Her name is Sanya Smith

Sanya Smith — in case you’ve just arrived in the country — is the tall, imposing chick who introduces videos on MYX every day.

Sanya Smith — in case you’ve just arrived in the country — is the tall, imposing chick you’re likely to spot at hipster hyphy somewhere tonight.

And Sanya Smith — in case you’re blind — is the one chick in local media who we’re certain will steal your attention — if she hasn’t already.

At the beginning of the year we named her the VJ to watch out for. “Sanya Smith = VJ. VJ = Sanya Smith,” was what we said. And we obviously can’t say “Sanya Smith” enough. It’s a very catchy name.

Supreme sat down — or, rather, lied down — with Sanya at the Tides Hotel in Boracay recently. In this spread, she shows us she’s got more than a model’s pout.

With energy bursts at each camera click, Sanya gives us a peak at why she’s Supreme star material: here’s a girl who loves what she does and isn’t afraid to jump at what she wants.

Here she tells us about her job, growing up, and being known as the daughter of rock legend, Joey “Pepe” Smith.

Supreme: What was MYX’s VJ Search like?

Sanya Smith: Oh, man, it was an experience! I don’t really remember a lot of details ‘cause lots has happened since, but I can definitely say that it didn’t feel like a competition. All of us (in the VJ search) became really good friends, so it felt more like a barkarda goofing around on national TV... though only four were chosen to stay in the end.

Why’d you decide to enter?

It’s funny you should ask because I really have no idea why I went for it. I’m known for jumping into new adventures without thinking first. (Laughs)

I always wanted to be a VJ but I didn’t really think I would take it to the next level and actually pursue it. I was happy where I was but I guess I was testing to see where my limits lie. But I’m glad I took the plunge ‘cause I love my job now.

But you started out as a model, right?

Yeah, there were some small time modeling gigs I’d be involved in here and there but at the time I was busy finishing high school so I never took these seriously.

Later, I was working as a DJ for Monster Radio RX 93.1 when my agent friend asked me to try modeling again since she was looking for models for her new agency. I did a couple of shoots and a fashion show, after that the gigs just didn’t stop!

Have you moved away from modeling?

I haven’t. I’m still modeling now and a proud member of PMAP (Professional Models’ Association of the Philippines)!

Now, we know you as Pepe Smith’s daughter. Has this contributed to your being in music?

Possibly by blood. I didn’t know about Pepe ‘till I was about 14! I was raised by my mom and dad — or stepdad, so as not to confuse anyone — in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore with my siblings.

Music was always a part of my life but it’s possible that I inherited the love for rock from Pepe! Or it could just be a complete coincidence. (Laughs) We’ll never know for sure...

Where’d you grow up?

I grew up everywhere. Born here, raised in Singapore and Malaysia — if that makes any sense at all. It was great! I guess you could say I was exposed to a lot of different cultures and lifestyles. I’ve had the best of both worlds. You can put me anywhere! I’ll be able to survive.

Within the great caste system of high school, where were you?

Okay, I’ll admit, I was a bit of a dork, never part of the popular crowd. I was in the smaller circle of drama geeks and artsy fartsy kids. I even played the flute in the school band. There were no other available spots.

And yes, I went to band camp. (Laughs)

What’s one video you’d cringe over before introducing?

Anything by The Jonas Brothers or The Click Five. They seem to be invading the charts these days, though...

Somewhere out there, there’s a video of you...?

Singing Peaches  by the Presidents of The USA at Rockeoke with my friends, and forgetting the lyrics. That’s pretty embarrassing. I don’t know who posted it online.

(Author’s note: Rockeoke happens every Monday at Mag:net, Bonifacio High Street.)

Tell us about a supreme summer experience.

Nothing beats the time I spent with my family in Sweden for the summer. I’m not sure exactly what year it was but I must’ve been about 12. It was the ultimate outdoor experience — fishing, camping, boating, getting lost hiking in the forest... My grandparents were still alive then so, yeah, that would have to have been the best summer ever.

What else is there on your to-do list this summer?

Number one would be get a tan. I don’t tan well. (Laughs) So I hope this summer I might be able to get a decent one.

Two, learn to wakeboard. Or something similar. Surf, maybe? I learned to surf years ago in La Union, but I haven’t gone since so it’ll be interesting to see if I can still stand up on the board.

Who was Sanya before she became VJ Sanya?

I think I’m pretty much the same person inside. I still take the MRT, eat at the same places. The only difference is that I’m more comfortable in front of the camera. My Tagalog still sucks but I’m trying!

Sanya Smith DJ. Sanya Smith, model. Sanya Smith VJ. What’s next?

Sanya Smith Filmmaker? Photographer? Pilot? Chef? I have no clue... That’s probably the one thing I’ve learned about myself these past few years. There are so many things I want to do! Who knows where I’ll end up next!

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To see outtakes of our Supreme shoot with Sanya Smith, go to http://supreme.ph.