KEY POINTS
- Yza Santos is a 16-year-old classical singer from Melbourne who will launch her singing career in the Philippines blending classical and pop music.
- Esteemed composer Vehnee Saturno has composed not just one but two original songs for Yza Santos which she will launch some time next month.
- She belongs to an illustrious heritage. Her great grandfather, Lopez Kanseco Santos, is widely regarded as the father of Balarila (Filipino grammar). Hence, she was taught at a young age to speak her mother tongue.
16-year-old Yza Santos who is a classical singer sits with SBS Filipino to talk about the launch of her singing career and the release of her debut single, “Misteryo,” a composition by the esteemed Filipino songwriter Vehnee Saturno.
She has been honing her craft under the tutelage of international voice coach Ladine Roxas who is known for her expertise in nurturing emerging vocal talents. She has been instrumental in shaping Yza’s distinctive style and technique.
Vehnee Saturno, renowned for his contributions to Philippine music, has composed not just one but two original songs for Yza. Alongside “Misteryo,” she will also unveil her second original piece entitled “No Words”. With these tracks, she aims to showcase her versatility and artistry to audiences both in the Philippines and beyond.
She comes from a family who has achieved notable prominence
Having started her musical journey at the tender age of 3, under the influence of her grandmother, Yza’s passion for music runs deep within her veins. Beyond her musical pursuits, she possesses an illustrious heritage. Her great grandfather, Lopez Kanseco Santos, is widely regarded as the father of Balarila (Filipino grammar). To add to that, Yza’s lineage includes Bert Silva, a former actor whose contributions to Philippine cinema are fondly remembered and popular composer George Canseco.
“I feel proud that I come from a bloodline of successful people but there is some pressure. It’s quite amazing how they’re successful. Hopefully, I could try and reach for that status.”
Preserving her cultural identity
Yza may be born and raised in Australia, but her connection to her Filipino heritage runs deep. Despite growing up thousands of miles away from the Philippines, Yza speaks her mother tongue- a testament to her dedication to preserving her cultural identity.
From a young age, her mother, Marissa Santos instilled in her the importance of embracing her Filipino roots. She made a conscious decision to speak to her in Filipino noting that her grandfather is the father of Filipino grammar.
“When Yza was still young, we talked to her in Tagalog because we know that she would learn English in school anyway. I spoke to her in Tagalog. I said, if you don’t speak Tagalog, I won’t talk to you, so that’s how she learned to speak Filipino.”
Mum and Daughter – Marissa and Yza Santos at SBS Filipino radio guesting.
She is looking forward to her singing journey
As Yza prepares to embark on her new journey, she remains grounded and grateful for the opportunities that have come her way.
“I’m still growing and still got a lot to learn. If you stay true to who you are, being confident in yourself, just keep going and pursue it. There’s nothing that’s going to stop you when you reach your goal.”
With a voice that captivates and a spirit that inspires, she is set to carve out a name for herself in the Philippine music scene.
“Remember what makes you want to sing. Through all the challenges, if you remember why, you have a passion for it, it gets you through.”
