For 23-year-old Sanya Smith, also known as VJ Sanya, becoming a VJ is a dream come true. A rock star wannabe-turned-model-turned-MYX VJ, the cool chic opens her heart and mind about being “too foreign-gy” in a music channel made especially for Filipinos.
Seeing VJ Sanya for the first time up close, one would think that the 6’-tall mestiza is all American. But it’s interesting to note that she actually has more Filipino blood than anything else, being one-fourth American and three-fourths Filipina. Born in the Philippines yet raised in Singapore and Malaysia during her younger years, VJ Sanya has lived all around the country — from Baguio to Bicol to Cavite until most recently, Manila. Stating that Tagalog is her second language, when asked if she fluently speaks the native tongue, she answers, “Konti lang.” She wants the world to know that she is really working hard on her Tagalog and ends the discussion with a sweet smile.
Juggling modeling and her new job as a MYX VJ, Sanya explains that having those two careers actually complement each other. Going to different places, meeting new people and interviewing bands and celebrities, Sanya says that being a MYX VJ was definitely made for her, though she never really expected it would happen. Of course, at first she had her doubts thinking that she was too foreign-looking to be chosen as a messenger of music for the Filipino crowd. But it turns out she was wrong as the Filipino audience loves her. More than what may be thought of her image, Sanya continues to do what she normally did before becoming a TV personality — she still takes the MRT to work, eats at the same restaurants and commutes like everybody else. The only difference is — with her exotic looks and unique personality — people recognize her on the streets. But she likes to think that she’s still the same old Sanya that she was before. There’s definitely no ounce of being a drama diva in the upcoming superstar.
Like a true music lover and artist, Sanya shares that “Music is a universal language. That’s probably the most common thing in the world. Every country, every culture has it. It keeps us sane. Without music, I think the world wouldn’t be the same as it is today.”
Who would have thought that this pretty lass’ waterloo is actually anything related to love? She candidly shares that one of the most memorable moments while she auditioned for the MYV VJ Hunt was when she was asked to give advice on love, saying that love is not exactly her favorite subject because she’s no good at it, whether giving advice or talking about it. Is this good or bad news to any interested Filipino guys out there?
Catch Sanya on MYX International Top 20 (MIT 20), Rock MYX, OPM MYX, Pop MYX, MYXilog and MYX Daily Top 10.