with other women started circulating in the very small entertainment industry.

"My family and friends didn’t like him, and when they heard those rumors, the situation became worse. But even after we broke up the first time, he would still call and drop by. Then I found out he was going out with other people. And when I found out who the girl was, I confronted her," recalls Rachel.

Rachel’s response was predictable. Like most women whose boyfriends or husbands cheat on them, her self-esteem took a nosedive. Her sleeping patterns became erratic; she lost weight and fell into deep depression. The next time Geneva saw her – which was at the rehearsal for a show – she was shocked by Rachel’s appearance. But two things saved Rachel: the first was God; the second was Geneva’s friendship.

"Ever since we got together, people were saying a lot of things against him. And when we broke up, their negative views of him got even worse. After the break-up, I was so down. Gen was one of the few who really listened to me," says Rachel. "And when we got back together, she was genuinely happy for me."

Rachel and Geneva have been strengthened by the crisis in their lives. As everyone knows, Gen has had a love-hate relationship with the media over issues involving her and MTV video jock and TV host KC Montero. "I don’t owe anybody anything," insists Geneva. "After what happened with Paco (Arespacochaga, former Introvoys drummer and vocalist and father of Geneval’s son Heaven), I decided to conceal my relationship with KC. I think that’s my prerogative. But because of that, the press hated me. I guess they felt they couldn’t trust me anymore."

Heartbreak, healing men, relationships – these are the subjects that girls used to talk about on the phone, or at pajama parties. And even in these modern times, there are some things that just don’t change. So at their forthcoming concert, Showdown on Oct. 25, Rachel and Geneva will sing and dance, but at the same time, will talk about matters close to every girl’s heart. Two giant video screens mounted above the Music Museum stage will feature Rachel and Geneva talking about each other. It will give the audience a glimpse into the women behind the music. "Ang dami kong pinagdaanan. I’am a very strong person now," says Geneva. "Rachel’s also been through a lot, and we’re going to be sharing that with the audience."

According to the show’s director Floy Quintos, no one deserves a joint concert more than these two. "Both are intensely dedicated and energetic performers who have had their fair share of trials and triumphs. Both have had their love lives thrust under the spotlight. Both are survivors with the rest of their lives still ahead of them. Both are still very young, and at the same time wise beyond their years."

To play up the "showdown" theme, the Music Museum stage will be designed as a boxing ring, with two giant video screens. Through video, Rachel and Geneva will share their individual points of view on men, family, broken hearts and healing. Their repertoire will consist of their individual hit songs (like Rachel’s Nakapagtataka and Geneva’s Kailan), as well as some current pop favorites.

Showdown is a production of Talentworks Asia and is written and directed by Floy Quintos, with Marc Lopez as musical director and Tintin Martinez as choregrapher. Backing up Rachel and Geneva will be the Whiplash dancers.

(For ticket inquiries, call Talentworks Asia at 687-0658 or visit their offices at 2201 Robinsons Equitable Tower, ADB Avenue corner Poveda Street, Ortigas Center, Pasig City. You can also call the Music Museum box-office at 721-0635).