Daughters in parents’ footsteps

It’s in their genes and they can’t escape it.

Angelina Cruz and Manna Merk are following in their parents’ footsteps. Angelina is the daughter of Cesar Montano and Sunshine Cruz, and Manna, of Richard Merk and wife Roni.

Following the success of her debut single Sumilong Ka and her rendition of the Orange & Lemons classic Hanggang Kailan (Umuwi Ka Na Baby), both of which have reached over one million streams on Spotify, Angelina is back with a new single titled Kaya Mo Ba? (available on Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music, Deezer and Amazon under Universal Records).

The Taglish song is about a girl’s longings and well wishes to her possible suitor.

Said Angelina, “I love how this is my first Taglish song; it shows what my (upcoming) EP is like.”

The self-titled debut EP, set for release on July 20 also under Universal Records, will resonate with the kilig generation.

Angelina Cruz, daughter of Cesar Montano and Sunshine Cruz

For budding artist Manna to pursue a musical career is not really surprising. For one, singing is in Manna’s genes. Jazz Queen Annie Brazil is her grandmother, Richard Merk her father and Rachel Anne Wolfe her aunt.

It was only a matter of time before Manna followed in the footsteps of her distinguished relatives. Early on, she was exposed to performing. Her family owned Merk’s Bar and Bistro in Makati, jointly put up and managed by Richard and wife Roni. The venue saw many memorable concerts of local international artists who performed before Manna’s eyes.

Among the artists Manna looks up to are Sharon Cuneta, Isabella Gonzales and Noel Cabangon. She also likes Adele, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith and Bruno Mars. However, her biggest influence is undoubtedly Dad Richard. While tagging along her parents was initially something she was merely exposed to do when she was a kid, little did Manna know she would seriously pursue music as a career.

“Singing before an audience somewhat became a regular thing for me, because my parents were always asking me to do it,” Manna said. “Facing a crowd did not become a big challenge. It came out naturally for me.”

Aside from singing, however, Manna also discovered her penchant for writing songs. For Mother’s Day, she composed a song, Loving You, Mom, which will be included in her debut album to be released in time for her 18th birthday in November.

Manna is also good in dancing, acting, drawing, architecture, interior design and fashion design…and active on social media. Her media arts inclination came from her Mom Roni. Manna’s artistry embraces make-up art, painting, sketching and woodcraft. She also plays flute, guitar and percussion instruments.

Manna does broadcast class and music. Watching the concerts of many artists, she has been exposed to all genres and can sing all kinds of songs. Her mentor and coach is singer Jeannie Tiongco. Manna is part of the Acacia Waldorf School Orchestra.

She is expected to come out with her Manna Glam Kit, containing lipstick and gloss, to be manufactured and distributed by Nena Cosmetics. The package provides an extensive line of skin care cosmetics.

With Lorena ‘Nena’ Mondonedo-Perez, founder and CEO of Nena Cosmetics by Nena Brands, Inc., the first-ever Filipinaowned cosmetics line in the US

The brand is owned by Lorena “Nena” Mondonedo-Perez, founder and CEO of Nena Cosmetics by Nena Brands, Inc., the first-ever Filipina-owned cosmetics line in the US. Started in Chicago in 2010, Nena Cosmetics is its owner’s life-long dream that came into fruition in over a span of her 22-year career in the beauty industry.

“Not every young lady is given a chance to pursue her dreams,” said Manna. “I plan to start a professional singing career when I launch my solo album. My cosmetics line of Manna Glam Kit is a big bonus. I am just very fortunate. I have very supportive parents. I cannot be thankful enough.”

(E-mail reactions at [email protected]. For more updates, photos and videos, visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on Instagram @therealrickylo.)