Aia de Leon: The business of being in a rock band

You can see it from across the room. While others are trying to blend in and not draw attention, Aia de Leon is just out there being herself, exuding the vibrant spirit and joy that are often spelled out in her songs. As the lead singer and guitarist of the popular Filipino band Imago, Aia has received recognition that gives credit to her talents. Rock awards have named her vocalist of the year; other artists have remade her songs. Aia also takes pleasure in being the band’s famous songwriter. This petite, barely five-foot-tall lady is known for the songs she has written: Sundo, Akap and Taralets. Her reputation as being someone who is easy to approach has helped her receive feedback from people she casually meets. Many are the stories of men who proposed to their girlfriends when Aia would sing Sundo in her concerts. From prom nights to outdoor gigs and wedding marches, our bachelorette continues to find serenity in meeting the challenge of writing another song.

One of my goals this year is to continue writing songs. It’s something that I enjoy doing in its entirety, the process — from where it starts to recording it, having it played on the radio and performing it live.

My personal style signifier is my energy.  People describe me as spunky, lively even in my petite, diminutive frame.

For grooming and style I rely on Hair Shaft by Lucy Brittanico.

The last meal that truly impressed me was the steak in Last Chukker in Polo Club.

Some of my fears are not being able to continue doing what I am doing right now. I don’t mind the seasons in one’s life. I know it happens and one goes through ups and downs. I have seen a down cycle and now am on an up cycle. It always comes back, but one day it might not be a cycle anymore and I would have to go down another path.

What helped me to conquer fear is my faith in God. When you have this kind of life that you love what you are doing and it can pay for your lifestyle, I like to think that I am blessed. I feel that I participated very much in making this what it is, but the favor came from God. If I weren’t gifted with a voice and brains, I could not be part of something that is so fulfilling for me and for others.

The last music I bought was Rod Stewart’s “Great American Songbook.”

A recent find is the boots that Silvana Diaz gave me last night. Let’s say that this pair of leather boots found me because I am a rare size 4 1/2.

The last thing I bought and loved was my Mustang electric guitar. We flew to Hong Kong for a short gig and I found this really awesome guitar in a music store. I had to borrow money from my guitarist, then spent half of the money I had just to be able to buy it. That was three years ago. The more I use it, the more attached I am to it. I think it is something that will be with me till the day I die. 

The thing I’m hoping to buy next is either a Taylor or a Martin acoustic guitar. I have three electric guitars but I don’t have a really good acoustic guitar. And then I want to buy a house in the Taguig area.

A memorable place I have traveled to in the past year is a farm in Alfonso, Cavite. When you come in, you immediately feel transported. There is peace in the nature around you. You can take quiet walks.

The site that inspires me is seeing the airport runway from my room. The lights are inviting. Gives me a sense of promise of bigger things. Surprisingly quiet and calming.

The best gift I have given recently was last year’s surprise birthday, amazing-race kidnap for my best friend. Her birthday was a whole-day affair. First she had to endure a cruel night the night before from all of us. She was so mad at me because she just wanted to have a quiet night and she was expecting that I would surprise her but nothing came. The eve came and went and we didn’t treat her well. She had to go home crying to her mother. Little did she know that the next morning, everything had been prepared for her. A van picked her up and all the things she wanted to do for herself had been booked for her. People she had fondness for were gathered for her at the last stop. Very fulfilling and meaningful.

In my fridge you’ll always find lots of water.

My favorite websites are Coolhunter.com, which features cool things from all over the globe, including fashion, arts, music, cars, and gadgets; I also browse through Notcot.com and La Blogotheque.

In school, I learned how to develop and nurture my love for the Filipino and English languages. I learned to love knowledge and gain wisdom and the pursuit of it.

After being in business, I realized that everything changes. Anything can be taken away from you at any given moment, so you have to give 100 percent of yourself all the time even when you don’t feel like it.

The sport I do the most aside from my gym routine is pole dancing.

I remember an embarrassing moment at work when I burped while singing. That’s what you get when you drink carbonated drinks right before singing.

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E-mail: aurorawilson@gmail.com.