What isabella "believes" in

CEBU, Philippines – When asked what singer thespian Isabella believes in, she has a mouthful to say. “I grew up around the stage and performances. I grew up watching what happens back stage and in front. Naturally I wanted to be like mom when I was younger untainted by fears or criticism. Somewhere down the line I changed and I longed to be different, my own person—and that’s not bad.

“But I was running away from what I believe now was my first calling, singing. It took traveling, studying, praying, silence, stillness, being with people, reaching out and crying out for purpose and for what God wanted me to do to finally point me in the direction and path I am now in.

“I believe in God. I believe He wants the best for us. I believe if we follow Him, great and wonderful things can happen. I don’t just believe but, I know. Because I’ve been to the valley and to the mountain top, I’ve nursed my fears and conquered them with God, and one thing has kept me going is acting on my belief, not just stopping at the door of believing but walking through and living. Faith without works is dead.”

“Mom” is, of course, Kuh Ledesma.

Born Isabella Francesca Maria Ledesma Gonzalez, the 24-year-old daughter of pop diva Kuh Ledesma and Louie Gonzalez is truly unique as her name itself is a fusion of two languages, Filipino and Italian.

With her regal bearing and classic style, Isabella makes for an excellent study in class and elegance. Moving with the smooth, calculated élan of a ballerina, her sharp, chiseled features and bronzed skin blotting out all traces of post-adolescent naiveté, the prodigious lass is definitely a lady now, and she’s out to make her own mark in the music world.

Despite growing up amidst a wealth of musical influences, Isabella eventually gravitated toward jazz. “I love jazz!” she exclaims. “I love big band music from the ’30s and ’40s.”

But despite her penchant for singing, the multi-talented Isabella also has a flair for the arts. She went to the US around 2003 and enrolled at the Arts Center School of Design. After a few years, when she came back home, she continued her studies at the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts.

When she came back to Manila, she was given her chance to sing in one of her mom’s shows. “That’s when I got my first taste of the klieg lights, and it felt great!” she fondly recalls. “I love performing with my mom, and still do! It’s really a great way of bonding with her, and we’re doing something we both love.”

So far, she doesn’t seem daunted by the seemingly gargantuan task of moving out of her mom’s shadow, and establishing her own identity as an artist. “It might seem that way to some people simply because they have their expectations already,” she affirms. “I try not to think about it so much. I just try to live life and do the best each time. At the same time, I’m also grateful, ‘coz if my mom wasn’t who she was and she couldn’t teach me the way she has, I wouldn’t have her knowledge and experience behind me to support me. So, I just try to think of it in the most positive way. It really is an honor and privilege.”

However, disarmingly candid she may seem, expect Isabella to turn a little more serious when talk revolves around her Christian faith. “I was 14 when I became a Christian,” she narrates. “It was right about that time when we were in the midst of a major crisis in the family, and yes, it was my renewed Christian faith that saved me—and all of us, thank God! My mom turned Christian a little earlier than I did.”

When asked what has been the bravest things she has ever done, Isabella quickly replies, “Sharing my faith and standing up for what I believe in!”

It’s with that same steadfast faith that Isabella is now doggedly determined in opening new doors for her multi-faceted talents such as leading the cast of cause-oriented artists in BELIEVE, the inspirational pop musical on July 24 and 25 at Onstage, Cinema One, Ayala Center Cebu.

Joining Isabella are Keith Martin, Radha, Guji Lorenzana, Marq Dollentes, Benjie Layos and Mae Ann Araneta with the special participation of Ballet Center Cebu, Figures of Citigym, Lorraine Dytian, Gio Villanueva and Kristin Lara & Christine Bea Angan.

Presented by One World of Music and Light Event Services and KAHAYAG Network of Cancer Support Support Groups, with the latter as the beneficiary, BELIEVE, the pop musical is conceptualized and directed by Bill Ramos and Marq Dollentes. Chief creative consultant is Kuh Ledesma and creative consultant is Isabella L. Gonzalez. Project coordinators are Steve Alfafara and Chip Childers.

Musical direction is by Naldy Rodriguez with musical arrangements by Bob Aves, Naldy Rodriguez, Bond Samson, Obette del Rosario and Keith Martin. Musicians are Nendel Endrina and Jake Gacang. Disc Jockey is DJ Brown. Lighting director is Fil Ybanez. Dancers are Japhete Pacto, Danilo Rozal and Francis Isidro.

BELIEVE is endorsed by the Dept. of Trade and Industry through the efforts of Cebu DTI Provincial Director, Nelia Navarro. In line with the producers’ promotion of the creative industries of the city, the show will feature the beautiful designs of Jun Escario, Protacio, Salvador Malto, Butch Carungay and Kenneth Cobonpue. Photos are by Jon Unson and Kathy Chua with videos by Pedring Lopez.

The co-presentors are Cebu City Marriott Hotel, PAGCOR, Alcordo Advertising and the National Commission for Culture and The Arts. Official travel agency is Wings Travel & Tours Ayala.

Major sponsors are PCSO, Ayala Center Cebu and Goodfellow Pharma.

Minor sponsors are CNetwork, Golden Sun Investigation and Security Agency, Sanofi Aventis, Cenapro, Nature’s Spring, Graphic Star, Hi Precision Diagnostics and Golden Pedestal Pharma and Marketing. Donors are Bistro Ecila Terraces, SIAM Thai Cuisine Terraces, La Maison Terraces, Mooon Cafe Terraces, CYMA Terraces, Bop Bernie’s Bistro, Alberto’s Pizza and TLC Talamban Leisure Center.

Many thanks to i-show Cebu Lights & Sound, Hilton Motors, Nestle Nutrition and Novartis.

Multi-media partners include The Freeman.

The official Music Channel is MTV.

For BELIEVE ticket reservations and inquiries, please contact Riza at 09204014863. Ticket prices are at 1500 Orchestra Prime Reserved, 1000 Orchestra Deluxe Reserved, 800 Balcony Front Reserved and 600 for Balcony Free Seating.

Official ticket outlets are Ayala Center Cebu Customer Care 2315342; Mooon Cafe at The Walk IT Park 4128795; Bop Bernie’s Bistro Paseo Arcenas Banawa 2388377; PSH Cebu Cancer Inst. 2339399; Chong Hua Med. Arts Ctr. Room 505-B 2552408 and Wings Travel & Tours Ayala 2317391.